Cats can sometimes be a bit of a mystery. They have an interesting history, and are purrrrfect in many ways. And those of us who have ever lived with a cat know one does not
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Think you know everything about felines? Cats are mysterious creatures, and if you think that you know everything about them, you’re sadly mistaken. Believe me, I’ve been a cat owner for more than 10 years,
Cats, like human-beings, reveal their inner states through their body language. At tuft + paw, we spend a ton of time researching cats in order to design our cat furniture. We have both a cat behaviorist and a veterinarian on our team, so we have a lot of insight into why cats behave a certain way. For this guide, we sat down with Feline Behavior Expert Marci Koski to figure out exactly how to tell the difference between a cat that’s anxious, fearful, or angry and one that’s friendly and comfortable. We’ll also share some fun stories that will help you understand some common cat body language quirks. The first step in reading a cat's body language is understanding the context... Understanding the Context of Cat Behavior There are many physical cues of a cat's mood, but their meaning can vary depending on the context. For example, one of the most reliable signs of a confident cat is a tail that’s lifted vertically, high in the air. Most of the time, this tail position indicates that the cat feels comfortable and open to interaction. However, in certain contexts – like warding off a strange cat in his own territory – a high tail can also indicate a willingness to attack. The high tail can represent a confident cat or a potentially aggressive cat depending on the scenario. So, when it comes to reading cat body language, the key is to pay attention not only to physical cues, but also the situation in which they take place, which is the approach we'll be following in this guide. When considering context, it’s important to try to see things from your cat’s perspective. People often approach cats with good intentions, get scratched or bitten, and then blame the cat for being mean-tempered. What’s missing is an assessment of how the cat might have perceived the gesture. Grove Cat Tower by tuft + paw A Cat's Behavior Depends on The Environment One should always consider whether the situation feels safe for the cat or might be causing them fear or anxiety. A dark, confined environment that a cat can’t easily escape from produces more stress than a wide open comfortable room where surroundings can be seen, which is why cats usually love relaxing on high open perches. This is also why litter box location is so important. A quality cat tower is a great way to provide a multi-purpose space for your cat to observe, relax, play, and withdraw when they're feeling overwhelmed. If the cat is familiar with everyone in the environment and also has a personal spot they know they can retreat to, a cat will likely feel safer and you can assume more comfort. On the flip side, when travelling with a cat you can probably assume they're a little stressed out. In these situations, it's important to choose the right cat carrier that will limit noise and visual stimulation, but still have enough mesh to provide some light and ventilation. @tuftandpaw Here's a HUGE MISTAKE that many new cat owners often make: not providing sufficient access to windows for their feline companions. Cats, as we are aware, originate from the wild, and their innate instincts drive them to seek the outdoors. Although most of our pet cats are indoor dwellers, it doesn't mean they shouldn't receive some mental stimulation from observing the outside world. It's essential to ensure that your kitty not only has ample window access but also comfortable perches that offer excellent views. #catfacts #catcare #cathealthandwellbeing #understandingcats #catlitter #bestcatlitter #bestcatlitter2023 #cat101 #bestcatproducts ♬ Sad piano ballad (BGM / sad)(936782) - TrickSTAR MUSIC When gauging a cat’s mood, take in the big picture first. All sensory inputs – sights, sounds, smells – should be taken into account to provide the most accurate idea of how a cat might feel. If you’re still unsure, you can look to individual components of the cat’s body language and put the pieces together to figure out what your cat might be feeling. Without any further ado, let’s look at the most significant component of a cat’s body language: posture. Cat Posture & Body Position: Open or Closed? It’s helpful to remember that as animals, cats evolved as both predators and prey. When cats encounter threatening circumstances, they feel like prey and become scared. When scared, cats are likely to try and protect their body as much as possible by scrunching up into a small, less exposed shape. A tense, ball-like posture can also be a sign that your cat is in pain. When a cat stretches out, they’re voluntarily exposing themselves – this shows that they don’t feel threatened. On the other hand, a ball-shaped cat is usually not feeling open to advances. A cat that’s feeling anxious or worried might