Are Your Cats Happy… or Just Getting Along?
The subtle signs of emotional wellbeing most multi-cat homes miss.
Hey Whisker Crew,
For a long time, I thought harmony in a multi-cat home meant one simple thing:
No fighting.
If nobody was hissing or swatting, I assumed everything was fine.
But in this week’s Golden Whiskers Podcast, holistic cat therapist Julie-Anne Heart gently challenged that assumption — and it made me rethink how I define “happy” when it comes to cats.
Julie-Anne has worked with cats for over 20 years, and her mission is simple but profound: giving cats a voice. In this short segment, we talked about why so many multi-cat homes struggle — even when cats seem to be “getting along” — and what actually helps cats feel safe, secure, and emotionally well.
Here’s what stood out to me in this 9-minute clip, which you can listen to below.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this segment, you’ll learn:
🧠 The Biggest Barrier to Happy Cats
According to Julie-Anne, the biggest thing getting in the way of cats being truly happy — especially in multi-cat homes — isn’t the cats.
It’s our expectations.
When guardians assume a one-size-fits-all approach, emotional problems begin to surface… and those emotional issues often turn into behavioral ones.
🐾 Every Cat Is an Individual — Even Bonded Ones
Julie-Anne emphasized that every cat is a sentient being with unique needs, just like humans.
I shared how this shows up with Niko and Milo. Even though they’re bonded brothers who love being together, they still want different things:
Niko has a stronger urge to climb.
Milo is more motivated by the hunting sequence during play.
They’re close — but they’re not the same.
😺 What “Happy” Actually Looks Like in Cats
A happy cat isn’t defined by one behavior or personality trait.
Julie-Anne explained that happy cats:
Eat well
Engage with humans or other animals in their home
Show confidence (in their own way)
Feel safe and secure in their environment
Have their emotional needs met
And importantly — happiness looks different for every cat.
💭 Behavior Comes From Emotion
Julie-Anne shared something I keep coming back to:
Behavior comes from emotion.
When cats show signs of aggression, fear, or distress, there’s often something deeper underneath — like fear, rejection, or loss.
Understanding this is the next evolution of feline wellness. We’ve learned behavior. Now we’re learning what drives it.
🚪 Choice Supports Emotional Health
One of my favorite moments in this clip was our conversation about choice.
I talked about how Niko constantly meows at a closed door in my apartment — not because he needs what’s behind it, but because the mystery matters. When I open it and let him explore (or ignore it), something shifts.
Julie-Anne explained that when we give cats choice:
They regain a sense of autonomy
They feel safer and more secure
Their nervous system calms
Emotional and physical stress decreases
Choice doesn’t mean control — it means respect.
💛 Emotional Health Is the Foundation
Julie-Anne made it clear that emotional health isn’t “extra” or optional.
When cats feel emotionally stable, it sets the foundation for:
Better relationships with other cats
Less stress in shared spaces
Greater overall wellbeing
And once you start seeing your cat as having emotional needs that you get to meet, the relationship changes completely.
📘 Julie-Anne’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
From this segment, Julie-Anne emphasized a few core principles:
Let go of one-size-fits-all expectations
Recognize that every cat’s version of “happy” is different
Look beneath behavior to understand emotion
Offer choice wherever possible
Remember that emotional safety supports physical health
🧡 What I’m Noticing with Niko & Milo
This conversation has made me more aware of how often my cats are communicating — even in small moments.
Whether it’s curiosity about a closed door, chirping at birds, or choosing when to engage or rest, I’m learning to pause and ask:
What need might this be expressing?
I don’t always know the answer — but awareness alone has changed how I respond.
🐱 This Week’s Cattitude Prompt
Where could you offer your cat a little more choice this week?
🔑 A door to explore
🛋️ A new resting spot
🧸 A different way to play
⏸️ Or simply letting them opt out
Hit reply and tell me what you notice. I read every response.
🎧 Listen to This Week’s Episode
“How to Help Cats Be Truly Happy in a Multi-Cat Home” with Julie-Anne Heart
👉 Click here to listen to the full episode now.
Thanks for reading, thanks for paying attention to the quiet signals, and thanks for caring about your cats at this deeper level.
Until next time,
💛 Scott | Golden Whiskers