Is my cat happy?

by Percy
(Linthicum, md)

My cat was a 4 month old feral Maine Coon cat when I captured in the wild. I had read that once a kitten is 8 weeks old and has not been socialized to humans, that they never will. This is not so. It took a long time for my cat to take to me, but he has. When he was younger, he would purr when I pet him but he has since given that up. I am concerned that he is not happy, even though he shows me affection. I thought all cats purr, when they are stroked or are satisfied. What's up with mine?

Answer by Kate
Hi well purring can mean different things it can mean happy but it can also be used when a cat is afraid. It is said that the rumble helps to calm them down.

So the fact that your cat does not purr does not necessarily mean that he is not happy. A cats tail is alos a good indication of happiness, a upward pointing tail held in the air is a good sign.

Also as long as he is eating ok and still seeks you out and has been given a clean bill of health by the vet recently then I should not worry too much.

The only thing you should make sure is that your cat has plenty to keep him stimulated and not bored. I have written a web page about this issue here
https://www.our-happy-cat.com/indoor-cats.html

best wishes kate

---