We, the people who love and adore our cats, think we know what they are saying most of the time. I know I do. I feel I can tell what my guys and girl are thinking and are asking for most of the time. However, I am learning that I really do not know it all! After a bit of research, I have found out some interesting information, which I intend to pass on to you. Think about the time you have had a house full of guests and "the cat" walks in, everyone gets all excited, except maybe your neighbor, who really does not like cats. Your guests are all clamoring to get "Kitty's" attention and she ignores everyone, except the person who is not fond of cats,
Why? Simply because everyone is trying to make eye contact with "kitty" and believe it or not, cats do not like prolonged eye contact. The person, who does not like cats, is not looking at the cat and therefore, "kitty" is attracted to that person.
One thing most of us cat people do not realize, is that cats make the most facial expressions of all carnivores. Cats use every part of their bodies to communicate with us and to other cats and animals.
Experts on cats (aren't we all) have said that cats have more than 25 different visual signals used in various combinations that communicate their feelings and thoughts.
The eyes have it! Cats consider staring into their eyes as a threatening act. Cats stare at each other when they are having a territorial conflict. I guess the one who blinks first is the loser or they move into other means of straightening out the conflict, like letting the fur fly.
However, once they have settled down they will blink slowly at the rival cat and relax. They do this to us too, when they look at us with half closed eyes, this means they are content and relaxed.
If your cat's pupils are dilated it usually means the cat is feeling fearful or is excited about something such as the new toy you just brought home. Narrow pupils mean anger and in my house I quickly put the cat down, especially if I do not know why he/she is upset. Saves a lot of pain from scratches on my arms.
If your cat is staring into space, actually looks like it is sitting there blankly, your cat is really taking in all the details of the environment around it. Nothing escapes a cat's ability to be aware of its surroundings and what is going on.
Your cat's ears can talk! I bet you never noticed that your cat's ears can swivel around 180 degrees, each one independent of the other. Amazing isn't it? Your cat's ears are like a perfect scanning machine. There are 10 muscles in each earflap that can control the ear position and many smaller ones that can change the shape of the ear. Your cat's ears are scanning even when your cat is asleep.
Ever notice that if you scold Kitty for being naughty, how its ears go back and its body goes lower to the ground, like Kitty is feeling guilty for being caught.
A happy cat will have ears that are facing forward and tilted back just a little. But an anxious or fearful cat will have its ears flat against its head. In that mode, you better be anxious, too.
Curious ears happen when a cat is focused on something crawling around on the floor. Here the ears and head are tilted forward.
A cat will use its head along with its body to show how it is feeling. A happy cat walks around with its head held high and its' tail up. A cat will use its head to "bump" you as an expression of love and a nose to nose greeting is also a show of friendship towards you and other cats.
A silent meow is probably the most treasured greeting a cat can give its owner. That silent mouth open, but very little sound coming out is reserved only for favorite people or other cats.
Cats will yawn when sleepy and also when they are in a relaxed frame of mind.
A mouth open and a show of teeth, in my book, means I am mad and leave me alone.
The tail of a cat is not a story; it is a show of mood, which I guess is a story in itself. A swishing tail can mean two things one, the cat is unhappy and wants to be left alone. Like when you have been petting it too long in the cat's estimation and it wants to get down, secondly, when the cat is being playful, then it means fun and happy times.
A tail that is tucked down or in between its legs means a submissive mood, either out of fear or friendliness.
A quivering tail usually means Kitty is happy to see you and a gently moving back and forth tail means Kitty is quite content with its world.
Now if your cat winds its tail around your legs, when it is rubbing against you, that is a very loving sign, and you should be very happy and grateful.
A straight up tail with a head held high is one very happy and worldly cat, content with its surroundings and life.
Last, but not least is body language. We all know the "Halloween cat" posture that means an angry or aggressive cat. But did you realize that if your cat rolls over and offers you its tummy to rub, you are being given the highest of compliments? Cats that offer their tummies to be rubbed are showing you complete trust and affection. If your cat sleeps that way in your home, you know you have given your cat a place to live that he/she feels perfectly safe and happy in.
Understanding your pet's language is very helpful in creating a comfortable life for you both. By taking a little time to watch how your cat reacts to certain things around your home, can give you much insight into why the cat is behaving as it is. Sometimes these signs can alert you as signals to a coming behavior problem.
The most important thing we can do for our pets be it a cat or dog, is to take time to understand what it is trying to tell us. Their bodies are their only means of communication, so be aware.
If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com
Author: Audrey Frederick
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
