Cat Behaviors Should Be Understood So That You Enjoy Time With Your Cat

If you are a new cat or kitten owner, your new pet’s behavior can often be puzzling. Whether you have never owned a cat before, or are just used to dogs, it is time to learn some things about your new feline so you can understand cat behaviors. A cat’s body language is his or her form of communication with you.

First, let’s take a look at the tail. If you take a look at what your kitty’s tail is doing, you can often discover his or her mood. If the tail is relaxed and unmoving, kitty is sleepy or content. If the tail is stiff and high up in the air, kitty is happy and interested in interacting with you. The tail is key to cat psychology.

Cat’s tails are their way of communicating with humans in a quieter way than meowing! When your cat’s tail has started “ticking” or moving back & forth, kitty is trying to let you know that he or she is done and needs some alone time. Remember, he or she will give you plenty of warning before they scratch or bite you, so always remain wary of their tail-actions.

Next, we can look at a cat’s general posture. If your cat is curled up tightly or has a paw over his or her face, she is sleeping and wishes to be left alone. On the other hand, if her body posture is more relaxed - for example, she is sprawled across the floor, it might be play time. Many cat problems can result from not being careful about observing posture, and playing with kitty when he or she doesn’t want to be played with.

Cats signal interest in playing, or otherwise interacting physically, by flipping over onto their backs. Most, but not all, cats are sensitive about their bellies, and will scratch or bite if you try to pet them there. Because cat behaviors and “play” are forms of training to become better hunters, it is wise for humans to interact with a cat in “play mode” through the use of toys rather than hands. Cats can get very excited, and are very easily spooked, so don’t get mad or emotionally hurt if the cat lashes out at you.

It’s important to observe the tail and the way your baby kitten stands while you are stroking and coddling it. Unlike dogs that always want your love and affection, cats are more finicky. They change their minds about wanting your attention without warning. Often they signal it to you first using their tail and their posture. Keep in mind that cats are individuals with their own style and personality, and sometimes they just need to be left alone. They best way to form a loving bond with your new kitten is to respect its needs.

For first time pet owners, or people who are used to dogs, a newly adopted cat or kitten’s behavior may sometimes appear very puzzling. In order to communicate with the cat in a way that benefits both owner and animal, it is necessary to learn about basic cat behaviors and cat psychology. If your cat is curled up tightly or has a paw over his or her face, she is sleeping and wishes to be left alone. Many cat problems can result from not being careful about observing posture, and playing with kitty when he or she doesn’t want to be played with.

- Paul Proctor