Cat body language

From ArticleWorld

Cats communicate a variety of subtle messages using body language. People often misread cat body language, as some of the signals are very similar.

Frequently misunderstood

Many of cats’ communications are misunderstood because of their subtlety, similarity to other behaviors, or the communication having more than one objective. A cat rubbing itself along the leg of its owner is not only a method of getting attention, but the cat is also marking the owner as part of that cats’ territory. The position of the tail is often misread as well. A slight twitch of the tail implies slight irritation whereas a full 180* swing shows real agitation. Some say that when a cat flicks only the tip of the tail, it’s meant as a greeting.

Common behaviors

There are a few common behaviors one can watch for and interpret with some accuracy. Disgust is shown by lifting and shaking the paws, one after the other. Shaking all four paws is a sign of extreme disgust. As mentioned earlier, sweeping the tail 180*, sometimes against the owner, is a sign of agitation. Prodding a person, or sleeping area, is a sign of contentment. Stretching is also sign of contentment as well as a communication to the owner that they are alert. The sound somewhere between a purr and a growl is meant as a greeting. (Some say this is purely for our benefit, that cats rarely, if ever, do this to each other.) A cat raising its head toward the owners’ mouth is a sign of affection, allowing the owner to mark them, as a cat would, with their scent. When embarrassed, a cat will groom rapidly. When bored a cat will groom with long continuous strokes. Eyes wide open show the cat is listening, blinking and winking are signs of affection and friendship. A staring cat is presenting a challenge and is warning the owner to stay away for the time being. Ears held straight up show alertness and a desire to play, while holding ears flat out is a sign of confusion. When the ears are held downward, the cat is on the defensive and when down and back, the cat is truly angry.

Although varied and complex, cat body language can be interpreted with a fair amount of accuracy. Some time spent observing, and frequent close contact, are all that are really needed to know what a cat is trying to say.