Physical:
* Slow blinking: This is a sign of trust and relaxation.
* Purring: A low rumbling sound produced by vibrating vocal cords, often associated with pleasure and contentment.
* Kneading: A gentle pushing and pulling motion with their paws, often accompanied by purring, that's a remnant of their kittenhood behavior of stimulating milk flow from their mother.
* Tail held high and relaxed: A relaxed tail, often with a slight twitch at the tip, indicates a calm and happy cat.
* Lying on their back with exposed belly: This is a sign of ultimate trust and relaxation, as cats are typically vulnerable when lying on their back.
* Stretching: A full-body stretch is a sign of contentment and a way for cats to relieve tension.
Behavioral:
* Rubbing against you or objects: Cats release scent markers from glands on their cheeks and body, and rubbing against you is a sign of affection and marking you as their own.
* Slow, deliberate movements: A contented cat will move slowly and deliberately, taking their time to enjoy their surroundings.
* Grooming themselves: Cats spend a lot of time grooming, and when they are content, they often groom themselves more frequently.
* Playing with toys: A playful cat is a happy cat.
Vocalizations:
* Chirping or trilling: These sounds are often used to communicate happiness and contentment.
* Soft meows: A gentle meow can be a sign of affection and a way for your cat to tell you they are happy.
It's important to note that not all cats express contentment in the same way. Some cats are more vocal than others, and some are more affectionate than others.
If you are unsure if your cat is contented, it's always best to observe their body language and behavior to get a better understanding.