On the 16th of June 2021, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) issued a statement that they were investigating the sudden rise in the number of cases of cats with Pancytopenia. Consequentially a number of well-known dry food brands were recalled by the Food Standard Agency as part of the RVC investigation.
Last updated – Monday 21st June 2021
The RVC is aware of 278 cats that are known to us based on cases treated at our own hospitals and information provided by some vets in the UK.
Of these there was 70.2% mortality at time of reporting.
What is Pancytopenia?
Pancytopenia is a rare condition where the cats’ blood cells (red, white, and platelets), rapidly decrease.
In a healthy cat the red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. White blood cells fight infections and support the immune system. And platelets help stop bleeds by forming clots. When the production of these cells decreases the results can often be fatal.
‘Feline pancytopenia can be caused by lots of different factors including drugs, toxins, infectious diseases, immune-mediated and primary bone marrow disorders.’
However, due to the sudden increase in cases, the RVC is carrying out a survey for vets to complete. It’s hoped that they will be able to identify the common link and possible cause.
Wednesday 16th June 2021 – A spokesperson for the RVC said:
“We can confirm that we are aware of a series of cases of fatal pancytopenia in cats in the UK.
“After noticing an increase in cats presenting with pancytopenia (a severe reduction in all major types of blood cells) in May, we have been gathering data from UK vets from these affected cats. Based on the evidence to date, the one aspect of these cases that formed a consistent pattern was the diet of the affected individuals.
“We are currently aware of more than 130 affected cats, and have information relating to the diet in approximately 80 per cent of cases reported. From the data shared, most cats show some non-specific signs for around two days before being seen by a vet. Common signs include lethargy and loss of appetite, although in some cases there are signs of spontaneous bleeding or bruising. We encourage owners to contact their veterinary practice if they are worried that their cat may be affected.
“Given this apparent association with diet, we welcome the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) product recall notice. While we have not definitively established diet as the cause of pancytopenia in these cats, we are continuing to liaise with the pet food industry and regulatory bodies to investigate the matter and identify the possible underlying causes of this extremely serious condition.
Cats have a special ability to hide symptoms. Maybe it’s down to their wild background but they rarely show signs of weakness. Usually, by the time they do start to show symptoms, it’s often too late. As cat owners, it’s really important to tune into your cat so that you can pick up any slight changes in behaviour. I closely monitor all the cats in my care throughout the day so that I can act quickly if something doesn’t seem quite right.
If you’re concerned about your cat take them to the vets for a check-up or blood test. The sooner a cat is treated the better chance they have. Owners of cats with Pancytopenia have described symptoms as:
The cat seems ‘off’, not themselves/off balance/weak – you know your cats better than anyone. If something doesn’t seem right get them checked.
Fold Hill Farm has recalled several of the dry cat foods they manufacture as a precaution whilst the investigation is underway. These foods include AVA, Applaws, and Sainsbury’s dry foods. A full list of foods can be found here.
It is worth noting that the site number Fold Hill Farm uses on their products GB218E5009 can also be found on a number of other cat food brands that they manufacture.
Lidl’s own brand cat food, Coshida, also has the site code GB218E5009, as does Seriously Good Bistro, Purely Holistic.
What should I do if my cats are eating one of the foods on the recall list?
Stop immediately. My own cats have the Applaws 7.5kg bag of Chicken which has been since recalled. As soon as I found out the news I stopped feeding immediatley. Although they’ve been eating from tat bag since April I’m not taking any risks and have swapped over to a different brand.
What dry food is safe to feed my cats?
If you’re worried about what to feed your cat now I would avoid anything with the site number GB218E5009 just to be on the safe side. Anything with the code GB218E5009 means that the site is Fold Hill Farm, Boston. Fold Hill Farm does have another production site in Aintree, Liverpool although that comes under a different site number.
From what I can find the following brands are not manufactured at the Fold Hill Farm, Boston site:
Whiskas – made by Mars Petcare
James Wellbeloved – made by James Wellbeloved
Perfect Fit – made by Mars Petcare
Felix – made by Purina
Beyond (Grain free) – made by Purina
Go Cat – made by Purina
Purina One and Pro-Plan – made by Purina
Iams and Eukanuba – made by Spectrum Brands
Hills Pet Nutrition – made by Colgate Palmolive
Written by Jenny
Hi, I’m Jenny, I’ve been a huge cat lover all my life and currently share my home with 2 cats Nala & Trixie, my husband and 2 boys.