also crouch down, low to the ground. If they stop and freeze when they see you, you can be sure they’re not feeling comfortable. Tip: If you notice your cat is frequently assuming closed postures (e.g. when strangers come over) but doesn't have a place they can retreat to that still allows them to see the room, consider adding some high perches in your home. We've already mentioned cat trees, but another great option is a window hammock or wall-mounted shelf. Cloud Nine Window Hammock by tuft + paw - Shop Here Credit: @stormy_thebritish There’s a big difference, however, between a cat stretching out in relaxation and a cat making itself bigger as a form of defense. When a cat is fearful or angry to the point of being willing to fight, they'll often make themselves as big as possible in various ways. A classic example is when a cat puts its back all the way up and stands sideways to the threat – a cat with their back arched in this position is telling you they're terrified. When a cat’s back is arched, their hair often stands up too. (The term for hair standing up in this way is piloerection.) Both behaviors make the cat look bigger and more intimidating. A cat exhibiting these behaviors might be ready to stand their ground and fight. Body orientation also important to consider. Cats forecast their intentions and next moves by pointing their body in the direction they are likely to go. If a cat is standing sideways to you, they might be feeling shy and considering escape. With a sideways body position, the cat has the advantage of being able to take off fast if a chase occurs. The crouched-down body position enables the cat to spring off and start running quickly, should they feel the need. If a cat is pointing their body and head toward you, they may be interested in you and receptive to your advances. A cat who faces away from you may not necessarily be disinterested, however – their letting their guard down around you can also signal comfort and willing to be touched – so get a feel for the context. A Cat On Its Back – a.k.a. “the Venus Cat Trap” Remember, no single sign or indicator of body language is guaranteed, so caution when interacting with cats is usually the best policy. For proof of this, you can ask anyone that’s ever been a victim of the Venus Cat Trap. Many people, after they learn that a cat exposing itself feels comfortable, may see a cat with its belly up and think that it’s safe to rub or pet the cat’s belly. The exposed belly is a sign of comfort and trust, but it is not necessarily an invitation for a belly rub. Many people have touched a cat’s stomach only to have its owner instantly seize-up, latching onto their hand with claws and teeth. @tuftandpaw PSA!!! You shouldn't be playing with your cat like this. How many of you are playing with your kitty using your hands? Try breaking that habit by using a cat toy instead. #catfacts #catcare #cathealthandwellbeing #understandingcats #bestcatproducts #cattoys #moderncatfurniture #moderncatproducts #bestcatproducts ♬ Sad piano ballad (BGM / sad)(936782) - TrickSTAR MUSIC The Venus Cat Trap can be avoided with some care and sensitivity to context. In one context, a cat laying on its back and exposing its belly is expressing relaxation, trust, and security. In a different context, the cat is indicating that it’s ready to fight off an aggressor, since this position allows for the claws to be ready and defensively effective. Dylan often appears relaxed with his belly exposed, but don’t be fooled! If you go to pet his stomach, you’ll become his prey very quickly. Kip Cat Cushion by tuft + paw - Shop Here Credit: @buckminsterscatcafe Benny, on the other hand, loves tummy rubs. Kip Cat Cushion by tuft + paw - Shop Here Credit: @m0ldypeach The more you know about a cat’s personality, the more you can understand their perspective, and so the context of the situation. Knowing the different preferences of Dylan and Benny, for example, will help you avoid the Venus Cat Trap. How to Read Your Cat's Tail Language A cat’s tail is one of the first places to look for signs of their mood. As mentioned earlier, a high, vertical tail indicates a cat that’s feeling confident, comfortable, happy, and friendly, and a low tail indicates a cat that’s feeling fearful or anxious. It’s helpful to think about the shape a cat is making and how it relates to the overall situation. A very fearful cat might not only keep its tail down, but tuck it between its legs; this is done to present a target that’s as small as possible to aggressors. And a high, puffed-out tail might indicate a cat trying to make itself bigger to intimidate potential foes. Why do cats flick their tails? Two other actions a cat’s tail can exhibit are vibration and flicking. When a cat’s tail quivers, it can be a sign of happy excitement. This may appear similar to the vibrating movement a cat’s tail makes before it spray-marks something with urine. Again, however, context is everything – if a cat greets you with this gesture she is excited to see you. Flicking, on the other hand, can be a sign of agitation or alertness. For