What is Your Cat Trying to Tell You?

As every cat owner knows, cats are intriguing animals and seem to have many different moods.  Sometimes, they will look at you or do something and you will know exactly what they are trying to say to us, but it isn't always easy to read their moods.  Here's a quick guide to what your feline friend might be trying to tell you.......

When a cat is very unhappy about something, it's not too hard to spot.  Their tail will wag quickly from side to side or their back may be arched and their tail gets very bushy.  They may also make a terrible noise, known as 'caterwauling', or hiss and spit.  I suspect we've all been woken up in the middle of the night to hear what we consider to be a cat fight, or at least the beginnings of one.  Their hostility towards one another could be because of a territorial issue or it could be that there is a female on heat in the area and the presence of so many attentive males is causing extreme tension amongst them!

It is also very easy to notice when a cat is happy because its tail will be stiff and standing up straight, it will probably be purring, seem completely relaxed and will respond positively to your attention.

But what about other moods - what can we look out for?

Cat owners will often experience their cats making a sort of chirruping sound, normally when they have come in from being outside.  It is believed that they make this noise as a sort of 'follow me' instruction, i.e. 'I want attention' or, most likely, 'I want something to eat'.

Your cat's tail is also a very good indicator as to what they are thinking.  If the cat is relaxed, then their tail will curve downwards and then up again at the tip.  When it is becoming interested in something, their tail may raise slightly.  If you notice your cat's tail is erect, but the tip is tilting over, it means that they are in a friendly, welcoming mood, but have slight reservations and when their tail is fully erect they are completely at ease with you and have no reservations whatsoever.

Whatever they do, cats are the most fascinating and complex animals and although we may occasionally get an inkling into what they are all about, they will always keep us guessing.  That's why we love them so much!    

 -Article by Jane, Animal Friends Blogger