July 31, 2022

Understanding Your Feline Friend

The Power of Purring

One of the most well-known ways cats communicate is through purring. While it’s often associated with contentment, cats also purr for other reasons. They may purr when they’re anxious, in pain, or seeking comfort. Purring has been shown to have a calming effect not only on the cat but also on humans, often promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being. Pay attention to your cat’s body language to better understand why they’re purring — if they’re purring while curled up in your lap, it’s a sign of happiness; if they’re purring while hiding, they might be feeling stressed or unwell.

The Mystery of Meowing

Unlike purring, meowing is a form of communication that cats usually reserve for humans. While kittens meow to their mothers, adult cats rarely meow at each other. Instead, they’ve adapted this behavior to communicate with us! The frequency and intensity of a meow can indicate different things — a short, soft meow may be a greeting, while a loud, insistent meow can signal that they’re hungry or need attention. Learning the different types of meows your cat uses can help you respond better to their needs.

Body Language: The Tail Tells All

A cat’s tail is a key indicator of their mood and intentions. For example:

A tail held high typically means your cat is feeling confident and happy.
A tail tucked between the legs or close to the body may indicate fear or insecurity.
A puffed-up tail shows that your cat is startled or frightened.
If your cat is flicking or twitching their tail, they may be feeling irritated or playful.

By paying attention to tail movements, you can gauge how your cat is feeling in different situations, allowing you to interact with them more appropriately.

The Slow Blink: A Sign of Affection

Cats may not wag their tails or lick you like dogs, but they have their own unique way of showing affection — the slow blink. When a cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens its eyes, it’s a sign that they trust you and feel safe around you. This behavior is often referred to as a “cat kiss.” You can even try returning the slow blink to your cat to show them that you feel the same way!

Kneading: A Comforting Behavior

Kneading is when a cat pushes their paws into a soft surface, like a blanket or your lap. This behavior originates from kittenhood when they would knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. As adults, cats continue to knead when they’re feeling content and comfortable. If your cat kneads on you, consider it a sign of love and trust — they associate you with safety and comfort.

Ears and Whiskers: Small but Significant

Though small, your cat’s ears and whiskers can communicate a lot about their mood:

Ears pointed forward typically indicate curiosity or interest.
Ears flattened against the head suggest fear or aggression.
Whiskers pointing forward show that your cat is alert, while whiskers pulled back against the face may indicate that they’re nervous or scared.

By observing these subtle cues, you can gain insight into what your cat is feeling, even when they’re not meowing or purring.