Pet care would be much easier if animals could speak human languages. Nevertheless, they have their own ways of communicating. Your cat, for example, will often convey their needs and feelings to you in a manner that comes naturally to them. Read on to find out what they may be trying to ask or tell you so that your bond can become even stronger.

Body Language

It’s well known that anytime your cat’s fur is standing up anywhere on their body, they’re likely scared, agitated, or angry. Sometimes, their back arches, too. Regardless of their body’s position, however, flat fur indicates calmness or contentment.

The tail provides a unique means of expression. When it’s sticking straight upward, your cat is feeling curious, happy, or simply alert, but it will tuck itself between the legs when your cat is anxious instead. If it’s moving rapidly back and forth, your cat is irritated or upset. It may tremble in anticipation of spraying if your cat hasn’t been spayed or neutered by a pet care specialist.

Also, has your cat rubbed their body or kneaded their paws against you? The former is how they mark their territory, and the latter is what they used to do to get milk from their mother’s teats; as an adult, it means they’re especially happy. Take these as signs of affection.

Eyes & Ears

When your cat is in a good mood or intrigued by something they see, the ears will point forward. Flat, backward, or sideways ears suggest irritation, anger, or fright. If your cat is paying close attention to their environment, the ears will swivel in the direction of any sounds they hear.

Your cat’s eyes will become partially dilated when they’re anxious or submissive. Full dilation could indicate defensiveness, anger, or playfulness. Slits, too, may suggest either aggressiveness or neutrality. Look at the rest of their body to determine which.

Sounds

Cats are known mostly to meow, whether as a greeting, demand, or call for help. Howling, yowling, or yelling would mean that they’re in need of urgent pet care or attention because they’re extremely stressed, in trouble, or in pain. However, leave them alone if they growl, spit, or hiss; this means they’re agitated or angry and may attack.

Purring is a general sign of contentment, but it could also mean that your cat is self-soothing when they’re feeling sick or nervous. If anything seems unusual about your cat’s behavior while they’re purring, go to a veterinary clinic.

For professional suggestions on improving pet care for your cat based on their communication with you, go to Dells Animal Hospital in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Staffed by knowledgeable and compassionate veterinarians, they provide healing and preventative care for your friend while offering goods designed to help them live well. Whether you need food or medicine, they can be delivered from the animal hospital to your door. For a full overview of their services, call (608) 253-7361 or visit their website.