Back in 2015, after struggling to find someone to look after my own cats, I had a crazy idea to start The Great Catsby. The doors opened in 2017 and the rest is history.
For the last 13 years, I’ve had house cats. However, as they spend their lives indoors they are prone to boredom and loneliness. As responsible cat parents, it is our duty to create a stimulating environment for house cats in order to keep them mentally and physically active.
What is a stimulating environment for house cats?
A stimulating environment for house cats is one that prevents them from becoming bored or lonely when they are home alone. Being confined to the four walls of a house, although safer than free-roaming outside, can lack the excitement that outdoors brings.
All cats deserve to be happy, even house cats home alone. The best way to make sure our cats are happy and don’t get bored is to provide them with a stimulating environment.
Is Your Cat Bored?
Although cats are more independent than dogs, they still need a stimulating environment to keep them mentally and physically active. Any cats that are continually left alone for long periods are at risk of becoming bored. Some common signs of boredom in cats may include:
Urinating outside of the litter box or in places they shouldn’t.
Increased or decreased appetite.
Overgrooming
Displaying destructive behaviours such as scratching inappropriate places, like furniture or shredding packages and bags.
An increase in sleeping or being more lethargic.
Depression, a lack of interest in anything around them.
Increased vocalizations and crying.
Increased aggression towards their humans.
Separation anxiety
If you are concerned about any changes in your cats’ health or behaviour you should seek advice from a veterinary expert immediately. Behavioural changes can be due to an underlying medical condition which the vet will be able to assess. However, if there are no underlying issues, boredom may be a factor. Even without any symptoms, there’s no harm in providing a more stimulating environment for house cats.
Vertical Spaces
Cats naturally love to climb and be high up. In the wild cats would get high up to look for prey and get away from danger. Although house cats don’t have the same dangers as cats in the wild they still have the same natural instincts. Having an elevated view over their environment will make them feel safer. Also, they will have lots of fun climbing up, down and over obstacles to get to their high spots.
Cupboards, drawers, wardrobes, and countertops are usually a favourite vertical space. But you could add shelves, wall beds or even a sturdy cat tree to their environment.
A Room With a View
Cats are stimulated by small, quick movements like a bird fluttering. Placing beds, cat trees or resting spots near windows will give them something to watch throughout the day. Add bird feeders, plants that attract butterflies and bees or even a fish pond near to a window for constant entertainment.
For cats that don’t have got access to a window or a view, there’s plenty of videos for cats to watch on YouTube. Here are some of my favourite videos.
Space to Hide
For anxious cats, a hiding place is necessary. Especially for those noises that happen when they’re alone like a knock at the door or heavy rain. A small space is a place of safety and refuge.
Hiding spaces can also be fun! With a few holes cut into a cardboard box, a cat could have hours of fun. I’m yet to meet a cat that doesn’t jump into a box or laundry basket as soon as they see it!
Scratching Posts
Cats need to have somewhere suitable to scratch. If they don’t have anywhere then they will resort to furniture. Cats need to be able to scratch so that they can
Shed the outer layer of their claws – As they grow they make way for stronger healthier claws.
Stretch their muscles – A good scratch post should be sturdy enough so that it won’t move as soon as they pull on it. It should also allow them to fully stretch their body, not just their front paws.
Mark their territory – Cats have scent glands on their paw pads so by scratching they’re making their mark.
If your cat already has a scratch post but isn’t using it, it might be because it’s in the wrong place for them or too small. A scratch post tucked away, out of sight, in a corner doesn’t offer any excitement. Look at where your cat does scratch, is it a high traffic area? Is it more secure than their post, can they get a good stretch? Do you need to move the scratching post into a more prominent position?
Cats should have an option for scratching vertically or horizontally. My own house cats also have a large cardboard horizontal scratcher that doubles up as a lounger! It’s purrfect for those lazy days.
Suitable Toys
Cats like to engage in various types of play. Some toys allow them to play independently like balls and mice. A ping pong ball in the empty bath always goes down well! Whilst other toys need human interaction like wand toys. The fast movements mimic prey and encourage them to practice their hunting skills.
