Five Ways to Make Friends with Your Cat
Did you know that cats have their own special language? Even though they can seem a bit mysterious, you can learn to understand them better. Here are some fun tips to help you become best friends with your cat!
1. Understanding the Tail
Your cat’s tail can tell you a lot about how it’s feeling:
- Raised Tail: If your cat’s tail is raised and curled, it’s happy! You’re already great friends.
- Occasional Twitches: A twitching tail means your cat is excited or maybe a bit worried. If it twitches a lot, it might be time for a vet visit.
- Fur Jutting Out: When the fur on the tail sticks out, your cat is either excited or feels threatened. It’s trying to look bigger and scarier!
- Vibrating Tail: A vibrating tail shows your cat is happy to see you and might be expecting a treat.
- Tail Sticks Straight Up: This is a sign of aggression. Try to calm your cat by petting it gently.
- Tail at a Low Angle: This means your cat is a bit scared or unsure. It might be checking if there’s a friend or foe nearby.
- Lowered Tail: A lowered tail shows fear or guilt. Your cat might have done something naughty!
- Wagging Tail: A wagging tail can mean your cat is angry or wants to play. Give it some space or playtime!
2. Reading the Eyes
Your cat’s eyes can also give you clues:
- Dilated Pupils: Big pupils mean your cat is feeling playful, scared, or excited.
- Direct Look: If your cat looks you in the eyes, it trusts you.
- Slow Blink: A slow blink means your cat is calm and feels safe. It’s like a kitty kiss!
3. Interacting with People
Cats show their love in different ways:
- Rubbing Against You: Your cat is marking you as its territory.
- Poking with Nose: This means your cat feels safe and attached to you.
- Head or Tail Rub: It’s just saying hello!
- Butting with Head: This is a sign of friendliness and love.
- Shifting Paws: Your cat is happy or wants to play.
- Licking You: This shows trust and that you’re part of its family.
- Eating Your Hair: Your cat is trying to clean you, which is a sign of love.
- Biting You: A bite means your cat wants to be left alone or is just playing.
4. Other Gestures
Watch for these gestures:
- Nose Up and Head Throw: Your cat is saying, “I see you!”
- Ears Pressed Back: This means your cat is scared or curious.
- Tongue Out and Licking: Your cat might be worried or anxious.
5. Cat Language
Cats communicate with sounds too:
- Short Meow: A greeting or announcement.
- Long Meow: Your cat is happy to see you.
- Medium Meow: A request for food or water.
- Long Sound: A more insistent request.
- Loud Meow: A complaint or readiness to fight.
- Purring: A sign of happiness and a desire for attention.
Three Tips to Communicate Better with Your Cat
- Trust: Lower your cat to the ground gently so it knows it won’t fall.
- Stroking: Sit with your legs crossed and reach out your hand to invite your cat for a pet.
- Finding Your Cat: Call out in a calm voice, and your cat might come out of hiding.
Now you know how to speak cat! Are you a cat person or a dog person? Let us know!
