|
|
|
|
|
| The
Language of the Tail |
When upright the tail is
highly visible, and is used to communicate
friendliness, contentment etc. As noted above, if the tail is also
quivering it signals that the cat is very pleased to see whoever it is
greeting. As also noted, an upright tail with the hairs bristling
with anger is a highly visible signal that the feline is
enraged.
A tail
held half way up shows that the cat is friendly but not
completely confident about the cat or human it is approaching. Likewise
a tail held aloft with the end crooked is communicating that the cat is
not threatening you but is unsure about your intent.
A feline
with its tail sticking straight out for a few inches and the
rest hanging down is using body language to show that it is in
defensive mode but ready to protect itself, a defensive aggression. The
tail between the rear legs, perhaps curled inwards, shows submission.
You are likely to see this if you scold your cat. Your cat is likely to
slink away, glancing back at you, literally with its tail
between its legs.
The tail
swishing from side to side indicates that the cat is at the
least irritated and with a violently swishing tail signifies anger, be
wary. If the end of the tail is just twitching however, the cat body
language denotes that your cat is interested in something, perhaps a
bird outside the window.
You may
have seen your cat with her tail upright and kitty gives a
little flick with just the end of the tail. This signal means that your
cat has seen you and is acknowledging you, but also telling you that
she has more important things to do than bother with you at the moment. |
| The
Ears - Cat Body Language
Semaphore |
Good hearing is part of
a cat's defense system. Ever observed your
slumbering cat's ear prick up at a faint sound? Your cat is in that
semi-sleep state that cats spend an awful lot of time in. Its ears
detect a sound, perhaps one ear cups and turns toward the noise.
Instantly computing that it is not the sound of an approaching
predator, your mouser remains peacefully snoozing.
Cats can turn each ear independently of the other and move them up and
down. These radar scanner like ears are not only perfect for detecting
prey and predators, they are also an important part of the cat body
language system.
Ears that are upright and pointing forward signal that the cat is alert
but relaxed. Sideways pointing ears show that the cat is attentive to
what is going on around it but may be unsure about it. Not so relaxed.
The ears upright and pointing back and the cat is perturbed by
something and may become aggressive.
If the cat's ears are pointing back and are flat against the side of
her head she is fearful and submissive but prone to become aggressive.
An enraged cat will show aggression by flattening the ears sideways
(and will be giving other cat body language warning signals.) Don't go
near that cat! |
 |
| The
Cats Eyes Have It |
In
the world of cats, sustained eye contact (staring) is assertive and
threatening. Two cats with a territorial dispute may stare at each
other until one signals by its body language that it will, on this
occasion, be submissive. Alternatively two cats meeting may have no
conflict with each other; one may break up the stare by blinking, this
reassures the other that there is no dispute.
You may
misinterpret your cat if you try to glean a message from her
eyes alone. But read in conjunction with the rest of your cat's body
language, her eyes can tell you something of her thoughts. Dilated
(enlarged) pupils could be signaling fear, pain, aggression or just
excitement.
Narrow,
slit like pupils could mean that your cat is angry but
self-assured. On the other hand if the eyelids are also half-closed or
fluttering it could mean that your cat is sleepy. If your cat looks at
you eyelids fluttering and drooping, it's an indication of her trust in
you. |
| Head
and Mouth Signals |
An
aggressive cat will hold its head low and with its eyes firmly fixed
upon its mark (the assertive stare.) The cat will move in on the mark
with its head shifting from side to side. A defensive feline will often
hold its head to the side and give sidelong glances rather than looking
directly at the aggressor. The defensive cat will back off if it can.
Often the cat will hiss and spit, but it does not want to fight,
although will if cornered, it would sooner run from the aggressive cat.
When
two friendly cats meet they will often engage in head rubbing and
sometimes gentle head bumping. It's a cheery hello, or the cat
equivalent of a handshake. If your cat uses her head to greet you in
this manner she is employing cat body language to tell you that she is
pleased to see you.
Cats
sometimes, but not often, give a hiss or a snarl with an open mouth
clearly communicating defensive aggression.
If
you see your cat appearing to grimace with teeth bared, perhaps
staring into the distance, she is not using threatening language but
analyzing pheromone scent signals in the air. |
|
|
|
|
| Picture of the Week |
 |
| Super Fast
Fact |
The
Persian cat
is one of the most beautiful cats with a long, luxurious
coat. Owning a Persian gives one the same gratification as owning a
beautiful work of art.
Wild Cat
Here
are 36 species of wild
cats. |
| Useful Information |
|
|
|
Domestic
Cat