If you have a basket of untouched toys that they never use, it might be because to them, its a pile of dead prey. Add some excitement into their day by placing toys around the house. Hide them in boxes, on top of shelves or inside paper bags (remove the handles first). Just leave little bits of the toys on show or dangling so that they have to find them during the day. The cats will have fun and you’ll be able to see which places they explored and found the toys.
Exercise
A cat with access to roam outside can travel up to 3 miles a day. However, a house cat doesn’t have the same opportunities for burning off that excess energy. A cat wheel, basically a supersized hamster wheel, lets them run around and keep fit. Cat wheels aren’t suitable for every cat but for the more energetic breeds (like Bengals and Savannahs) or younger cats, they are a great way to let off steam.
If you do decide to buy a cat wheel do research your options. Some companies have unfortunately caused serious damage to cats as they became unstable when in use. I looked at several companies before purchasing a cat wheel and for me, the Cazami Cat Exercise Wheel stood out. They are sold worldwide and have an excellent reputation for safety with no accidents or incidents.
It can take time to train a cat to use the wheel, some will be confident and explore immediately. Whilst others need some gentle persuasion to use it. I’ve found that once a cat uses it they will go back to it regularly.
Puzzle Feeders
Most cats instinctively like to hunt for their food. However many cat parents provide an all you can eat buffet open 24/7. If your cat has nothing better to do then the food bowl seems like a good way to pass the day while they wait for you to come home.
A puzzle feeder provides a more exciting way to ‘catch’ their food. They can also extend the length of time it takes to eat the food, good for those greedy guzzlers. It also encourages them to activate their brain in getting the food from the container to their mouth. They have to work for their food, and then they are rewarded!
There are lots of different puzzle feeders available for dry food, some can be used with wet food but the food would spoil quickly, especially if left out all day. My cats use this one throughout the day. You can make your own puzzle feeders using cardboard tubes, empty water bottles, egg cartons, and boxes.
Look for Treasure
Make a treasure hunt for your cat to follow by hiding treats around the house before you leave. Your cat will have lots of fun finding the tasty rewards.
When any cats are staying at The Great Catsby that have treats I hide them around their room. It’s a great way to encourage them to explore their new surroundings.
For a healthier, natural alternative to Dreamies use freeze-dried treats like Thrive or Wilkos own.
A Place in the Sun
Maybe it’s due to their ancient Egypt connections but cats love the sunshine! If there is a sunspot in your house your cat probably already knows about it.
Lola loves her lounger, especially in the mid-day sun
Place a bed, shelf or resting spot near to a bright sunny window. Your cats will love to laze about in the sunshine.
I haven’t tried them but they do make window beds for cats like this one! I’m not brave enough to test one with my 9kg Maine Coon just yet! She will have to stick to her lounger instead.
Catnip Party
Not all cats like catnip but for those that do, let them have a little catnip party. Some cats love to eat it, whilst others roll around in it. Use the catnip as a little treat every now and then. If you overindulge them they’ll soon lose interest in it. You can always sprinkle in on their food, on old toys or just give them some on its own.
‘I love The Great Catsby this much’
I find the catnip bought in the petshops here in the UK don’t seem to have any effect on my cats but the Premium Canadian Catnip works a treat. It’s a fine powder, with absolutely no sharp bits, unlike the catnip I find here. For anyone struggling to get hold of the Premium Catnip, I have some available to take home or post out. Just send me a message if you’d like one.
Bring the Outdoors In
For cats that have no access to the outside world a pinecone, log or feather found in the garden will provide a whole new set of interesting smells and textures. Just make sure anything you do bring in is clean, and not been used by other animals outside.
Alternatively, grow some cat grass or wheatgrass for your cat to enjoy. Not only will they have fun chewing the grass but it can help aid digestion.
Spend Quality Time With Your Cat
When you get home from work after a busy day it’s easy to start the chores or make tea. But your cats would appreciate it if you take a few minutes to acknowledge them as soon as you get home.
Just 15 minutes of interactive play with your cat can make a huge difference to their quality of life. If your cat is at home for long periods during the day consider getting a neighbour, friend or pet sitter to spend some time with your cat each day.
During the evening, when you’re wanting to relax why not let your cat curl up with you and treat them to a little grooming session.
Create a Safe Outdoor Space
Many house cats have the luxury of a purpose-built catio. These catios enable cats to safely enjoy the outdoor space. They often have cat trees, sheltered spaces and lots of perches to sit and watch the world go by. Kitty Gardens is a great Facebook page for inspiration and ideas for catios.
