• 😸 Here’s what we know about cats’ smiles

• 🔍 Decoding secret cat signals

• 🐾 How to prepare for unexpected vet bills

• 👀 Does your cat do this strange feline behavior?

True or False?

Cats only purr when they are happy.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Have you ever wondered how your cat shows they're happy? While cats don’t smile like humans, they have plenty of subtle ways to let us know they’re feeling content. In the world of feline communication, “smiling” just looks a little different.

Instead of a traditional human smile, a cat’s “smile” is all about body language, eye contact, and a calm demeanor. Here’s how to recognize your cat’s unique way of showing happiness:

• The Slow Blink - One of the clearest signs of a cat’s happiness is the slow blink, often called a “cat kiss.” When your cat gives you a soft, gentle-looking blink, they’re saying, “I feel safe with you.” In the feline world, this blink is like a warm hug.

• A Relaxed Posture - A happy cat often settles into a “loaf” position with paws tucked under or sprawls on their side with their belly exposed—a sure sign of comfort. An interesting fact to note is that cats only show their belly when they feel truly at ease.

• Ears & Tail Position - Neutral, forward-facing ears and a loose, gently swishing tail indicate a content and relaxed mood. If your cat’s ears and tail are calm, it’s a good sign they’re happy.

• Purring - Often paired with relaxed body language, purring is a classic sign of a content cat. While not always a sign of happiness, when combined with these other cues, purring usually means your cat is enjoying the moment.

So, while cats may not give us a big, toothy grin, these subtle cues add up to a clear picture of a “smiling” cat—showing us they’re feeling happy and safe.

We’d love to know—does your cat have any unique ways of showing their happiness?

Every cat parent knows the look—that sweet, slow blink or the perfectly timed purr that melts your heart. Cats have a way of using their charm and “cat-sense” to get exactly what they want, whether it’s an extra treat, a cozy spot on your lap, or just a little more attention. But have you ever wondered just how they pull it off?

One of the most powerful tricks in a cat’s toolkit is the “solicitation purr”. Unlike a regular purr, this sound includes a high-frequency pitch that mimics a baby’s cry, triggering an instinctive response in us to provide care—often in the form of food or a well-deserved pet.

On top of that, cats are skilled at using a range of vocalizations to get our attention. Many cats have developed a distinct “meow” just for us, with different pitches to suit each situation. A loud, insistent meow often means they’re hungry, while a softer one might be their way of asking for playtime or cuddles.

Then there are the physical cues. Cats know that rubbing against us creates a sense of closeness, sometimes earning them an extra treat (or two). And, of course, the famous “slow blink” is a gentle tactic to win over our affection.

As it turns out, our cats know exactly how to “train” us to respond to their needs. Whether it’s purring, meowing, or even a well-timed slow blink, they’ve definitely mastered the art of keeping us happily under their spell.

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Daily Purr.

If you’ve ever had your cat turn around and present their backside to you, you’re not alone—it’s a behavior that leaves many cat owners both puzzled and amused. Believe it or not, in the cat world, showing their butt is actually a friendly gesture and a mark of trust.

When cats greet each other, they rely on scent as a key part of communication. By sniffing each other’s faces and each other’s butts, cats gather information about one another. This behavior stems from their social instincts, where scent is used to identify friends, family, and even potential threats.

When your cat turns and lifts their tail in your direction, they’re actually offering a friendly greeting. It’s a sign of trust and should be considered a big compliment.

For indoor cats, this behavior has carried over as a way to show affection and acceptance. They’re essentially saying, “You’re part of my family.” By turning around and giving you this gesture, your cat is expressing a deep sense of trust and familiarity with you—something they reserve only for those they feel closest to.

So, while it might seem a little odd to us, when your cat shows you their butt it’s really a sign of respect, connection, and trust. Does your cat use this unique gesture to show their affection to you?

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 True or False: False! Cats do not only purr when they’re happy. While purring is often associated with contentment, cats also purr when they are in pain, frightened, or trying to self-soothe.

🎁 Our Holiday Pet-Lover’s Picks: We’ve curated our favorite products that’ll make every cat parent’s holiday extra special. This year, skip the holiday stress and find the perfect gifts for the cat lovers in your life with our 2024 gift guide.

😸 COTD: Give your kitty the spotlight by submitting them for Cat of the Day! This month’s theme is all about festive felines in the holiday spirit. Reply to this email with your best photos of your cat looking cozy, festive, or spreading holiday cheer. Be sure to include their name and a short description to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!