If history is an indication, cats have always perceived their humans as good friends for as long as they have co-existed. However, if you take a look at contemporary research, it suggests that felines don’t actually perceive us as someone different but rather a part of their family/community.
Although cats know that we are bigger in size, they behave with us in a similar manner as they do around other felines. However, the only difference here is that the cats try to communicate with us by meowing, but they don’t do that with other cats.
They might rub against your body, try to groom you, or try to swirl their tails very high in happiness. While it could be difficult to decide what exactly your cat is thinking about but most pet parents turn to understand the body language of the cat. This is the primary way for your cat to communicate. So, you can pick up on the visual cues and understand what your cat is thinking on an extensive scale.
Understanding your cat’s body language
You cannot exactly decode what is going on inside your cat’s mind. But, you can narrow it down to the closest thought process. So, let us understand what emotions each body part of a cat represents:
1. Tail:
You can start by noticing your cat’s tail to understand what they are thinking. If your cat’s tail is in a resting position, it means that your cat is chilled out. If your cat starts flinging the tail, chances are the cat is feeling irritated at the moment. Alternatively, if you notice that the cat’s tail is in a vertical position, it means they are happy, willing to play, or even at peace.
On the other hand, if your cat’s tail is seen tucked between its hind legs, it suggests that they are fearful or anxious.
2. Ears:
When you see that your cat has its ear pinned back, they are not in the mood to interact with you. This happens when your feline friend is feeling over-stimulated, like in scenarios that involve being stressed or over-petted.
3. Eyes:
If your cat is involved with you in a staring game for quite some time and they end it with a slow and long blink, it confirms that they love you. The eye half-closed action complements the snuggling, purring, or kneading activity. On the other hand, if your cat’s eyes are focused and dilated, they are up for action. This could be coupled with taut whiskers and a butt wiggle as well.
Feline Emotions |
Body Postures |
| Relaxed | Breathing: Slow or normal
Activity: Resting or sleeping Legs: Bent when sleeping or extended when standing Tail: Loosely wrapped or extended
|
| Tense | Breathing: Normal
Activity: Alert or resting Legs: Bent, front legs in an extended form when standing, or hind legs in a bent position Tail: Tense downwards, very close to the body, curled forward or even twitching |
| Alert | Breathing: Normal
Activity: Awake, resting, or exploring Legs: Bent or extended when standing Tail: Sticking to the body or curved in a backward direction
|
| Fearful | Breathing: Fast
Activity: Alert, motionless, or crawling Legs: Bent or bent close to the surface Tail: Curled forward and touching with the body
|
Mysteries of the feline world
We might assume that we know everything about the feline world and the mysteries of a cat’s thought process. However, it is impossible to understand them completely unless, of course, you manage to invest something that helps translate just what your cat is saying.
From resting on their human’s head to wrapping around the laptop, cats have so much personality hidden inside them. This can cause several myths and misconceptions to arise, which include:
- We tend to assume that cats love to be alone and aloof. But that is not the case. Of course, they aren’t as emotionally dependent as dogs are, but they are just as special. They are social animals that need close companionship.
- Cats’ scratch is a sign of aggression. Well, it is absolutely wrong! Yes, sometimes your cat might scratch you out of anger or after perceiving something as a sign of danger. However, scratching normally is a primal feline instinct. It gives them a lot of relief and pleasure. A great solution to this is to give them access to a sturdy and fun scratching post. Your cat can let it all out with these posts and enjoy a scratch-free time.
If you are looking for a durable scratch post, you can get the PetnPurr Cat Scratching Post for your feline friend. This modern & sturdy scratch post blends well with your home décor and is perfect for cats of all ages.
- Another misconception about cats is that purring denotes happiness. Yes, it does denote happiness. However, purring could also denote fear, pain, or stress. Make sure you notice any signs of injury or illness. If this is the case, make sure you get in touch with your veterinarian at the earliest.
Cat Behavioral Traits Suggesting Happiness
When cats feel happy, there are certain signs that you can observe that include signs such as:
- Purring
- Drooling
- Kneading
- Blinking Eyes
If you observe these signs, it is safe for you to play or interact with them.
Cat Behavioral Traits Suggesting Anger
Generally, lower and longer frequency sounds that include hissing and growling could signal that your cat is potentially angry.
If you feel like your cat is threatened or stressed, it is suggested that you look for signs that include:
- Swatting
- Pinned Back Ears
- Hissing
- Tail Swishing
- Hiding
Cat Behavioral Traits Suggesting Fear
If you are wondering whether your cat is fearful or afraid at any given moment, make sure you look for these behavioral traits:
- Dilated Eyes
- Stiffened/Crouched Body Posture
- Wagging or Tucked Tail
- Panting or Open Mouth
- Rapid Breathing
- Ears Tilted To The Sides
Conclusion
While all these physical signs more or less denote the behavior or thought process defined above, they might not be 100% accurate. Each pet is unique, and you need to spend time with them to understand them better. Remember, it is not a one-step process but a journey you need to scale with your pet.
