Any cat lover knows that the theory that cats are antisocial is wrong. We tend to assume this due to their strong sense of independence and mostly calm nature, but cats have a full repertoire of ways to communicate, often using subtle body language to express themselves. Every cat is slightly different, but if you can translate these signals, you will be one step closer to understanding what your cat is saying.
Purr
Well, you might think that deciphering this aspect of cat communication is obvious, however things are not as simple as they seem. Cats not only purr when they are happy, relaxed and content, but they often use their purr to indicate that they want something. Scientific studies have shown that cats purr at their owners when they want to feed them, and some cats purr when they feel threatened, as a form of self-comfort, or possibly as an attempt to try to ‘befriend’ their ‘enemy’, for example. a vet or groomer.
Another interesting fact is that scientists have never tested how cats purr. There are various theories as to which parts of the throat make the noise, but so far no one has conclusively figured out how the mechanism works.
Headbutt
Cats often press the top of their heads against someone they feel close to as a sign of affection. This action is slightly different from rubbing his face against the owner, which is a way of marking his scent and is a more territorial gesture although it still indicates affection.
The paw slip
Cats will hit their owners to show their disgust. This is often done if someone stops paying attention to them or takes their food away. If the cat is feeling a bit unkempt, this gesture can be similar to a human reaching out to touch someone to get their attention. Although, unfortunately, you may be caught by a particularly sharp claw, cats often perform this strike with their claws inward. A strong blow with extended claws is a much more aggressive action and cats will normally only do this if they are threatened. All other cases of hitting humans or other animals with extended claws are bad behavior and should be actively discouraged.
Kneading
Cats sometimes spend several minutes kicking and kneading their bed or their owner’s lap before settling down. Cats learn this action from birth, as they knead their mother’s nipples to stimulate the flow of breast milk when they are hungry. The behavior then becomes a form of relaxation that results in a strong feeling of happiness and satisfaction.
Tail movement
Your cat talks a lot with his tail. Held tall and erect, your cat is confident and energetic. If you slowly sweep it in wide arcs, this shows that you are unhappy with something or someone nearby, and can be seen as a warning. The smallest, jerky movements can often be seen when your cat is hunting or playing, and they are often a sign that he is about to jump. The smallest of tail tip movements is said to signify stress or discomfort.
Meowing
Some cats are more vocal than others. While a cat can rarely make a sound, others will chatter almost constantly. Cats also have different types of meows with different meanings. If you listen carefully, you can come to recognize meows designed to ask for food, to call other people or animals, to allow you to enter or leave, or to signify happiness.
Rub against your legs
Although getting your cat to walk in a figure figure between your legs can be frustrating while you’re trying to walk, this is how your cat expresses affection for you and claims you as his own.
Mustache position
Did you know that the position of your cat’s whiskers is a great way to know what state of mind he is in? The whiskers pointed forward and down indicate that they are feeling playful and curious, while the whiskers pointed backwards show a scared cat. If the whiskers are far forward and slanted upward, this is a sign of aggression.
Of course, every cat is different and cats can use other behaviors such as blinking, yawning, or pawing to express themselves. Take the time to study your cat and it will surely strengthen your bond.
