Cat Behaviour Explained

Throughout the ages cats have been seen as inscrutable, often describing them as sphinx like. Their slow, measured movements and sleek bodies seem to flow through the air. And yet beneath that calm exterior, they are ready to spring into action at a second's notice, in the blink of an eye changing pace and intention. It is perhaps this that makes them sometime so difficult to read.Yet cats do have very specific behaviours. In this article we set out to explore what they are and what they mean.

Rolling

Okay this is how it works, your cat drops onto the ground at your feet and rolls over onto their back. At the same time they flail their legs back and forth in the air. You bend down to give their tummy a tickle and wham, claws are out. Whoa, stop right there is the very definite message. So what is happening?Well, in the first instance, this behaviour is not to be confused with that of dogs. When dogs roll over it is done as a sign of submission. Cats on the other hand are more complex. It is true that they do sometimes roll as a means of seeking attention but it is not the only reason they roll. Rubbing the head and cheeks spreads self-scent, it is also a form of self massage. These behaviours are ritualistic. It is a mistake to assume that they need or even welcome attention from you at this point.

Cat Talk

Cats are very vocal. They use a series of hisses, growls, meowing and purring to express emotion. Even though they do not speak the same language as us they do not let this little matter get in the way of communication. Basically we may say that a meow is a demand - let me in - let me out - feed me - play with me. These demands can become quite insistent, the meows growing more and more strident, be that as it may, but what about when they come along in the middle the night, what is that about? Well, cats are great sleepers, typically sleeping for around sixteen hours a day. By nature they are most active at night. Why? Because this is when their natural prey is active too; the fact that you are in the middle of your best and deepest sleep means nothing to them... they are on mouse alert! It's annoying, but all the same it is normal.

Cat's eyes can be very revealing

It would seem they cannot help themselves, fear, anger, pleasure, excitement... all will result in the cat's pupil changing into that famous slit shape. But there are other things to be read from your cat's eyes too.When a cat stares unblinkingly at something it can be a sign of control, or even aggression. This is seen often in multi-cat households. By using an unblinking stare, the cat warns off other cats from approaching an owned pathway to food bowls, litter box, or other important territory.As mentioned earlier a slit-eyed look indicates strong emotion—but squinting also protects eyes from potential claws of an opponent.A relaxed and trusting cat has droopy, sleepy-looking eyelids. Try this little experiment: meet their sleepy gaze with a relaxed gaze of your own, then slowly blink. If they blink back, you have been honoured with the deepest cat affection!

Friendly Cat Tail Positions

The high-held tail is the feline equivalent of hello. It means I'm in the mood for a little interaction. Confident, happy cats also hold their tails high. The curved, U shaped tail is also a sign of wanting to be friendly.

Unfriendly Cat tail Positions

A wagging tail tells, in no uncertain terms, that you need to back off. When the wagging changes to thumping the ground with the tail, they are getting ready to attack. As a rule of thumb, any kind of moving tail generally indicates arousal of some sort—excitement, fear, aggression. Even the merest end of the tail flicking back and forth indicates some kind of frustration or heightened emotion. Take a good look about, there will be something. It may seem like nothing to you but to your cat...A bristled tail held upright or straight behind the cat indicates extreme aggression.Tucking the tail between the legs signals fear, it is often accompanied by hissing, growling, and other vocalizations. The terrified cat may crouch low to the floor with ears slicked back.

The Cat's Whiskers

Cats also communicate to the world through their whiskers. The whiskers of happy, relaxed cats are extended outward. But whiskers that slick back and down against the cheeks are a sign of a frightened or agitated cat.

Cat Scratching

This can be a very irritating habit. But for your cat it is important and plays a large part in health and well being. When a cat scratches they are stretching muscles and more... cats have scent glands between their toes in the pads of their feet. When they scratch an object, they are also leaving behind their personal scent. In fact it is true to say that it would be cruel to try and stop this behaviour - it is easy however to train them to use a cat scratching post.

Cat Smell and Urine Spray

This is most often observed in unaltered males or toms. Cat urine contains pheromones which tell other cats the basic sexual status of the spraying cat - it is their way of saying I am available and also to warn off other toms from their area.Intact females, who spray, do so to announce their receptiveness.Neutering and spaying helps reduce these behaviours.

Cat Status

Cats place themselves on high perches to show elevated social position, but retreat to low hidden areas such as under the bed to communicate lower status. Cats surrender by flattening themselves on the ground to look as small and non-threatening as possible. They tuck all four feet beneath them, and hold ears and tail tight against the body. Vulnerable positions, such as eyes open wide, or lying outstretched, communicate affection and trust. A cat that sleeps with his back to you shows the ultimate trust.And finally... the cat that leaps into your lap, turns around, and presents his nether regions... is the feline equivalent to a friendly handshake!!