Some cats are more talkative than others, but all express themselves, whether through vocalizations, purrs, or their attitudes and positions. The cat communicates with its master; it is up to him to know how to decipher the language of his animal.
How to decipher the “code” of feline behavior?
We try in many ways to decipher a certain number of behaviors presented by our cat. Of course, as their "human" companion, we make many assumptions, but in reality, we only have a vague idea of what they are trying to tell us!
Let's take an example: it's the end of the day, and your cat comes to greet you, tail erect, sneaking between your legs, and even purring. Totally delighted, it seems evident to you that your cat wants to say to you: "How happy I am to see you again! But have you deciphered his behavior correctly? Is that what he wants to express to you?
Of course, your cat is happy to see you, but his erect tail, for example, is most certainly not an expression of joy but rather a signal from him that he wants to get in touch with you. Put yourself in the context of its ancestor, the African wildcat, found amidst the tall grasses of the jungle. The only way he has to draw attention to himself is to raise his tail so that it is visible. In this way, he signifies that he is "ready for dialogue."
Then when it slips between your legs meandering, it is generally not an act of love, even if it seems to you that it represents a mark of affection from your cat. In most cases, your cat is simply trying to get your attention (usually to receive his meal) or to deposit an olfactory mark (pheromones) on you in order to integrate you into his territory!
Decipher the cat’s behavior
1. Cats don't always look you in the eye
Cats blink and roll their eyes when they stare at you. So to befriend a cat, you don't know, blink and look away when you meet their gaze.
2. Purring is not always a good sign
Purrs express satisfaction; however, a very loud purr may indicate some pain. If you know your cat well, you can make a difference. Contact your veterinarian if you believe it is a physical pain.
3. He wags his tail
Unlike a dog, when a cat wags its tail quickly, it's generally a bad sign... It means that it is quite annoyed, even deeply upset. Better to leave it alone in this case. On the other hand, if the tail moves gently from left to right, like a pendulum, it looks more like a "hello," sometimes a request (for croquettes, for example).
4. He runs from one end of the room to the other
This is a behavior that is observed quite frequently in apartment cats. The latter, who do not have access to the outside, simply need to exert themselves and let off steam in this way, running for long minutes, stopping then suddenly starting again. A kind of “activity crisis” which is not worrying. However, the master should not hesitate to stimulate his feline, especially through play.
5. He lets out hoarse meows
Meowing is one of the main modes of communication in cats. High-pitched, weak, long, low-pitched... it sends many coded messages that you have to know how to interpret. When the cries are hoarse, it's not very good: this is especially what happens when an intruder enters a cat's territory.
6. The language of hugs: to say "I love you"
The hugs that the cat lavishes on the human being carry meaning. He rubs his body on the legs to deposit his pheromones there and indicate that the person belongs to him. If he rubs his tail and his head, it is by way of a warm welcome. Some cats use these two rituals to demand food or attention. By rubbing its head against that of the master, the cat says to him: "I love you." Similarly, all grooming gestures are signs of affection. The cat may want to groom his master by licking his fingers or his face; he may even sketch a kiss or nibble his hair.
7. Cat lying on its back: beware of misinterpretations
We often think that a cat lying on its back wants to play or that it is an invitation to stroke its belly. Most cats hate having their stomachs touched, and the owner simply risks being bitten or scratched. Those who are particularly confident will tolerate this contact for a few moments. The posture lying on its back can have several meanings: the most common is that the cat feels good and relaxed, which is not an invitation to disturb it. During the mating season, males and females show their excitement by rolling on their backs, sometimes in circles. They thus leave precious olfactory marks on the ground, facilitating the encounter.
8. He spits
A cat that spits is usually very angry... But why this attitude? It's a way for him to scare an enemy. Attention, if a cat spits in front of a congener, or a dog is normal, a cat which adopts the same attitude towards its master has a real problem. This can reveal real suffering in the animal, such as localized pain.
9. He rubs against the furniture
No, cats do not have a particular taste for interior decoration. But, on the other hand, they deposit their pheromones everywhere to ensure that this fragrant chemical substance, emitted in tiny doses, is indeed present in its environment. For this, he rubs against his master, the walls, and the furniture to put them down. These deposits contribute to its well-being.
10. He hides, then pounces on someone
The master quietly returns home, and suddenly his beloved cat appears out of nowhere and jumps on him. Let everyone be reassured: the feline is bored, and to remedy this state, adopts the hunter's attitude when faced with prey. Good play sessions, as well as small accessories placed in the house or apartment, should quickly divert the predator from its favorite "prey."
