Did you know that cats talk with their bodies, as well as their voices? You have probably noticed how a cat will arch his back, swish his tail or roll over. Most of us think nothing of these little movements, but, just about everything a cat does with his body means something? A cat expresses himself by using body language.
1. Arching his back: If two cats arch their backs, they are preparing for a real fight. The ears may be turned back and the hair on their backs stands straight-up.
2. Swishing the tail: The whole tail will move side to side, very gently. This tail movement means your pet is alert and curious about his surroundings, perhaps another animal near by, maybe a dog.
3. When your cat rolls over: This is a good thing. He or she feels comfortable and relaxed. He is probably trying to get your attention for affection. Your cat is telling you he likes you.
4. Whiskers: Cat whiskers and their position tell you a great deal. When a feline is excited, tense and ready to act, the whiskers will be pointed forward and fanned out. A calm or comfortable cat, his whiskers point outward and are less spread apart. This can also mean a friendly disposition or indifference. A cat that is hunting prey will thrust her whiskers forward. A shy, timid or reserved cat will bunch the whiskers together and flatten them out to the side of the face. Whiskers flat against the face signify the cat is frightened.
5. Rubbing against your legs: When your kitty does this, he is leaving his body scent on you; it is a sign of affection.
6. A quick moving tail: A tail that is moving side to side very quickly and aggressively means your cat is agitated and angry. The hair on his tail may also stand on end, giving a bushy appearance. Your feline will most likely make an aggressive stance. If your cat is doing this, it is best to keep your dogs and children away from him.
7. Listening: Your feline will relax his ears forward and out slightly when he is listening perhaps aware of a dog near by.
8. A cat staring: If a cat is staring, it is usually before and during a feline fight and before an attack to another pet or even a human.
Now, that you have learned a little about body language and your cat, watch your pet and see if you notice any of the body languages mentioned above.
A Little Tip, if you are not a lover of cats and you are sitting in a room with a group of friends, don't look away from the cat, and look at him as though you adore him. Why? When people look at felines, the felines feel threatened. The person, who doesn't look them, is the one they don't feel threatened by.
So, guess who they head towards? I bet you non cat lover's out there wish you knew this little tip a long time ago.
Felines can be a very interesting, yet, complicated pet. They can be enduring, or they can be the biggest snobs. But, no matter what, we love our pets and would do anything for them. I know a few humans who have some pretty crazy body language too.
