16 Signs of a Happy Cat

Leaving your beloved cat to go on holiday can be an emotional and nerve-wracking experience. One of the most common concerns cat owners share with me is, “Will my cat be happy while staying here?” At The Great Catsby Cat Hotel, my mission is to ensure every cat feels happy, safe and secure during their stay.

If you’re searching for a cattery to use then go and have a look at the catteries, its so important to go and visit before you make any decisions. During your visits, ask plenty of questions (check out my blog post on key questions to ask) and have a good look at the cats already in their care. By knowing what signs to look for, you can determine whether the cats are genuinely happy away from home. Here’s my guide to help you identify the signs of a happy cat so that you can feel confident in your choice of cattery.

Signs of a Happy Cat

When visiting a boarding cattery or cat hotel, it’s important to remember you’re seeing just a snapshot of a cat’s stay. Some cats may have recently arrived for the first ever time and are still adjusting, others might be shy and prefer one-on-one time with their carer. Although the staff should be able to tell you about each guest's personality and how long they've been in or how many times they've stayed. Even if one or two cats are shy or a little wary so there should be some happy cats more than willing to say hello. When you visit a cattery have a look at the cats if they are truly happy and content then they will often display one or more of the following signs:

1. A Calm Demeanour

Happy cats are calm, they wont be phased by noises or movements around them. If they’re curled up and snoozing, they’re unlikely to react—even to the arrival of their owner. This can sometimes surprise cat owners who expect their pets to leap up and greet them. If you visit and a cat chooses to glance at you from their bed then take their relaxed behaviour as a testament to their surroundings - they clearly feel secure and content and in no rush to move.

2. Head Rubs

Cats use the scent glands on their necks to mark their territory by rubbing against objects—and sometimes people. A confident, happy cat will often rub its head against furniture, toys, or even your legs. In a cattery setting, if the cat is out and about see if they are confidently rubbing against the door, chair legs or scratch posts.

3. Vocalizations

Cats communicate in various ways, and a happy cat will often use their voice to express contentment. Some breeds, like Bengals, are naturally more talkative, while others might chirp, trill, or softly meow when happy. If you're able to hear the cats when visiting a cattery then pay attention to the tone and context of their vocalizations.

4. Well-Groomed Appearance

Cats take pride in their appearance, and a happy cat will keep itself clean and well-groomed. Grooming isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s a soothing activity that helps cats feel secure. If you've ever been licked by a cat then take it as a good sign, they're showing you affection same as they do when they groom another cat. Do the cats look like they're taking care of themselves and maintaining their usual grooming routine?

5. Relaxed Facial Expressions

A cat’s face can reveal a lot about its mood. A happy cat’s eyes are often half-closed or slowly blinking—a sign of trust and relaxation, not a sign of anger as some often mistake it for. Their ears will be upright and forward, and their whiskers will fan out in a relaxed position.

6. Tucked Paws

When a cat tucks its paws under its body, resembling a "loaf," it’s a sign they feel secure and unthreatened. This relaxed posture indicates they’re not preparing to move or react to their surroundings. If a cat is tucks its paws up whilst your vising then it's a clear sign that they are happy.

7. Tummy on Show

If a cat rolls around or is lying on its back with its belly exposed then it's a sure sign that it feels safe and secure in its environment. However, this isn’t necessarily an invitation to rub their belly unless you know the cat enjoys it. Although it's unlikely, when visiting a cattery that you'll get close enough to the guests to touch them.

8. Healthy Appetite

Stress or anxiety can lead to a loss of appetite in cats. A relaxed cat will eat as usual, though it’s important to note that eating habits can vary between individual cats. But take a look at their food bowls, have they had a nibble? At The Great Catsby Cat Hotel, I keep a close eye on each cat’s appetite to ensure they’re eating well.

9. Kneading Behaviour

Kneading, or "making biscuits," is an instinctive behaviour cats often display when they’re happy and content. Some cats even suckle while kneading, a behaviour linked to the comfort of nursing as kittens. You may not always get the chance to see a cat kneading when on a visit but you might be lucky enough to witness a really happy cat.

10. Playfulness

While kittens and younger cats are naturally more playful, older cats can still enjoy interactive toys or games. A happy cat is willing to engage in play, even if it’s just a few minutes of chasing a string or batting at a feather. During a visit the cattery may have staff in with the cats, watch to see if the cats are willing to play.

11. Upright Tail

A happy cat’s tail is usually upright with a slight curve at the tip. Unlike dogs, a cat wagging its tail from side to side is often a sign of irritation rather than joy. If a cat decides to jump out of their bed or stop what they're doing to come and have a nosey at the visitors then take a look at their tail to see what it does.

12. Smooth Fur

A content cat’s fur will lie flat and smooth against it's body. A frightened or stressed cat, on the other hand, may fluff up its fur, especially along its spine, to appear larger and more intimidating.

13. Positive Responses

Happy cats often greet their owners or carers with head rubs and an enthusiastic response. If you get the chance during a visit to see the cats interact with the staff, either though a door or outdoor area then see how the cats interact with their caregivers—do they approach confidently and respond positively to attention?

14. Purring (in Context)

Purring is commonly associated with happiness, but context matters. Cats may also purr when they’re frightened or in pain to soothe themselves. If you can hear a cat purring during a visit then look for other positive signs alongside the purring to confirm a cat’s happiness.

15. Cuddling or Sitting Nearby

Not all cats are lap cats, but those that enjoy snuggling will often seek out their owners or carers for comfort. In a cattery, happy cats may curl up near their caregiver or on a cosy perch or bed.

16. Curiosity and Interest

A settled and confident cat will often show interest in its environment, whether it’s a new toy, object, or person. Cats returning to a familiar cattery for a second or third stay often display this behaviour, jumping out of their carrier to explore or find their favourite spot. If you're visiting a cattery find out about how many times the cat has stayed, if it's multiple times then they should be content.

Choosing the Right Cattery

Understanding the signs of a happy cat can give you peace of mind when it comes to selecting a boarding cattery. A quality cattery will prioritize your cat’s comfort and emotional well-being, by creating an environment where the cats can relax and thrive.

At The Great Catsby Cat Hotel, I take pride in creating a stress-free and enriching experience for every feline guest. If you’d like to see how happy the cats are here, I’d be delighted to show you around. Just send me a message to arrange a visit!