If you prefer your cats to have more freedom in the garden whilst being secure then you could go all out and make your garden cat-proof. ProtectaPet offer fence top barriers as well as full enclosures. They have a team of installers ready to make your garden safe or you can install your own with their DIY packs. Mention GREATCATSBY to save money at ProtectaPet
ProtectaPet was our company of choice when we installed our cat balconies at The Great Catsby. The balconies were designed to our requirements giving cats access to the outdoors. The cats are able to sit outside, through the window onto an elevated platform.
Train Your Cat
Spend a few minutes every day teaching your cat to do a simple trick like sit or fetch. They’ll enjoy your attention plus it keeps them mentally active. A good place to start is with clicker training. Catmantoo has some great videos on YouTube to help you train your cat.
Get a Playmate
Kittens always do better in pairs, after leaving their mums and their littermates they can be prone to loneliness. They need lots of play as they are very active and a friend is usually the best companion. Having a playmate means that they will always have someone around even if you’re out all day.
Depending on the nature and age of your cat you may need to spend some time introducing your new cat to them. Not all cats accept a friend immediately but after a slow and patient introduction, they will tolerate each other.
How do you provide a stimulating environment for house cats? Let me know in the comments I’d love to hear what you do.
Did you know that September is officially Happy Cat Month! A whole month dedicated to keeping cats happy. Although, as cat parents every month is happy cat month as we all want to make sure our furbabies are happy. That being said, I’m always looking for other ways to enrich my cats’ lives and keep them happy. Not just my own three house cats but the cats I look after on a daily basis. I’ve discovered reading is a purrfect way to keep our cats happy.
As every new cat arrives at The Great Catsby it’s important for me to build a trusting relationship. For many new arrivals it is scary, not only being away from their humans but they are in a strange new environment. I know that the quicker I can gain their trust and build a bond the quicker the cats will settle. And a settled cat is a happy cat, they are more likely to eat, use the litter tray as normal and return home as the same cat! Not frightened or sulking that they’ve been abandoned.
A lovely WhatsApp message I received from a happy customer.
When I was looking at ways to help cats settle and be happier away from home one idea kept popping up, reading to cats! In America, there is a huge drive on reading to shelter cats, the cats in rescue waiting for a home. I know the cats I look after have amazing families and homes waiting for them at the end of the holiday but I liked the idea of spending quality, uninterrupted time with the cats. I also liked how reading can also help us to relax and unwind. If we are relaxed then the cats would sense this and react accordingly.
I tested the concept and on the anxious new arrivals to see if it would help them to settle and ultimately be happier in their new surroundings.
Tried and Tested
When Mika and Maya were booked in for a short break their owner made it clear that these house cats were very timid, even at home. They would hide when someone came to the house and it took a long time for them to trust people and new surroundings. Even when they first arrived in their new home with the owner it took a great deal of time and patience to help them adjust to their new life. Of course, their owner was extremely worried about leaving them at The Great Catsby. How would they cope away from home? Would they feel lonely and abandoned? Their owner expected all the updates and photographs to show them hiding and upset.
I always say to any anxious owner that I will do whatever it takes to make sure their cat feels comfortable and content whilst they are with me. I love a challenge. Along with my trusted tricks and strategies for dealing with anxious cats, I put my new reading theory to the test. I read to them every day, just for 10 minutes at a time. Over the course of their short stay, they slowly gained confidence and we managed to build a trusting relationship.
When their owner came to collect them they weren’t in any rush to leave, they were happy in the wall beds looking very content and relaxed.
Mika and Maya’s transition from anxious cats to happy and content.
Why should we read to cats?
Reading to cats has shown that it helps to strengthen the human-cat bond. Now, for me, as a potential stranger to your cats, this can only be a good thing. Cats love spending time with us, many crave our attention. Especially house cats that are used to company and having someone around. Taking a few minutes out of our busy days to sit down and relax will have a positive impact on our cats’ lives.
What better way to show that we care than by letting them curl up with us, whilst we get lost in a good book or catch up with the latest gossip in a magazine.
What should we read to cats?
