How to Understand Cat Behavior

Learn to think like a feline and you won't be puzzled by a meow again. Perhaps the kitty is trying to tell you to fill her food bowl or to get rid of the dog, but whatever your cat communicates, you'll feel confident in addressing her needs after a lesson on feline behavior. Understand cat behavior with these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Listen to the tones and fluctuations of a cat's meow. Cats often communicate alot by changing the intensity of their meows with throat sounds. A strained meow can indicate frustration or anger and a throaty, questioning purr can tell you the kitty is expecting a treat. Other vocalizations include hissing, growling and screaming, obvious anger or fear sounds.

2. Follow the tail. Kitties flip their tail to the beat of their emotions. Generally, if a cat's tail is up in the air it indicates a good mood, while bent ears and tail tucked under the belly is a sign kitty's scared or ready to fight. A twitching tail could tell you kitty is excited about something, while swooping her tail back and forth can tell you she is annoyed with you or something else.

3. Check out the ears. Ears bent backward can mean a cat is not happy and is looking to pick a fight. Upright ears generally indicate happiness and a kitty open to communication. Erect ears pointing slightly forward mean kitty has found something that interests her and she wants to hear more.

4. Watch the posture. Just like in Halloween decorations, a kitty with an arched back is in no mood to cuddle. A cat hovering low to the ground may be ready to pounce on an unsuspecting victim or knows he is in trouble for scratching up your bed post. Rolling over and showing off a furry belly is a sign of trust and that kitty is comfortable.

5. Look at body language. A subtle flick of the tail and a look can say volumes in cat communication. To understand a particular cat's behaviors correctly is to understand a cat's individual personality. Like humans, each cat has its own likes and dislikes, the trick is knowing what kitty wants before she "tells" you.

6. Watch for repetition. Cats are social animals and learn to relate to their owner's behaviors. A frustrated or hungry kitty repeats the same meow and just increases the volume until you get the hint.

7. Remember that cats are nocturnal and territorial. A kitty that is going to the bathroom where she shouldn't could indicate she is expressing her dominance over a new kitty or she doesn't like the new litter. It could also indicate a health problem.

Tips & Warnings

• Cats that change from a litter box to peeing in the wrong places, a dark corner or your brand new shoes, may have a urinary tract infection. Take kitty to see the animal doctor right away to rule out health issues.

Resources

• Get crafty with your cat and find great cat behavior books.

[LeahJ]

on 1/4/2009 I recently got an adult cat from a friend. I have had cats before, but this one is different. She MUST sleep on me...not beside me, on me. She licks my face, neck, ears...wherever. She did this with her previous owner too. In all other aspects, she is a very skittish cat, and she runs from people, even me if I'm up walking around. So what's up with this?

[margaretannmac]

on 11/9/2008 My male cat sucks on my shirt when he is on my lap. Why does he do this and how can I stop this behaviour?

[margaretannmac]

on 11/9/2008 Our cat like to suck on our shirts when he sits on our laps. Why and how do we stop this behaviour?