Fun facts you should know about cats!
communication between human beings isn't an easy task considering the different culture and language that exist in the world let alone with animals.
If you have a cat or you intend getting one or more, here are some things you should know about them
Sometimes it is very clear what our
cat wants...as they meow and pace around the kitchen as their feeding time
draws near, they are probably demanding that we stop all other activities and
feed them NOW! At other times their messages seem to be a bit more cryptic and
we struggle to figure out what they really want. It is akin to visiting a
foreign country where you don't speak the language...sometimes you can figure
out what others are trying to say and sometimes you end up
lost/confused/frustrated or eating something you'd prefer not to consume. Of
course, having a translation guide often helps a foreign traveler navigate
successfully through those experiences. A translation guide for cats may help
you communicate with your cat — just beware, once you find out what they're
saying they may expect faster service!
Vocalizations:
Meow:
This complex call is generally associated with greetings "hello" or care-seeking events: "feed me," "pet me," "let me out," etc.
Purr:
This soft rhythmic noise is probably a "cat smile" or your cat saying "I'm happy" or "I'm content."
Growl:
This means "back off" or "stop what you are doing." It is best heeded or else physical violence (scratch/bite) may follow.
Hiss:
This is a defensive vocalization that translates into "I'm worried, back off" or "I'm scared, stop what you are doing."
Chatter:
This chattering of the teeth is frequently associated with hunting, often observed when a cat is focused intently on its prey but can't get to the prey. It probably means "I'm so excited but I'm also frustrated."
Body Postures:
Swat:
This active strike with the front feet may have the claws exposed or shielded depending upon how strongly the cat wants to relay the message: "back-off."
Ears flattened against the head:
"I'm scared/angry/upset". Even though these cats may be frightened, they are also angry so it is best to avoid contact.
Tail up:
"Hello, I'm comfortable."
Tail arched:
"I'm scared/defensive."
Tail tucked:
"I'm scared."
Tail fluffed/bristled:
When all the tail hair fluffs up and makes the tail look like a feather duster. This means "I'm aroused/upset."
Roll over:
For most cats this isn't an invitation to rub their belly but instead a defensive posture when trapped that allows them to sink all twenty nails into their target so beware!
Gape:
This refers to the posture of the mouth when it is held half open for an extended period after the cat has investigated an item/scent. This posture allows the cat to move pheromones (chemical communicants) up into a special organ that sits just above the nasal passage called the vomeronasal organ. It is here, in the vomeronasal organ, where the cat can decode the pheromone and gather valuable information from it.Remember a scared cat is likely to use aggression if it feels trapped so any contact, including trying to comfort your cat, should be avoided. No single body posture or vocalization can tell you exactly what a cat is trying to communicate. You need to look at the entire cat and the situation to understand what they are trying to tell you!
i hope this helps, don't forget to give me a feedback or leave comments!
