August 14, 2024
Whether you live with cats, you’re adding a new feline member to the family, or you just… love… cats, this article is for you! Vet Victoria Seale has created this Happy Cat guide for anyone who is curious about cats and wants to understand these majestic creatures even better.
You can talk specifics about your own cat, book an appointment, or get advice on adopting a new cat by calling our cat-loving team at Bayswater Vets on 020 7229 2040.
Get curious about cats
Do cats have a specific personality type? Can you tell if they are happy or how to make them happy? What’s your cat’s “love language”? Have a read of Victoria’s guide below…
Cat personality types
Victoria suggests that while breed isn’t a guarantee of a cat’s temperament, some breeds are known for certain traits. Here’s a quick rundown:
- The Social Butterfly: Breeds like Siamese, Burmese, and Abyssinians are known for being outgoing, playful, and loving attention. They might even follow you around the house!
- The Laid-Back Lounger: Persian, Ragdoll, and British Shorthair cats tend to be more easy-going and relaxed. They enjoy cuddles and quiet time but can still be playful.
- The Independent Spirit: Some breeds like Bengals, Singapura, and Maine Coons can be a bit more independent. While they’ll still show affection, they might also crave their own space and enjoy exploring.
Remember: these are just general tendencies, and every cat is unique. Their upbringing and experiences will also shape their personality. Victoria says spending quality time and observing behaviours and interactions is key to understanding their love language and personality.
7 happy cat cues
Victoria explains that while purring is the most obvious signal your cat feels comfortable and settled, it’s not the only marker of happiness. Here are some more common signifiers of a contented kitty:
- Relaxed posture with no stiffness when lying down
- Kneading – a nostalgic kittenhood behaviour
- Warm greetings of rubbing around your legs
- Playfulness
- Eating well
- Staying well-groomed and grooming you
- High-pitched meows typically show contentment or attention seeking
However, Victoria notes that cat communication is complex, with vocalisations varying widely. Consider body language, context, and specific sounds when interpreting a cat’s emotions. For better understanding, observe your cat’s overall behaviour and vocal patterns in different situations.
Feline love languages
While the concept of “love languages” (the way love is expressed and received) is typically applied to humans, cats definitely communicate affection in different ways. Below, Victoria suggests how your feline friend might show and receive love:
- Physical Touch: Enjoys scratching & stroking, giving head-butts, and snuggles. Notice their petting preferences.
- Quality Time: Shows love through cuddle sessions or playtime.
- Acts of Service: Feels secure with a clean litter box, fresh food/water, and toys.
- Words of Affirmation: Responds to gentle, loving tones.
- Gifts: Shares dead mice or feathers as a sign of trust.
By understanding your cat’s love language, you can strengthen your bond and ensure they feel happy and loved. Although, you may want to ignore wildlife “gifts” and hope your cat chooses something else!
At Bayswater Veterinary Clinic, we adore cats! We love getting to know them and their individual personalities. We also love helping London cat owners understand more about their feline friends so, do get in touch.
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