You might have researched the best pet food, the right window hammocks, and toys for your new kitty. The problem you might not be prepared for is the entirely new communication style you must learn regarding a feline’s body language. Yep, you are about to become fluent in a totally new language, and it will be critical you master it.
Knowing which signals your cat might give for health issues, engagement concerns, and even related to their litter box will be important to help support your new fur baby. Of course, each cat is slightly different, and you will find nuances to what their specific body behaviors mean, but for the most part, here are a few common ones to look out for with Fluffy.
- Cat Ears
When a dog is happy and content, often their ears will go back flat, and they will be relaxed and happy. When a cat’s ears are back, though, be warned they are agitated, angry, or ready to pounce on something. Cat’s ears perked up, and pointy means they are alert and happy in their surroundings. Those antennas on the top of their head can radiate their feelings well if you are paying attention.
- Sniffing Your Face
Cat’s learn a lot through the power of smell. The familiar scents in their environment, those that are foreign, and even scents that are offputting come through this vital organ. If they are sniffing at you, it is probably to learn your smell and, from time to time, confirm you are a friend and not a foe in their home environment.
- Cat’s Meow
A cat’s meow is a great communication tool for them, and one you will learn is specific to each cat. Much like a newborn baby who you quickly learn which cries mean hunger, they want to be comforted or maybe a dirty diaper – cat’s meows will differentiate based on their needs. Learning their language and delivering on the meow request builds trust and bonding with your kitty.
- Bathroom Behaviors
Yep, the location of where your cat relieves themselves is a huge red sign of trouble. If you have a litter box and a feline that is trained to use it suddenly starts peeing in other areas of your home, take heed. Sometimes a scented litter, a change in a box style, or location can set a feline on these bad behaviors. Additionally, cats are fastidious creatures, so a dirty litter box can also cause Fluffy to act out in such a manner.
- Estrus
If your feline is rolling around, restless, scratching up against everything they come in contact with, and overly vocalizing, they might be in heat. The behaviors of a cat that had gone into heat or Estrus are markedly different and may even include them becoming overly affectionate. Warm towels for thism to relax with, a new toy, or even some relaxing minerals can sometimes soothe these behaviors until they pass.
- Scratching
This behavior is a natural one of all cats. They tend to scratch to groom their claws as well as mark territory. The concern will be ensuring that they have engaging toys and scratching posts for these behaviors. Not finding good alternatives for your cat’s scratching habit will make your furniture their only option, and no pet owner needs to replace a full couch because the kitty didn’t have some alternatives in the house.
- Changes in Water Intake
Most cats won’t drink enough water, which is why the recommended food source is normally moist foods to help supplement. At the same time, they will drink to be social if other felines are around or when you are around to be noticed. If you suddenly notice a huge uptick in your cat’s consumption, it might be time for a check-up. Several serious feline diseases and disorders list excessive water intake amongst the symptoms that should trigger an owner to seek help.
- Gift Delivery
Cat’s are wonderful hunters and often bring you gifts that could include mice, birds, or other critters. This is their way of showing affection to their owners, but it can also be them trying to show you to hunt. This is not a behavior you should try to curb or get angry over, as this is as natural to your cat as breathing.
The good news for cat owners is that these fur babies are normally pretty vocal with their character traits, so you know what they require. Once you set a pattern, even breaks in vocalization, bathroom habits, and behaviors point to concerns that need to be addressed.
By learning the nuances of your cat’s body language, you will be able to communicate with them and meet all needs effectively. The two of you will have a long and fulfilling companionship filled with great communication. Who could ask for anything more?
Leave a Reply