How can you understand your cat’s behavior?
Understand your cat’s body language
Cats communicate with subtle body language. To understand a cat’s body language, you need to look at its whole body. Signs that your cat is uncomfortable or worried may include tail swishing, ears back, and downward-facing eyes.
Learning to read your cat’s body language can help to strengthen the relationship. Taking time to understand your cat’s signals can help improve the bond between you and your pet.
Understand the behavior between cats
You can better understand your cat’s behavior by understanding the behavior between cats. Cats communicate with each other through body language, scent, and touch. They will rub up against people and things to leave their scent and show affection. If you observe your cat around other cats, you can get a better sense of their individual personality and habits.
Understand your cat’s vocal communication
Cats communicate using vocalizations, which can include meows, purrs, yowls, and hisses. You can learn to understand your cat’s vocal communication by paying attention to the sounds she makes and learning what they mean.
Body language is also an important part of communication for cats. Be alert for cues such as ears laid back or flattened against the head, which can indicate that the cat is feeling threatened or aggressive. A relaxed cat will have ears that are upright and alert. Understanding these cues can help you interpret your cat’s mood and intentions.
If your cat is displaying destructive behavior, it is important to try to understand the reasons behind it. Cats may scratch furniture or urinate outside the litter box as a way of marking their territory or communicating dissatisfaction with their current situation. Providing your cat with a scratching post or more litter boxes may help alleviate these problem behaviors.
Cats are unique creatures that have their own way of communicating. By paying attention to your cat’s body language and vocalizations, you can begin to understand what she is trying to tell you.
What are the most common cat behaviors and what do they mean?
1. Chattering
Chattering is a normal behavior for cats that is usually associated with excitement or frustration. To identify chattering, listen for a staccato sound that is made by the cat’s teeth clicking together. This sound is often accompanied by the rapid movement of the jaw. Chattering may be related to prey hunting, as it is an instinctive response to muscle tension. Alternatively, it may simply be a sign that your cat is happy and excited.
2. Rubbing
When a cat rubs against you or another object, it is marking its territory. The glands located on a cat’s cheeks release special pheromones that help the cat claim its territory. If you watch your cat’s body language, you can identify when it is angry or scared. An angry or scared cat may have its ears flattened back and its tail will flick from side to side. A friendly cat will approach you with its tail up, erect ears, and maybe purring. Cats also rub against humans to get their attention and to transfer scents. The significance of the cat’s scent is still unknown but it is probably important. Allorubbing is when a cat rubs against another animal to transfer scents and affection. Some cats will also knead or paddle their owners with their bodies in order to communicate their affection. Kneading is a behavior cats engage in when they are nursing but can also be seen as an affectionate gesture between a cat and its owner. However, kneading can get aggressive if your cat engages its claws while doing it so it is important to wear long-sleeved shirts or other protective clothing when around your feline friend.
3. Bring your “gifts”
Cats bring their human’s dead bugs, rodents, and birds as gifts to show they care. When a cat brings you a “gift,” it means they consider you a valuable member of the family. Gifts can include petting, grooming, and even catching prey. When a cat starts licking you or nibbling on your clothes, it shows they consider you as an important part of its family group.
4. Eating non-food items
Cats may eat non-food items for various reasons. One reason may be that they have a condition called pica, which causes them to crave non-food items. Another reason may be that they are bored or anxious. If your cat is eating non-food items, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems. You can also try to feed your cat food specifically designed for cats, or you can try to train your cat not to eat non-food items by rewarding them when they stop eating non-food items.
5. Feline kneading
Kneading is a behavior that cats use to express affection or to make themselves comfortable. By pressing their paws against a soft surface and rhythmically moving them back and forth, cats can tenderize the area and also release pleasing scents from the glands in their paws. Kneading can also be a self-soothing behavior for cats that helps them relax. In some cases, cats may knead to show contentment or to mark their territory by leaving behind their scent. If kneading is causing damage, it is important to keep your cat’s nails trimmed so they do not cause harm. If your cat is kneading you, it is probably because it is instinctual and trying to comfort you. Avoid scolding or punishing the cat for its behavior, as this will only make the situation worse.
6. If I fit, I sit
The behavior “if I fit, I sit” means that if a cat fits the food, it will eat it. This is because cats are able to determine if the food is good for them by its size and shape. If a cat fits the food, it is most likely good for them and they will eat it.
7. Arched back (with a yawn)
When a cat arches their back and yawns, they are asking to be petted. This is friendly behavior that means they enjoy your company. If a cat bristles their fur while doing this, they are angry and you should back off. If a cat is frightened, it may arch its back in an attempt to make itself look bigger and intimidate whatever is frightening them.
8. Standing sideways
A cat standing sideways is usually a sign that the cat is ready to run if necessary. This typically happens when the cat is feeling irritable, angry, or frightened.
9. Facing head on
When a cat faces you head-on, it means they are feeling self-assured and positive. This is because they are able to see your entire body and they feel comfortable in their surroundings.
10. Facing away
When a cat faces away from you, it is usually a sign that the cat does not want anything to do with you. Cats use their ears and other body parts to communicate their emotions, and when a cat’s ears are swiveled sideways and backward, this usually indicates that the cat is either in distress or is feeling threatened. If you attempt to pet a cat who is facing away from you and the cat does not respond, it may be because the cat feels uncomfortable or scared.
11. Crouched (with alert expression)
A crouching cat is usually indicative of a relaxed and happy animal, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. The body language is alert and expressive, suggesting that the cat is ready to flee if necessary.
