Can cats smile? 10 signs of a happy cat

Updated 23/09/2024

As a loving pet parent, we know all too well just how important your feline’s happiness is to you. But can cats smile like we humans can? And what exactly do those sometimes weird cat behaviors mean? 

Well here we’re unpacking the often confusing facial expressions of your feline friend, and what they really mean - read on to get a better understanding of the feline in your life.

Can cats smile?

No, cats don’t smile in the same way that we humans do, but they do show in-the-moment contentment by narrowing their eyes and slowly blinking, sometimes with dilated pupils. 

Interestingly (for all the feline enthusiasts reading), a study at the University of Sussex found that this version of a smiling cat (i.e. a slowly blinking cat!) was more likely to happen if the kitty received a slow blink from their owner first.

So, what does this mean if you find your cat smiling (i.e. teeth bared or corners of their mouth turned up)?. Unfortunately, these feline facial expressions are completely unrelated to the human smile. In fact, bared teeth in cats indicates defensiveness, and an upturned mouth can simply be the natural position their mouth falls.

For a more reliable way to determine your kitty’s contentment is to pay attention to their body language and general behavior. Things to look out for include purring, bunting and playfulness.

And just remember, our feline friends express their feelings in a whole different way to us humans, so don’t be discouraged - your kitty still loves you, even if they’re not smiling about it.

Can cats laugh?

The general consensus is that cats don’t laugh, but there are feline noises that can indicate your kitty is happy, like purring and meowing. 

While they can’t giggle themselves, cats might be able to empathize when their pet parents are laughing (or expressing other emotions and feelings like sadness, pain and excitement). So, pay attention to your kitty’s behavior next time you fall into a fit of laughter or stub your toe! 

10 signs of a happy cat

So, now we know that cats don’t smile to show they’re feeling happy, what are the signs of a contented feline? Take a look below for 10 signs your cat is over the moon, and be sure to get clued-up on how to make a cat happy.

1. Vocal cues
2. Cuddling
3. Bunting
4. Kneading
5. Seeking your attention
6. They’re well groomed
7. Relaxed posture
8. Sleep location
9. They’re playful
10. They’ve got a good appetite

Vocal cues

If they’ve just finished a delicious bowl of kibble, rounded off playtime or settled in for a cuddle and you hear your kitty let out a cat sound that's something like a meow or purr, it’s highly likely they’re feeling satisfied.

Context is key though, so be aware that cats can meow when they’re in pain, frustrated, scared, or need something from you. So, get to know your cat’s unique behaviors so you can tell the difference between one meow from another.

Cuddling

Now we’ve settled the question - do cats smile when happy - you’ll be pleased to know that felines are more than capable of showing affection in other ways. It’s not just dogs that love a sofa snuggle - many felines are more than partial to cuddling up. And remember, they’re definitely feeling the love if you get a slow blink, or they even close their eyes in your direction.

Bunting

A friendly headbutt - otherwise known as bunting - is a sign of a happy cat. When you arrive home, you might notice your cat rubs his head on your leg. This marks you as their territory (be honored!) as it’s their scent glands that sit in front of their ears they’re rubbing across you.

Kneading

If cats don’t smile to show sudden happiness, how do cats smile in their own way? Well one sure sign of a happy kitty is kneading. Otherwise known as ‘making biscuits’ (and a whole host of other baking-related monikers), the action looks like your cat stretching out their front legs and moving those little paws back and forth. 

It’s an action they’ll have enjoyed from a young age - kneading helps to stimulate their mother’s milk. But when continued into adulthood, it’s simply a sign they’re feeling really good.

Seeking your attention

You’ll know your cat is happy when they’re strolling up to you for play time or a cuddle. Or maybe they’re just hungry? At least they associate you with one of their favorite pastimes - eating.

They’re well groomed

Like us humans, cats will keep themselves looking presentable when they’re feeling good. So, if you notice your kitty is looking smart and tidy, life is likely feeling sweet.

Relaxed posture

Much of your cat’s emotions are in their body language, so get to know the various cat tail positions and what they mean. One of the most common signs your cat is feeling happy and relaxed is a tail that’s stood straight up, with the very end tipped to one side.

