Is Your Cat Happy?

For most pet owners, keeping their cat happy keeps them happy, too. We all like a little harmony in our homes, and it makes us feel like we're doing right by our kitties, too. But it can be frustrating if it seems like we aren't doing something right and can't figure it out. And if we feel confused, imagine how the cat feels.

Cats aren't known for exhibiting their feelings, but they do have them. Actually, after years of observing many hundreds of cats, I've noticed that cats do show their feelings... and express opinions, and ask for attention, and in many ways show us that they are not aloof, independent or uncaring. We just haven't been noticing how they do it. Maybe most folks are too used to dogs and their over-the-top emotional outbursts.

Most jokes about cats vs. dogs tend to make the cat out to be above it all. "Dogs have playmates... cats have staff." "Dogs jump and wiggle and lick and whine. Cats don't give a darn."

Well... they do give a darn. And their feelings are no less valid than a dog's...or ours, for that matter.

If you want to know if your cat is happy, and want to learn how to spot their expressions, you just need to be aware. Noticing their moods can be a lot like being on the lookout for a roommate's moods.

Here are some tips to help figure them out:

Happy cats demonstrate this by

1. being enthusiastic about their surroundings
2. eating normally
3. behaving well
4. rubbing on you, or "treading" on your lap
5. watching you with eyes half closed
6. relaxing in open areas in your home
7. holding their tails high or in a "question mark" as they follow you around
8. playing with their toys, and often, approaching you to include you in their games

1. not eating
2. over eating
3. not grooming themselves
4. over grooming
5. sleeping more than 10-12 hours a day
6. hiding
7. urinating in inappropriate locations
8. vomiting hairballs more than usual (due to excessive licking of their fur)

If you've determined their health is normal, then you need to analyze why they might be feeling stressed or depressed. Check for:

• changes in your household...someone has left, someone new has arrived, things are rearranged, etc.
• disagreeable smells... cats have excellent noses and are repelled by strong odors.
• signs they feel ignored... cats want to be with you, play with you, have you involved in their lives. If you stay aloof, so will they.
• someone who may be hurting them when you aren't looking. Fear can cause them to hide and/or eliminate where you don't want them to.
• loud noises... cats have very good hearing and having the TV or radio on too high can hurt their ears and make them leave the room.
• chaos... cats like routine, calm surroundings to feel secure. Active, screaming toddlers can freak a cat out. Get a dog. A big dog. (Actually, big dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and other "gentle giants" make great pets for the kids.)

Dr. Peters has an extensive background in health care, animal care, journalism, computer repair and systems administration. She writes articles over a wide spectrum of topics and has numerous ebooks available on the Internet. Visit http://www.theproblemcat.com and http://www.hipaws.com for more articles and information about pets.