Personally I don’t think it matters whether the cats like to listen to romantic love stories or a cat-filled adventure. By reading anything aloud our cats get to hear our calm soothing voice. When we read we tend to forget everything else around us, the tension in our bodies eases and we go into a more relaxed state.
As long as you’re reading aloud, your cat can hear your voice, then you could read whatever takes your fancy. In today’s fast-paced, constantly-on-the-go busy lives I’ll gladly accept any excuse to switch off, have a mini digital detox and unwind with a cat or two!
How do you read to a cat?
It’s really not that difficult to read to a cat. My children regularly read to our cats. My youngest likes to show pictures and make up his own stories. Whilst my eldest my child, although reluctant to read in front of me will happily read to our cats. The benefits of reading to a cat mean that it won’t be judgemental or correct you if you make a mistake.
Find a comfy spot, a favourite chair or somewhere quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the busy family life.
Curl up, grab a cushion or blanket if you want to be all Hygge about it.
Create a space where your cat can join you, either on your knee or next to you.
Pick something to read – a book (it doesn’t have to be about cats), Hello magazine, school newsletter, a trending cook book whatever you fancy.
Start reading aloud. It will seem funny and unnatural at first but no one is listening to what you’re saying including your cat! Your cat doesn’t care if you miss out the odd word or can’t pronounce a word like hygge (hue-guh in case you were wondering!).
Enjoy the time with your cat.
Reading At The Great Catsby
If you would like your cat to have extra one-to-one time during their holiday I do offer additional bedtime treat packages. This 20-minute session is a chance for your cat to spend some extra time with me on top of my daily visits. This additional session is for me to read to your cats, not clean the room or feed them. Just an uninterrupted, peaceful 20 mins where I curl up with them and read.
This bedtime treat session helps the cats to settle quicker and gives the cats more quality time with me. Along with reading to your cat I also include some bedtime treats and snacks of Dreamies, Webbox sticks and Lick-e-lix. 100% natural Thrive treats are available for cats that prefer a healthier option. This add on is charged at £5 per session and can be added at any time during their holiday. Send me a message if you want to add it onto your booking.
If your cat is used to you being around you all day then leaving them to go on holiday can be a stressful time. Especially if your cat is quite nervous. I get lots of inquiries from cat ‘pawrents’ who are worried about leaving their anxious cats. Although I know that the cats will settle after a few days it’s still a worry. I spoke to Wendy Lovatt, a Reiki Master Healer about the different ways we can reduce anxiety in cats to help them have a stress free holiday.
Meet Wendy, A Reiki Master Healer
Wendy specialises in helping and healing animals using the ancient Japanese technique of Reiki to reduce stress and energy imbalances. Reiki works well alongside veterinary care. However Reiki doesn’t rely on the animal being present, Wendy works with animals all over the world in her distance Reiki practice. This can be a huge benefit for anxious or aggressive cats and dogs, especially when they feel more comfortable in their own surroundings, as Wendy doesn’t even need to intrude on their safe space.
As a Reiki Master healer, Wendy works with many cats ” The majority of my clients are distance Reiki, which really helps cats, as many of them can be wary of strangers in a physical presence. In fact, all animals love to receive distantly because they receive it when they are at rest and usually while they are sleeping. As many of you know, the body heals better when sleeping, so my practice is to focus on when the animal is asleep or at least resting so that they gain the most from a session.”
Reiki helps to calm and relax the cat, bringing them back into balance. This can help in times of stress such as, with house moves, grooming sessions, when you’re going away, etc. It can help with pain relief, particularly to after illness, injury or an operation; as it can also help to speed up the healing process. Improves sleep, can help with depression, arthritis can help to reduce the effects of chemotherapy and general well-being, to name a few. It can also, help with palliative care and a more peaceful passing, something I know we don’t want to think about, as we want our animals with us forever.
Wendy Lovatt, Reiki Master Healer
Wendy does emphasise that “one thing a good Reiki practitioner/master will never do is diagnose your animal, tell you that they can cure your animal or that they don’t need to see a vet. This is simply not true. A vet must be seen first so a diagnosis can be made and treatment advised.”
1. Teach them to love the cat carrier
Most cats only see the cat carrier when it appears to take them to the vets. Depending on the personality of your cat it could be a battle trying to get them in the carrier. They may wail and cry in anticipation of what’s to come.