Sleep location

If your feline decides to sleep near you (or other furry friends), it’s a sign they’re pretty comfortable and feeling good about those relationships.

And while we’re on the topic of feline sleepy time, let’s settle the question - why do cats smile when they sleep. Well it could be a sign they’re dreaming (although there is no proof of this!), but an upturned mouth during sleep can simply be their mouth’s natural position.

They’re playful

While cats don’t smile to show they’re feeling good, our feline friends definitely express happiness through play. Whether it’s an upbeat trot around the garden or they greet you with their favorite toy, these zesty behaviors certainly suggest your kitty is in a good mood.

A good appetite

If your feline is eating well, it’s not only a sign of good health, but also their mental wellbeing. If they jump at the chance of a snack or even ask for food, it’s a sign your feline is healthy and happy. There are some medical conditions associated with excess eating, so if your cat is constantly hungry or asking for food, a quick vet check is recommended.

8 ways to make your cat happy

• Play. Carving out quality time for play with your feline friends is great for bonding and curbs boredom almost instantly. Use different types of toys and rotate them often so your cat doesn't get bored easily.
• Training tricks. Yup, it’s not just dogs that can learn tricks - felines are intelligent cuties that’ll learn a trick or two if they’re rewarded with up-to-scratch treats.
• Opportunities to climb. Felines are hard-wired to climb, so giving yours the chance to stretch those limbs is important for their wellbeing.
• Scratching post. Scratching helps cats release emotions like excitement and stress, plus it helps to stretch those ligaments that have been busy fence hopping all day. A little catnip on the post can help trigger interest if your cat isn't too keen to play with the scratching post.
• Time outdoors. Whether they’re free to fence hop alone or you take them for a leashed walk, getting exercise in fresh air will boost your feline’s wellbeing.
• Understand their body language. Learning your own kitty’s behaviors will help you respond in the right way - get to know what’s a happy meow versus an irritated one! This is especially important if you're introducing a new canine friend - explore our tips on how to introduce a cat to a dog for more.
• Give them a safe space. Felines are independent creatures, so be sure to give them time to themselves in a space they feel safe and comfortable.
• Secure a loving pet sitter. If you’re heading off for vacation soon, be sure to welcome a true cat lover to care for your precious kitty in the comfort of home.

Common cat expressions mistaken for smiling

We humans are pretty expressive, and it’s all too easy to assume feline facial expressions mean the same as our own. 

Well, as you’ll now know, cats don’t smile to express happiness. Just to confuse things though, our feline friends can make a smile-like expression which indicates something completely separate from happiness. 

Take a look below to make sure you never mistake a feline smile for contentment again!

• Flehmen response
• General mouth shape
• Frowning
• Teeth on show

Flehmen response

You might think your cat is smiling when they’re in fact having a good sniff. While their expression sometimes resembles a human smile, the Flehmen Response is a cat’s way to make their sense of smell even more efficient than usual. 

With an open mouth and a huffing noise, the scent receptors on the roof of their mouths help them get a good idea about whatever they’ve come across.

General mouth shape

Now we’ve settled the question - can cats smile - you might be wondering why your kitty’s mouth is turned upwards most of the time.

Well while she might be a happy feline, it’s likely because of her natural mouth shape. 

Frowning

Like the human frown, a feline frown (a burrowed brow and ears pulled back) can mean they’re feeling threatened or they’re attempting to look ferocious. Be wary of an unexpected hiss or swipe if you see these expressions. 

Teeth on show 

Last but not least - do cats smile with their teeth? Certainly not! If your feline is showing their teeth, they want you (or whoever seems to be riling them up) to stop whatever they’re doing and walk away.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

What can your cat’s tail tell you?

So, now we’ve settled the question - can cats smile - it’s a good idea to get to know your feline’s behavior a bit better. And what better place to start than your kitty’s tail? With a whole lot to unpack, explore our blog on cat tail meanings to understand your feline’s weird and wonderful behaviors.