Understanding a cat’s behavior can be challenging. Regardless of the breed of cat, their communication is very subtle, in tail twitches and mews, and they can communicate with other cats without even opening their mouths. If we learn to “interpret,” understanding our cat’s behavior will be easier.

Communication By Voice

Cats may not speak as we do, but they do have a voice! And the sounds they make mean many different things. Their voice can be expressing happiness and contentment, or it can be warning you that they don’t like something around them. They can make sounds that mean “help me!” and they can “ask” to be fed or played with.

The meow is the sound we tend to associate with cats. Kittens can meow almost from birth. These are probably meaning that they are hungry or cold, or they want their mother. They can be louder than you might expect. This can help the mother find them. As cats grow up, they still will meow often to get attention or to get something else. For example, many cats tell their owners when it is dinnertime. The owners can learn what type of meow means “feed me, please!” and will respond appropriately, reinforcing the cat’s signal, and showing that they understanding their cat’s behavior.

If a cat hisses, we know to back off. Cats hiss when they are frightened or angry, and there is often a yowl to accompany the hiss. If extremely frightened or angry, the cat can even scream. It is unmistakable.

Sometimes a cat will call in a mournful voice. It is often in the middle of the night. While it may sound like the cat is lonely or in pain, this sound means that the female cat is in heat. For the male cat a yowl means that he’s available to mate. This sound is called “caterwauling”. It also warns other males to stay away.

When cats purr, we are reassured that they are content. This is usually the case, but cats can also purr if they are nervous or stressed. Some scientists believe that cats actually purr to reassure themselves, but it is still under debate – as is the mechanism by which they purr at all.

Communicating By Body Language

Take a look at your cat’s body language to help in understanding your cat’s behavior. There are several tell-tale signs that will give you a peak into your cat’s moods and thoughts.

First, the ears. If they are back on the head, the more the cat is self-contained, and less interested in doing anything with people. If they are feeling friendly or curious, their ears will be pricked – erect and forward-turned – and you can know you are understanding your cat’s behavior well.

The tail is a wonderful help in understanding your cat’s behavior and mood! If the tail is erect, the cat is feeling friendly. If the tail is lashing from side to side, it indicates the cat is upset about something. If the tail is bristled, the cat is afraid. If the tail is just relaxed, the cat is contented.

When the cat uses its body to look bigger, standing over another cat or climbing higher, it is a sign of dominance. Watch, too, for the puffing up of the hair in the situation. This is often accompanied by hissing.

Understanding your cat’s behavior is easier when you keep in mind its voice and body communications.

Tags: Cat Breed, Understanding Cat Behavior

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