As lovely as vets are to us, a cat might disagree. The vet usually prods, pokes, grabs and stabs them with their annual booster. Your cat quickly learns to associate the carrier with a negative experience. As cat parents and guardians we need to break the cycle and reduce their anxiety associated with the carrier.
If the cat has only ever been to the vets in the cat carrier or another place with negative memories, then the cat needs to be desensitised to the carrier. This should be done slowly. Make the cat carrier a fun place to hang out and a place that doesn’t mean going somewhere not fun”. As everybody that works with cats will tell you the best way to get a cat to like a carrier is t leave it out for them. Place a blanket or treats inside and let them explore it or use it as another sleeping space.
Wendy Lovatt, Reiki Master Healer
Wendy also recommends, once your cat feels happier about the carrier, to take them out for short car rides. Get them used to being out in the carrier, but not to the vets. As soon as you get home treat them for being good. They’ll soon learn that the carrier no longer means something scary will happen.
2. Talk to your cat
I’m always talking to my cats including the ones I look after. Cats understand more than we realise. The way we communicate with our cat can either heighten or reduce anxiety levels. This works for cats who stay at home all day whilst you go to work or cats getting ready for a holiday. Whatever the reason for leaving your cat Wendy encourages you to talk to your cat. Before your cats holiday “Tell him or her what a fantastic time they are going to have. Tell them all the wonderful things they will do there and add in that you will be going to x place, but will be coming back to collect them after x number of days.”
3. Reduce your own anxiety levels
Cats pick up on our energies and stress levels and packing for a holiday can be a very stressful time. Suitcases are like cat carriers, your cat starts to associate it with you leaving them. But leaving them doesn’t have to be a bad experience, especially when they stay at The Great Catsby. Try to pack without your cat being there. Them jumping in and out of your suitcase or sleeping on your pile of holiday clothes isn’t always ideal for creating a relaxed and calm experience for you or your feline companion.
If you’re worried about leaving your cat then they will be worried too. They will sense your negative feelings and react accordingly. To help reduce your cat’s anxiety levels, “think happy thoughts, visual your cat having fun in their room with Jenny spoiling them. They will pick up those thoughts.”
4. Help your cat to be calm
Pet Remedy is a great blend or pet safe essential oils that can help cats relax. I use the plug-in diffuser in every room but I also have the spray and wipes on hand for any particularly nervous cats. Pet Remedy is recommended for all animals as they pick up on the calming scent and feel more at ease.
Another aid to reduce anxiety in cats is with a distance Reiki session. As a Riki Master healer, Wendy can help unblock the stress and anxiety to improve their well being. These sessions can be done before or during their holiday. The benefit of distance Reiki is Wendy doesn’t need to physically be with your cat.
5. Reduce anxiety levels and give your cat lots of attention
After all the preparations it is finally time to leave your cat at a cattery or cat hotel. As hard as it may feel, being happy it is the best emotion for your cat. They will sense you’re content so they don’t feel any need to worry or be scared. As mentioned above keep talking to them, they may stay in their carrier but that’s fine. Tell them when you’ll be back, how much fun and love they will have when you return. Leave a t-shirt, blanket or bed from home, the familiar scent will help them settle and remind them of home.
If your cat chooses to stay in the carrier when you arrive leave them in it. As tempting as it is to nudge them out or lift them out of the carrier it may confuse them more. Cat’s need to make sure their surroundings are safe. When they first arrive the carrier is often the safest place for them. As soon as they feel more confident and less anxious, they will come out and explore. From my experience, I’ve found that the cats who are free to leave the carrier when they choose, often settle quicker. And if your cat is hiding when you bring them in, they certainly won’t be hiding when you collect them.
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Leaving your cat to go on holiday isn’t easy. One of the many questions I’m asked is ‘Will my cat be happy whilst they’re here?’ I can’t speak for other catteries but I do everything I possibly can to make sure every cat feels safe, secure and happy. When deciding which cattery to use when going away, it’s always important to go and visit lots of different ones. As well as asking questionsyou will be able to see whether the cats, in their care, are happy or not.
How to tell if a cat is happy
Cats are experts at non-verbal communication, they can tell us things without saying a word. As long as we understand the subtle signs then we can tell if a cat is happy or not. Here are 16 different signs a cat may do to show that they are happy.
