Reading The Body Language Of Cats

There are famous Horse and dog Whisperers but no one has really claims on being a  Cat Whisperer.  Is that because Cats are very complexed animals, difficult to understand and quite frustrating at times?  Is it that they do not feel the need to talk to us whenever we think they should?  There is a quote "dogs come when they're called, cats take a message and get back to you later" by Mary Bly and it is so true.  They tell us when they are hungry, want out, want loving, ready to play or want to be left alone.  They give us that "look" and would roll their eyes if they could.    However, there are some basic body indicators that will make it easier to understand your cats behaviour.   Here are some of these indicators:

Your cat's tail is a great indicator of its feelings and mood. When the tail is held straight up, indicates that he is happy and feeling relaxed. The higher the tail is held, the happier your cat is. So if your cat greets you with a high tail,  you can be assured that he is in a very good mood and happy to see you.

A cat's tail  half-raised is a strong indication that he is feeling a bit scared or fearful for some reason.  It indicates that he is cautious, not sure.  Is there a stranger with you, or do you have an item that he is not use to or seen before?  A cat's tail hanging  low indicate that he is scared, frighten or ill.  When a cat is angry, his tail will appear very fluffed because he is making himself appear much stronger and larger to outside threats like an unknown dog. When your cat is being playful, his tail will often twitch.

An extremely agitated cat lashes his tail back and forth in a rapid motion. This is often noticed when your cat is ready to attack another cat or what he perceives as threats.

Cat's ears are another indicator of communication. Held upright and in a forward position,  means that he is feeling happy and relaxed.  Ears  positioned extremely upright means that he is attentive and maybe trying  to hear something.  Unhappy cats hold ears somewhat back.  Angry cats pin their ears back.  This indicates aggression and a readiness to attack.  Cats that twitch their ears are unsure and perhaps nervous.

A Cats eyes will also tell you lots.  Eyes that blink or wink alot indicates a happy, relaxed cat.  An angry or aggressive cat will make direct eye contact.  A frightened cat will have dilated pupils,  A sick cat may have half closed eyes with exposed third eyelids (nictitating membranes that come up over the lower inside portion of the cat's eyes). 

Other signs are: purring-happy cat or a very sick cat that is comforting itself.  Whiskers fanned out straight from  face-happy, relaxed.  Whiskers back-frightened.  Hissing and growling, body low to the ground-upset, angry, scared.    Hair on back standing up (piloerection)-frightened although kittens playing will sometimes pose the pretend attacks and make themselves look fearless.  A sick cat may hunch her back, tuck tail between legs, have droopy ears and whiskers.

By watching cats, one becomes familiar with their body languages, expressions, moods etc. These are just some of the body signs that help to understand the behavior or mood of your cat or if you are dealing with other strange cats.

Understanding cats is the key to having a better relationship with them.
There is great resources on cats and kittens  as to care, health, behavior, training, products and supplies plus good general information.

What To Consider When Selecting A Cat Or Kitten

Cats are often considered the most purrfect pet of all. Many people want a feline companion that will greet them with a purr, cuddle around their feet and warm their laps. A companion, whom will give you space yet be faithfully there for you. Here are a few things that you need to consider such as the care, breeding, gender, age, temperament and health before you bring this ball of fur home.

Pedigree or Non pedigree Cat?
If you are interested in choosing a cat for companionship only, than it really does not matter and a non pedigree (without registration papers or purebred)maybe the ideal choice as the selection is unlimited and the cost less than pedigree cats. However, if you are interested in showing or breeding, than you will need do invest in a Purebred with papers. Registered Cats and Kittens can be expensive such as the Beautiful Ragdoll Cat shown above, however, if not showing, you sometimes are able to purchase cats which have flaws that would not be acceptable in the show ring but perfectly fine for breeding purposes.

Where to Get Your Cat?
If you have decided to obtain a pedigree cat, than you need to select a breeder specializing in your chosen breed. Otherwise, animal shelters, classified ads in papers or online, pet shops or other cat owners are great places of find "moggie (mongrels)or alley cat". Unfortunately, there are more cats and kittens than there are caring homes so you should have no problem finding that purrfect pet.

Male or Female Cat?
Either sex makes very good companions, but there are certain habits associated with each gender. An unneutered tom (male) will spray and fight more than a neutered male. A female that is not spayed, will have periods of estrus (heat cycle) and possible unwanted pregnancies if toms are available. Neutered cats generally are more affectionate and do not contribute to the over population of felines. Therefore, you must consider cost, to neuter a male is cheaper than having a female spayed. If it is a concern, call a Veterinary clinic for an estimate or choose a cat or kitten that has already been fixed. Some shelters do offer discounts on vaccinations, neutering in their adoption costs.

Kitten or Adult Cat?
Kittens can demand lots of attentions and need to be trained, but they adapt better than adults to new homes and can be so cute and provide so much entertainment while growing up. They can also be a little bit destructive. Depending on the age of the kitten, training to kitty litter may already be done and that is often the number one training issue. Older cats do adjust with love and attention. Just keep the cat in and not allow outdoors while you are bonding, as the cat may wander away.
Take it slow, gradually introduce to the outdoors if indeed you do intend to let them out.

Is The Kitten or Cat Healthy?
You will need to budget for a trip to the Veterinarian for an examination, possible vaccinations, worming, neutering etc. Sometimes, shelters, pet stores and breeders have already taken care of some of the health costs and than this should be disclosed and/or a Certificate of Health offered with the pet. Observe the kitten or cat. Notice his coat, eyes, ears, noes. If bright, shiny, no discharge, seems alert, friendly and willing to be handled, you probably have a good candidate to take home.

Once you have made your selection, you will need to prepare for the new addition, particularly if you don't have existing animals. A trip to the store for such necessary items as kitty litter, litter tray and food suited for the cat or kitten you are purchasing. Of course, toys, cat dishes, accessories and pet products will encourage you to spend a little more to ensure that your new pet is happy and comfortable in new surroundings.

If you have other cats, dogs in the household you will need to introduce and let them establish their territories and relationship. As always, knowledge of cat behaviors, care and health is highly recommended. An excellent resource is the down loadable ebook called "Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems" which gives you instant advice and information on almost every possible problem or concern that you may have with your new companion.