example, Abbey, who can be moody and sometimes even a Venus Cat Trap, will sometimes show her lack of receptivity by flicking her tail. When she receives attention and pets, she’ll often go from excited and happy to simply tolerant and then to upset. Her body language gives clues at each stage, and when she flicks her tail, it’s time to back off. @tuftandpaw I think we can all agree that reading a cat's emotions can be extremely difficult. It's funny how much we LOVE our fur babies but honestly can't tell if they're mad, happy, or sad! However, we're here to crack the code. According to cat behaviorists, here are some indicators to help you understand how your kitty is feeling… #c#catfactsc#catcarec#cathealthandwellbeingu#understandingcatsc#catlitterb#bestcatlitterbestcatlitter2023 #moderncatproducts #bestcatproducts ♬ Sad piano ballad (BGM / sad)(936782) - TrickSTAR MUSIC Tail flicking doesn't always indicate agitation though. Cats who are engaged in hunting behaviors (whether real or play) will often flick their tails as they watch their prey. If you're using an exciting cat toy and your cat is going crazy for it, chances are there's some tail flicking going on before they pounce. In this situation, tail flicking is a sign of stimulation and alertness. Understanding Cat Ear Language Ear position is another place to look for clues about a cat’s mood. Normal, forward ears indicate a cat that’s feeling confident, relaxed, or engaged. As always, however, context is essential for understanding. When a cat’s ears stand straight up, the cat is increasing their exposure, and you may be fooled into thinking it’s at ease; instead, sometimes the high, erect ear position indicates alertness or a desire to play. A cat with ears turned back is usually a good sign that a cat is feeling angry or fearful. When a cat protects their ears by flattening them to the side, you can almost always be sure that they’re feeling afraid. (Some people will refer to ears in this position as “airplane ears.”) Dharma is a cat that likes to hang out in her owner’s closet. A former feral cat, Dharma is now more comfortable and confident. She still needs a place in which she can rest and hide from the world, though, and she chooses the closet. When new people come looking for her in the closet, she can feel threatened. When a person enters the closet, Dharma makes herself as small as possible, and that includes her ears. Dharma’s ears get so flat on her head, they look like they’ve been plastered there. Reading Your Cat's Eyes A cat’s posture, tail, and ears will probably tell you what you need to know, but if you’re still unsure, take a look at their eyes. When a cat trusts you and feels comfortable around you, they might blink at you slowly. A slowly blinking cat is usually a comfortable one. A cat’s pupils are another good way to tell how relaxed or stimulated it is. Relaxed eyes usually belong on a cat that’s feeling comfortable. When a cat’s pupils are large and dilated, that means it’s stimulated. Stimulation is not necessarily good or bad. A cat that’s feeling playful will often have dilated pupils. However, dilated pupils can also indicate fear, excitement, or anger. Consider the context to decide. The famous cat slow blink Cats blink slowly to show affection and relaxation. If a cat blinks slowly at you, they are not threatened by you – in fact, they trust you. To bond with a cat that blinks slowly at you, you can return their gesture by blinking slowly back at them. This is a great way to communicate with your cats. Reading a Cat's Whisker Position If you’ve taken in all the other signs and you still want more information, check out a cat’s whiskers. Compared to a cat’s posture, tail, ears, and eyes, the whiskers aren’t going to tell you as much, but they may provide a helpful hint. Fearful cats bring the whiskers close to the face This action is yet another example of a fearful cat’s tendency to try and make itself smaller. Confident cats, by contrast, might push their whiskers forward. Cat Noises & Vocalizations: What Do They Mean? Although not “body language” per se, the noises a cat makes – their vocalizations – are a cat’s most overt ways of telling you its feelings. Why do cats purr? Most people understand that purring is a good sign, but, in fact, like most other indicators, it’s not guaranteed. Purring is a sign of pleasure – it’s the most obvious way to tell when a cat is happy. However, cats may also purr when they’re in pain! Many veterinarians report that cats purr when they’re injured or feeling sick. Cat Fear/Aggression Sounds When a cat wants you to understand that they’re feeling threatened, they may go through a series of vocalizations, increasing in intensity as their discomfort increases. 1) the growl: A growling cat is warning you to back off. 2) the hiss: Hissing indicates that a cat is feeling threatened and may be getting ready to fight or flee; hissing is also a very effective way of showing a potential aggressor that the cat is armed with sharp fangs. 