Cats' Nonverbal Messages and Communication Clues
For centuries, cats have been regarded as unpredictable, mysterious, and solitary creatures. To better understand your feline companion, it’s essential to grasp the rationale behind their behavior and adaptations. In this guide, you’ll learn the essentials that will help you understand and communicate with your cat.
The Ears
- Bent forward: If your cat’s ears are slightly bent forward, it is feeling playful and curious. This often happens when your cat is exploring something new, like a toy.
- Pinned back and flat: When your cat's ears are pinned back and flat, it indicates anger, often accompanied by hissing or growling. This can also suggest fear.
- Straight and upright: Straight ears indicate that your cat is alert and paying attention to something. Cats instinctively do this to detect potential danger.
The Eyes
- Slow blinking: When your cat stares at you and slowly blinks, it is showing affection. This is a sign that your cat adores you.
- Constricted pupils: Slit-like, constricted pupils indicate that your cat is angry or upset, often in response to not receiving an expected treat.
- Dilated pupils: Wide, dilated pupils are a sign of excitement, typically seen during play. However, this can also signify defensiveness, especially when accompanied by hissing or growling.
Tail Signs
- Tail wagging: Unlike dogs, a wagging cat tail often indicates frustration, not excitement. It’s best to avoid petting a cat in this state.
- Puffed-up tail: A puffed-up tail means your cat is scared and preparing for defense. This posture is often followed by hissing, as your cat tries to appear larger and more threatening.
- Twitching tail: When a cat’s tail twitches, it is usually excited or ready to play.
- Tucked tail: A tucked tail indicates nervousness or submission.
- Curved tail: If a cat's tail forms a question mark, it’s curious and ready to explore.
- Embracing tail: When a cat’s tail curls around itself or another cat, it’s a sign of happiness and satisfaction.
Body Language
- Lying on back with belly exposed: This shows trust and confidence. However, if accompanied by hissing or growling, avoid touching, as the cat is agitated.
- Arched back: An arched back often invites petting or cuddling. However, if combined with bristled hairs, your cat may be scared or angry.
- Rubbing against you: When a cat rubs its cheek against you, it’s marking you as its territory. This behavior is both affectionate and territorial.
- Kneading: If your cat kneads you, it’s a sign of contentment and happiness.
- Butt wiggling: Often misinterpreted as excitement, this behavior is a sign that your cat is preparing to pounce on something.
Cat Vocalizations
- Short, high-pitched meows: Friendly greetings, indicating that your cat is glad to see you.
- Low or drawn-out meows: A sign of dissatisfaction or boredom.
- Soft pleading meows: This is how your cat tells you it’s hungry and wants to be fed.
- Trilling: A sound between a meow and a purr, used to get your attention, often accompanied by cute, irresistible eyes.
- Chirping: Cats use this sound, which resembles a cricket’s, when hunting or luring prey.
- Yowling: A loud, unpleasant sound, usually made when a cat is in heat and wants to mate.
- Hissing and growling: These sounds signal fear, irritation, or anger. If your cat hisses or growls, give it space, as it may be ready to defend itself.
- Soundless meowing: When your cat opens its mouth to meow but no sound comes out, it may be very hungry or thirsty.
- Purring: Purring is a universal sign of contentment and affection.
Tips for Communicating with Your Cat
1. How to make your cat appear: If your cat is hiding, a calm, reassuring voice can convince it that there is no danger.
2. How to make your cat trust you: Lower your cat gently to the ground, ensuring its paws touch the floor. This helps build trust.
3. How to stroke your cat: Reach out slowly and let your cat initiate contact by rubbing its nose or face against your hand.
By understanding these nonverbal cues and sounds, you can strengthen your bond with your cat and create a more harmonious relationship.