Can Cats Smile?

Smiling is one of the most universal ways humans show happiness. So it’s only natural for pet parents to look for a similar sign in their cats to know how they’re feeling.  

Indeed, cats have a wide variety of facial expressions and body language cues that tell people their internal feelings. But can cats smile? 

Do Cats Smile?

No, cats are not capable of smiling to show happiness in the same way that humans are. Although, due to the shape of a cat’s mouth, it can look like they’re smiling when they’re really just resting their face in a neutral position.  

Sometimes cats hold their mouth open after smelling an interesting scent, a reaction called the Flehmen response. But this isn’t the same as retracting the lips and showing teeth like we do when we’re happy.  

How To Tell if Your Cat Is Happy

Just like humans show signs of happiness in ways that cats don’t, cats show that they’re happy in ways we don’t. A lot of the signs of a happy cat are found in their body language, including: 

• Closed eyes or blinking slowly 

• Relaxed body posture 

• Tail held upright or in the shape of a question mark, with the tip curled 

• Ears upright and facing forward 

• Whiskers held loosely 

• Fur flat (not puffed up) 

Along with relaxed and loose body language, cats engage in various behaviors to show their contentment. This can be as simple as engaging in normal behaviors like eating and drinking regularly, using the litter box properly, grooming themselves well, and playing and interacting with their human and other four-legged family members consistently.  

Happy cats will also purr and knead, also known as “making biscuits,” which they may do on favorite blankets, resting spots, and even family members.  

Cats who are thriving in their environment will also be curious and willing to explore or interested in watching wildlife from the windows. They may chirp, trill, or meow at family members.  

Overall, happy cats will perform all their usual activities and be highly involved in the daily life of the household.  

How To Make Your Cat Happy

Pet parents can take a variety of steps to make their cats happy.  

1. Give Them the Essentials

Ensuring cats have all of their essential resources builds the foundation for them to thrive at home. This includes:  

• Easy access to litter boxes (you need at least one litter box per cat, set apart from each other so each cat can have their own domain) 

• Food and water dishes that are cleaned regularly 

• Comfortable beds 

• Tall cat trees 

• Horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces 

• Perches that allow them to look outside

• Toys to play with  

2. Spend Time With Them

Cats enjoy social interaction with their humans. The preferred type of interaction depends on the particular cat but can include playing with wand toys together, getting chin scratches and pets, being brushed, or simply sitting next to their favorite people.  

3. Set a Routine

Cats do best with a consistent routine to help them feel secure and to prevent stress and anxiety. Feeding your cat at set times every day and scheduling consistent play sessions can help your cat feel happier and more at ease.  

4. Pay Attention to Body Language

Paying attention to a cat’s body language and behavior can help preserve the bond with family members. For example, if your cat shows signs of agitation, give them space—they may be telling you that they want to be alone. Giving cats choices about where to go and what to do can be crucial for their mental health. 

5. Use Calming Products

Pet parents may also find it helpful to turn to calming products, such as Purina Pro Plan Calming Care probiotic powder and Feliway MultiCat pheromone diffusers, to improve a cat’s state of mind.  

Herbal products like catnip, silvervine, and valerian are other options for improving happiness in cats.