Cats nonverbal messages and communication clues are often puzzling for centuries cats have been regarded as unpredictable, mysterious, and solitary it's pertinent to understand the rationale behind the behavior and adaptations of cats in this article you will learn the essentials that will help you understand and communicate with your cat.
EARS
When the ears are slightly vent forward the cat is particularly telling that it is playful and curious, most times this gesture is spotted when the cat is given a new toy or seen a new thing.
When the ears are pinned back and flat your cat is certainly very angry at something or maybe at you, this gesture is most often followed by hissing or growling. Sometimes this gesture can also suggest fear.
When the ears are straight and upright something has got your cat's attention, animals in the wild do this instinctively so they can hear more and ascertain if a coming sound means danger or not.
EYES
When your cat stares at you and slowly blinks it's eyes it simply means the car adores you. Humans are even fond of this slow blinking of the eyes especially when flirting with someone they admire.
However your cat looks at you with a slit constricted pupils, it's definitely angry with you over something, this look is often given in the absence of an expected treat.
Dilated pupils are often a sign of excitement just like kids when cats get excited their pupils dilate and become larger, telling you it's excited and ready to play. This sort of body language can often be observed, when the cat is happily playing with or attacking a toy, sometimes dilated pupils can also mean defensive or aggression especially when the look is accompanied by hissing or growling sounds.
TAIL
The tail signs of cats are one of the most communicative in the animal kingdom, unlike the dogs whose major communication through the tail involves wagging to show excitement. The cat has a number of different tail signs to communicate different feelings and emotions.
Wagging of a tail, tail wagging is a sign of frustration in the feline family rather than excitement as common with other pets, when you cat is wag it's tail it probably isn't happy about something and you better avoid petting them at that instance as it can lead to a few scratches.
Puffed-up tail seeing a kitten with a puffed-up tail can be very amusing but it is anything but that, when your kitten puffs up it's tail it most often is frightened of something and if followed by a hissing sound then it is preparing for attack, by puffing it's tail the cat displays a "Larger than Life" attitude and sends signals to the enemy that it is scary to deal with.
Twitching of the tail cats twitch their tails when they are ready or excited to play tail twitching is quite similar to tail wagging but often involves lots of flicks of the tail at its tip.
Tucked away tail running with tails in-between ones legs has always been an idom for submission and anxiety, your cat is nervous if it tucks it's tail.
Curved Tail a curved tail is often a sign of curiosity in cats, when cats have their tail curved like the question mark sign it means they are ready to explore. So if you've been looking for a good time to expose your cat to a new toy or activity, whenever the tail is curved might be a good time.
Embracing tail when cats have their tails curled up around themselves or around other cats in embrace they are mostly communicating happiness and satisfaction.
Aside from the ears, eyes, and the tail cat also express themselves using their whole body.
Cats lying on their back with the belly exposed, when your cat lies close to you on it's back with the belly exposed it's simply communicating a level of trust and confidence in your friendship. If this pose is actually followed with a hissing sound or a growl you may want to avoid the temptation of reaching out and scratching its belly as they are most often agitated and ready to strike.
Arched Back an arched back is often a sign that your cat wants you to cuddle or pet them, this is an opportunity you wouldn't want to miss to make your cat feel loved and welcomed at all times. If the arched back is combined with bristled hairs, your cat is probably frightened of or angry at something.
Rubbing it's body against you, most times when a cat rubs it's cheek against the owners they believe that cat is showing them affection and they may be right, cats rub their cheeks against a person as a sign of affection. The truth however is, the cat may actually be marking out its territory. The cheeks of cats contain glands which produces special hormones for marking out its territory. So the next time your kitten rubs it's cheeks against you it's either loving you or claiming you for itself.
Kneading, if your cat wants to knead on your lap, it's actually a good sign of contentment and happiness they knead only on people that they feel are special to them.
Butt wiggling is not a show of excitement as often portrayed in animated series most times when your cat wiggles its butt, it's getting ready to pounce on something or stalking it's prey.
Cat Vocalizations
Cat have various ways of vocalizing their feelings if all cat sounds, sound similar to you then you've probably not been playing much attention to your cats and you may want to start listening to them henceforth.
The short, high pitched meows most often communicate a friendly gesture in greeting, unlike dog jumping on you and you've been gone for long to show that they've missed you. The cat will let out a series of short, high pitched meows to telly you it's glad you're back.
Low or drawn out meows most times is used to communicate dissatisfaction or a a lack of interest in a particular play or place when the cat let out soft pleading meows, know it is really hungry and will like to be fed immediately.
Trilling somewhere in-between a meow and a purr, cats make the trilling sound to get your attention most times this sound is accompanied by cute eyes to make them irresistible.
Chirping cats are hunters sometimes they make chirping sounds like crickets to lure their unassuming prey.
Yowling is one of the most irritating sounds cat makes. The yowling sound actually is a call of mating and cats make this sound when they are in heat and will like to mate.
Hissing and Growling sounds are specially reserved for when the cat is frightened irritated or angry. If you don't suspect your cat has been injured when it hissed or growled you may want to stay out of its way as it is most likely ready to attack or defend itself.
Soundless meowing when your cat meows in such a way that the sound is barely audible, it right be very hungry or thirsty.
Purring sound is one of the most beautiful sounds cat makes and for all it's worth it signifies your cat's sweet affection for you.
Three tips to communicate with your cat.
How to make your cat appear are you wondering how to get your cat out of its hiding place? Note that your unfriendly attitude or feelings of insecurity may be the reason why I went hiding in the first place. Call your cat out by using a calm voice this convinces it that there is no harm coming their way.
How to make your cat trust you? It's very simple to achieve this all you have to do is lower it down to the ground while making sure their paws reach the floor, your cat tends to trust you after that.
How to stroke your cat? Start by stretching your hand toward your cat, your cat will take a cue and start rubbing its nose or face against your hand.
~jardeliza12