3) the yowl: usually comes after the hiss and is a loud rising vocalization. Cats also make this sound when they're in heat. 4) the shriek: Finally, a cat that’s shrieking feels that they’re out of options and is about to make their stand or retreat. Cat Chirping & Chattering – What Does it Mean? Chirping and chattering are two vocalizations that are expressed for the same reason. A cat will chirp and chatter if there is potential prey nearby that it cannot attack. For example, if your cat is chirping at the window, they may see a bug that they would love to capture – but that is safe behind a screen. Chirping and chattering indicate excitement tempered by frustration. Puff Modern Cat Bed by tuft + paw - Shop Here What is cat trilling? Trilling sounds a bit like purring but has a much higher pitch - almost like a bell on a bicycle. Mother cats trill to communicate with their kittens. When a cat trills, it’s probably feeling friendly and familial. Cats often trill to their owners to greet them. Why is my cat constantly meowing? Meowing is one of the most ambiguous types of cat vocalizations because a cat meows for many reasons. Meowing could mean almost anything, from hunger to simple chattiness. Like most other body language signs and behaviors that cats exhibit, meowing should be analyzed as a part of the cat’s larger context. Constant meowing, however, may indicate that something is wrong. If a cat won’t stop meowing and seems to be in pain, it’s time for a trip to the vet. If they meow every day, even after eating, maybe your cat is just chatty – some cats, and breeds, are more vocal than others. Cat Behavior FAQs What cat behaviors are concerning? Some concerning cat behaviors are excessive grooming, hiding more than usual, not eating, and changing their litterbox habits. If your cat does any of these, it's worth making an appointment with the vet. How do you tell a cat you love them? Slow blink at them! Cats slow blink when they are relaxed and showing affection. If you do it back to them you are letting them know you feel safe around them. Of course, you can also pet and snuggle your cat (if they like it) and give them treats to strengthen your bond. How do I know if my cat is happy? Some signs your cat is happy are: 1) purr ingaround you when they are relaxing; 2) kneading surface with their paws a.k.a. "making biscuits"; 3) slow blinking at you; 4) holding their tail high and rubbing against you. How do I know if my cat has imprinted on me? If your cat is clingy and always wants to be around you, then that's a strong sign they've imprinted on you. They'll follow you around the house, make noises at you, sleep with you, and just generally be obsessed with you. Cat Behavior: Putting It All Together Cats have earned a reputation for being hard to read, but it’s not their fault – they just communicate differently than humans. With their posture, tails, ears, eyes, whiskers, and vocalizations, they’ll tell you whether they’re comfortable or not. The main takeaway is that a cat’s body language and behaviors should be looked at as a part of single big picture. By using the context of the entire situation, trying to see the situation from the cat’s point of view, and looking for subtle cues in body language, you’ll have an excellent chance at understanding your feline friends. @tuftandpaw Cats are known for their occasional grudge-holding tendencies. Here is how to win their love back: It’s important to avoid reacting with anger when your cat responds naturally to uncomfortable situations, instead, try to understand their body language and let them determine the level of contact they're comfortable with. Over-comforting can backfire, so if you notice signs of annoyance, it's often best to leave them alone rather than attempting to soothe them through petting, as cats can remain highly agitated for extended periods. If your cat's behavior changes without apparent environmental shifts, consult a veterinarian, as behavioral changes can sometimes indicate underlying illness, particularly if your cat is spending more time in hiding. In cases of aggression, consider seeking assistance from a clinical animal behaviorist through your veterinarian for expert guidance in addressing complex behavioral issues. #catfacts #catcare #cathealthandwellbeing #understandingcats #catlitter #bestcatlitter #bestcatlitter2023 #cat101 #bestcatproducts ♬ Sad piano ballad (BGM / sad)(936782) - TrickSTAR MUSIC Suggested Reading Why Is My Cat Going Outside the Litter Box? How to Choose the Right Litter 5 Best Non-Tracking Cat Litters 5 Best Natural Cat Litters 10 Best Cat Trees Cove: The Modern Litter Box We wanted to share an endorsement for our brand new Cove litter box. Cove is a simple, beautiful litter box with an integrated scoop, dustpan, and handbrush. Built by designers, engineers, and cat behaviorists and made from recycled plastics that are completely toxin-free. Visit the Cove page for more details on how you can get your hands on one. More details can be found here > p.s. Have you tried Really Great Cat Litter? Our flushable formula is 99% dust-free, low tracking, ultra absorbent, clumping, and eliminates odor on the spot.
