If I look at my cat he seems happy having: Endless time to sleep/think, affection from his feline and human family, reasonably comfortable shelter, steady supply of food/water, sunshine, the freedom to go outside and explore. Seemingly little desire to turn on my computer/TV (outside of a brief fleeting curiosity), moving into my neighbors house, colonizing mars, listening to the news about starving cats in other parts of the world/city, or doing any "work" beyond directly helping him achieve the items on the first list. If I'm being honest that probably sums up the necessities for my own personal happiness.