Cat Behaviors Should Be Understood So That You Enjoy Time With Your Cat
If this is the first time you have allowed a feline into your life, you may not understand its routine. Remember, felines are not the same as other pets. You should observe their eyes, whiskers and tail to learn how they express their different moods. Once you comprehend cat behaviors, you will be able to interact with them and express your desires and wishes.
Anyone can become an expert in cat psychology if they learn the “tail code”. Your kitty uses his tail as a barometer of his emotions. A calm, quiet tail shows you that your cat is feeling comfortable, content, and ready for a snooze. A tail held stiff and high in the air says your kitty is feeling fine and ready for you to pay attention to him.
Cat’s tails are their way of communicating with humans in a quieter way than meowing! When your cat’s tail has started “ticking” or moving back & forth, kitty is trying to let you know that he or she is done and needs some alone time. Remember, he or she will give you plenty of warning before they scratch or bite you, so always remain wary of their tail-actions.
Next, we can look at a cat’s general posture. If your cat is curled up tightly or has a paw over his or her face, she is sleeping and wishes to be left alone. On the other hand, if her body posture is more relaxed - for example, she is sprawled across the floor, it might be play time. Many cat problems can result from not being careful about observing posture, and playing with kitty when he or she doesn’t want to be played with.
Cats signal interest in playing, or otherwise interacting physically, by flipping over onto their backs. Most, but not all, cats are sensitive about their bellies, and will scratch or bite if you try to pet them there. Because cat behaviors and “play” are forms of training to become better hunters, it is wise for humans to interact with a cat in “play mode” through the use of toys rather than hands. Cats can get very excited, and are very easily spooked, so don’t get mad or emotionally hurt if the cat lashes out at you.
It’s important to observe the tail and the way your baby kitten stands while you are stroking and coddling it. Unlike dogs that always want your love and affection, cats are more finicky. They change their minds about wanting your attention without warning. Often they signal it to you first using their tail and their posture. Keep in mind that cats are individuals with their own style and personality, and sometimes they just need to be left alone. They best way to form a loving bond with your new kitten is to respect its needs.
Understanding cat psychology is critical to preventing cat problems. Most cat behaviors communicate their mood. The tail tells a lot about the cat’s mood. Limp and quiet is a calm cat, upright and straight is alert and interested and swishing back and forth shows agitation and is a warning. A stretched out cat is relaxed and may be playful while a tightly curled one just wants to sleep and be left alone. Cats can change mood suddenly even while being petted, so be alert to changes. Be aware of body signals and responding appropriately makes for a happier relationship with your cat.
- Paul Proctor