Every pet parent has dreamed of a day when our pets would be able to talk to us and communicate what they feel. While that isn’t possible unless our scientists invest something remarkable to help decode cat communication, we’ll have to make do with what we already have. With dogs, it is obvious when it comes to decoding their emotions. However, cats are a bit introverted in nature. They do talk, but only if you know how to listen. So, how do cats communicate with us humans? Let us decode the top 10 ways they do!
Cracking The Code: Cat Communication
1. Lying With Tummy Exposed:
Cats don’t trust easily. But, if they do, they go all in. So, if your cat is lying down with its tummy exposed, it might be a sign of trust. If you wish to give them a belly rub, do not go all in at once. Start slowly with a gentle touch. If the cat doesn’t react, you can go all in. However, that might not be the only reason for your cat to expose their belly. It could also be the opposite of that. If this posture is coupled with their sharp claws out and teeth extended, it is better to keep your hands away from their belly.
2. Constant Vocalization:
Our fur friends love to express their needs via vocalization in different tones, like a soft meow or purr. However, if your cat has constantly been vocalizing in a purr, hiss, yowl, or chirp, you need to decode if their call needs attention. If you have recently fed your cat and they are constantly yowling or chirping for more, the key is to ignore them and not to feed them attention. However, if your cat is hissing, it might be showing aggression towards another cat, any other animal, or even you. So, you need to judge the circumstance and act according. Constant vocalization might also mean that your cat is sick and needs immediate veterinary attention.
3. Slow Blinking:
When playing with your cat or simply chilling around with them, if you notice your pet slowly blinking, it is a way for it to show trust and affection. A cat that has been slowly blinking at you is completely relaxed, and it is essentially a sign of a feline kiss. This is often considered friendly and non-threatening behavior. You can also reciprocate this emotion by blinking back at your pets.
4. Rolling Around:
Just like children roll around on the floor when throwing tantrums, cats love to roll around as well. However, in the case of your feline friend, it might mean they are happy or excited, especially if you have come back from the office or met them after a gap of a few hours. The cat might run or walk towards you and start rolling all around you to show that they love you with this adorable way of greeting.
5. Bunting:
Dogs mark their territory by peeing in their area. However, for cats, it is bunting. After a long day, you might see your cat walking towards you as they rub their body on you or any area nearby. This way, your cat leaves its scent or pheromones on you, which helps them mark their territory. It is a natural trait in cats that are seen chiefly if they happen to love someone or something. Cats do not practice bunting or rubbing their body on others. They will do this only with the people they love.
6. Kneading:
You might have often seen cats knead their bed with their paws before going to sleep. For someone who is a new pet parent, this habit might seem odd. However, this is a natural feline trait that is seen primarily in kittens and passes on into adulthood. Kittens tend to use their paws to knead against their mother’s breasts. This helps stimulate the mother cat’s glands to induce more milk for the kitten. However, adult cats replicate this behavior as it makes them feel relaxed, loved, and cozy, especially when they do it to their bed. They can also do this on your lap when you pet them.
7. Gifting Dead Animals:
Cats are predators by nature. They love to hunt their prey and get their nutrition from this. However, this is a trait that kept the wild cats fed and healthy. With modernization, cats became pets and had no need for hunting. However, their hunting trait has been passed on from one generation to another. So, if you ever see your cat catching anything that moves and gifting it to you, it is a sign that they are sharing their catch with you. Remember, if you get a dead animal or a squeaky toy from your cat, you are loved.
8. Cuddling With You:
Cats love to sleep so much that they can sleep as long as 16 hours daily. Given that they are very vulnerable when sleeping, they tend to pick a place that is trusted and secure. Even if they have a cat house or a dedicated space in the house to sleep in, they might prefer sleeping with you. So, if your cast chooses to cuddle and sleep with you, it is a sign that they trust and love you.
9. Notice The Tail:
Your cat’s tail can depict a lot of emotions. While you might see a dog wagging its tail and know in a heartbeat that they are excited to see you, the same isn’t true for cats. If you see your cat moving their tail in a side-to-side motion, it means that your cat wants you to stay away as they are irritated. On the other hand, if your cat’s tail is high up in the air with the end hooked towards you, it suggests they are secure, confident, and happy.
10. Cat Staying Away:
While cats are introverted by nature, they love to show emotions to their human. At times, it can be difficult to understand if your cat is in great health or not. However, if you notice your cat staying aloof for a long time, there might be an underlying issue with it in terms of health. In such instances, give your cat a safe space to rest while you get in touch with the veterinarian. You can get the Bedsure Foldable Cat Bed for your feline friend to give your cat access to a safe space when they are upset or unwell. This cat cave features a fluffy hanging ball with a scratch pad for your pet to play with. Cats have a natural instinct to hide their signs of weakness or illness. This particular behavior is rooted in their wild ancestry, as displaying their vulnerability makes them susceptible to predators.
Conclusion
Understanding the way cats communicate with humans can help significantly deepen the bond between pet parents and their feline friends. Cats shouldn’t be confused with dogs as their body postures, vocalization, and behavior are drastically different. When you pay attention to their signals like meowing, slow blinking, purring, or meowing, you can get better insight into the feline world and respond in the right way.