A calm cat
A happy cat won’t be alarmed by noises or movement, they feel safe and unthreatened. If they’ve been curled up enjoying a snooze then they’re not going to move if someone comes in the room, even their owners! This is the sign that is often misinterpreted by owners. They walk into the room after a holiday and want to cat to jump at them but a happy cat will stay in its bed to show how content they are.
Head rubs
Cats have scent glands on their necks and will rub against objects to mark their territory. A confident, happy cat will give head rubs to any object in its path including our legs. A cat in a home will often rub around legs to get our attention, particularly at feeding time, just be careful you don’t trip over them!
Vocalisations
Some cats are more vocal than others and can even have a different meow depending on what they want. One of my cats, Lola (a Bengal) is extremely vocal, I can have two-way conversations with her and I know what she wants depending on the tone of her meow. On the other hand, Nala (my Maine Coon) doesn’t meow at all, however, she will trill and chirp when she’s happy and excited.
Well Groomed
A happy cat will take pride in his/her appearance and keep themselves well groomed. They may also groom and lick other cats in the home or their owners to show how content they are.
Facial Expressions
Eyes, ears, and whiskers can be big indicators as to how a cat is feeling. A happy cat will often have their eyes half closed, looking sleepy. Or they may slow blink at their owners and other cats as a sign of trust and contentment. Their ears will be straight up and forward facing. Similarly, their whiskers which will be relaxed and slightly forwards, fanning outwards proudly. The position of the ears and whiskers will be different for a scared, worried or angry cat.
Position
If the cat is sitting down like a little neat bread loaf, with the front paws out of sight then it is happy. By tucking its paws under its body the cat is showing that he/she doesn’t feel threatened or on alert, they’re not preparing to move or jump away anytime soon.
Tummy on show
If a cat rolls around onto its belly it is a sign that it trusts you, it’s not an invitation to rub its belly, unless you know the cat likes that. Not all cats like their tummy to be touched but they will show it off if they are happy.
Appetite
If a cat is feeling anxious or unwell it won’t eat. At The Great Catby Cat Hotel I keep a close eye on every cat’s appetite, a relaxed cat will eat as normal. Some cats don’t always eat a lot at home which is why it’s important for me to know as much about your cat as possible before it arrives.
Kneading
If a cat ‘makes biscuits’ or kneads then it’s definitely happy. One of my own cats Trixie is a huge lover of ‘making biscuits’ and she’ll suckle at the same time. Kneading is an instinctive behaviour, nursing kittens knead in order to relax their mum which releases milk.
Playfulness
It’s common for owners to think that the older their cat gets the less likely it is to want to play. Although kittens and younger cats are definitely more playful, older cats can still have fun too. I’ve had lots of successful playtimes with older cats, once I find out what excites them they are willing to play.
Tail
If a happy cat is walking or standing then the tail would be in an upright position with a slightly bent tip. Unlike a dog, a wagging tail moving from side to side can be a sign of anger.
Fur
If a cat wasn’t happy then it would fluff up its fur so that it looked spiky, especially along its spine. Smooth fur indicates that the cat is content and doesn’t feel in danger.
Responses
It’s highly likely that when you come in from work your cat will great you with head rubs, it’s clear that it’s happy you’re home. It is the same for the cats staying in a cattery. When visiting any cattery look at the cats, if they’re happy they would positively respond to their surrogate carer.
Purring
Although purring is often referred to as a sign of happiness it isn’t always the case. The meaning of the purr depends on the context and the other signs the cat is displaying. A cat may purr when it feels frightened, it helps the cat calm down. However, if a cat shows any of the other signs mentions above and is purring then it’s definitely one happy cat.
Sits with you
Not all cats are lap cats or enjoy cuddling up next to their owners but for cats that do enjoy it then they will snuggle up with you when they’re happy. For these lap loving cats being in a cattery shouldn’t be any different to at home, they should have time to curl up with a human.
Interested
A confident cat that feels settled and at ease will often show an interest in new objects or people within the environment. This is often seen with cats who are returning to the cattery for the second or third time. The first time they arrive they are wary, however, when they arrive for another holiday they are usually much more confident and jump out of the carrier into their favourite spot in the room.
Cats can be very open with their feelings, as owners we just need to be able to read the signs. If your cat has any other ways of showing their happiness then let me know in the comments.
If you are interested in seeing how happy the cats are at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel then come and visit, just send me a message with the best times/days and I’ll show you around.
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