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It irritates me to no end when I see stupid, click-bait-y articles like Adorable Things Cats Do With Shockingly Evil Explanations. Seriously, that's a real article. And it's hogwash. Hogwash, I say! Let's be real. Our cats love us. They worship the ground we walk on.
CARING FOR SENIOR CATS While there are few things in life cuter than a little kitten, senior cats are just as special and as unique as only a cat can be. Their playtime might be less, and their sleeping time a little longer (if this is even possible), but they are still your same beloved fur-mily member! Now that your kitty is getting on in life, it’s time to start thinking about their care. Do you know what you need to do to make sure they stay happy, healthy, and active in their senior years? It may not have crossed your mind yet - we get it, life can get in the way sometimes! However, small adjustments can make a big difference to senior cats. Keep reading for our top tips on caring for senior cats. FIGURING OUT YOUR SENIOR CAT'S AGE Before you make any changes to your cat’s care and routine, you have to figure out their age. Here you will need to look at when your cat reached their golden years and just how senior they really are. Cats are considered elderly once they reach the age of 11, with senior cats defined as those between the ages of 11-14 years old. Once cats reach the age of 15, they are considered super senior. Thanks to the great food and care we have today, many kitties are living up to the ripe old age of 20. In human years, this may not sound very old at all, but cats age differently to us. See our blog post on how you can tell your senior cat’s age in human years - it will come in handy! CARING FOR SENIOR CATS IN 4 DIFFERENT WAYS From food for senior cats to help with older cat weight loss, here are our 4 top cat tips to help you care for your senior feline furbabies. 1. Food for Senior Cats One thing you may notice in older cats is weight loss. As they enter a new phase in their life, their nutritional requirements will change. When your cat enters frosty face territory, this can be a game-changer for their health. You’ll need to keep feeding them a balanced diet and make sure they're eating the right food. We recommend consulting your vet about food for senior cats that is specially formulated for their needs. If your cat is obese, then helping them get down to a normal weight is essential to their health as they get older. Again, your vet will be a great person to chat to about this at your next visit. 2. Stick to Regular Vet Visits Cats are masters at many things, including hiding disease. They may appear well, despite having underlying problems. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that healthy, older cats be examined by a veterinarian every six months. Examining your senior cat more often as they age will help detect problems earlier. This often results in easier disease management and a better quality of life for your kitty. In fact, regular vet visits are a top cat tip no matter how old your feline furbaby might be! 3. Practice Good Grooming and Hygiene Maintaining your cat’s dental care and gum health as they age will help them eat properly and get all the nutrients out of their food. Just like us hoomans, hygiene health matters and should be practiced from a young age! Thankfully, there are professionals who'll take care of your cat's dazzling smile! You can also get into the habit of cleaning your cat’s teeth at home and giving them special treats which help with this. Your senior cats may also have special grooming needs, particularly if you have a long-haired cat. Get into the habit of brushing this hair frequently for a healthy and happy cat. Matted hair can be a nightmare for hidden fleas and skin diseases! 4. Keep Your Cat Active While it may be a little more difficult to keep your older cat moving, it is essential when it comes to healthy joints. Find out which games he or she loves to play, and spend some time doing this with them each day. Not only will this keep their body active, but their mind too. Not sure where to start? Take some inspiration from our blog post, 15-minute games to play with dogs. We get it, sometimes we’re feeling lazy, and taking your cat for a walk may be the last thing you want to do. Let us leave you with” a happy cat is a happy parent! Make the most of these golden years with your furbaby and spend some time doing something they love. You’ll thank yourself later! Naturally, we want our pets to be with us as long as possible. With the right care, their golden years can be their best yet! It's up to us to ensure that they're the most comfortable and content frosty face out there. Now that we’ve covered caring for senior cats, what about senior dogs? Of course, we have a blog post for that too! Check out our top tips on caring for older dogs here. BACK TO BLOG HOME CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT WHY DO CATS HATE CLOSED DOORS HOW TO KEEP THE DOG OUT OF THE CAT LITTER BOX HOW TO INTRODUCE CATS TO YOUR HOME BABIES & CATS: HOW TO ACHIEVE PURFECTION SHOP WEBSITE SHOP AMAZON