Cats, with their enigmatic personalities and complex behaviors, are often misunderstood by their human companions. As a veterinarian who has spent years observing and understanding the subtle nuances of feline behavior, Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh’s guide aims to help cat owners decode the mysteries of their pet’s behavior and develop a stronger, more empathetic bond between cat and human.
Understanding the Feline Language
Tail Communication
The tail is a primary tool for cats to express their emotions. Here’s a detailed look:
- Upright Tail: A sign of a confident and happy cat. An upright, slightly curved tail is often referred to as the ‘friendly question mark’ position.
- Low Tail: Indicates a more submissive or cautious mood. If the tail is tucked completely under the body, it’s a sign of fear.
- Lashing Tail: This is a clear warning sign. Your cat is annoyed or angry and is asking for space.
- Puffed Tail: A cat that is scared or feels threatened. The puffed-up fur is an attempt to look larger to ward off danger.
The Expressive Eyes
A cat’s eyes serve as windows into its emotional state.
- Narrowed Eyes: This can indicate anger or aggression if accompanied by other warning signs, like hissing or a lashing tail.
- Dilated Pupils: These can indicate a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. It’s important to read the situation and other body language cues.
- Slow Blinking: A sign of trust and affection akin to a human smile.
Vocal Clues
Cats vocalize for various reasons, and understanding these sounds will help you better meet their needs.
- Meowing: Adult cats meow primarily to communicate with humans. High-pitched meows typically indicate happiness, while lower-pitched, more urgent-sounding meows might be a sign of discomfort or hunger.
- Purring: Often a sign of contentment, but can also be a self-soothing behavior during stressful or painful periods.
- Chattering: This peculiar sound, often made when a cat is looking at birds or squirrels, is thought to be for expressing frustration or excitement.
Signs of Affection
- Kneading: This comforting behavior, often accompanied by purring, dates back to kittenhood when kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow.
- Head-Butting or Bunting: This behavior serves both as a sign of affection and a way for cats to mark their territory with scent glands located on their head.
Behavioral Issues and Their Solutions
Inappropriate Scratching
Cats need to scratch to maintain claw health, mark territory, and stretch their muscles. To prevent unwanted scratching:
- Provide Scratching Posts or Pads: Choose various types, such as vertical posts, horizontal pads, or angled scratchers. Every cat has its own preferences, so offering various kinds will cater to their specific scratching style.
- Use Catnip or Silver Vine: Sprinkling catnip or silver vine on the scratching posts can attract your cat to these areas, encouraging their use.
- Place Them Strategically: Position scratching posts and pads near your cat’s favorite resting spots, as cats often like to stretch and scratch upon waking. Placing them near areas where unwanted scratching occurs can also help redirect the behavior.
- Reward Good Behavior: When your cat uses the scratching post, reward them with a treat or affection. This positive reinforcement can be highly effective.
- Use Double-Sided Tape or Protective Covers: Temporarily placing double-sided tape on furniture or using protective covers can deter scratching by making these surfaces far less appealing.
- Regular Claw Trimming: Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed can reduce the damage caused by scratching. However, this should be done carefully to avoid potentially injuring your cat.
Litter Box Problems
Inappropriate elimination can be a sign of medical issues, stress, or displeasure with the cleanliness or location of the litter box.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Cats are fastidious creatures and prefer a clean place to relieve themselves. Scoop the litter box daily and change the litter regularly.
- Multiple Litter Boxes: The general rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats. For instance, if you have two cats, provide three litter boxes.
- Choose the Right Location: Litter boxes should be placed in quiet, low-traffic areas where the cat will feel safe. Avoid placing them near noisy appliances or in areas where the cat might feel trapped.
- Consider Litter Types and Box Styles: Some cats have preferences for certain types of litter (clumping, non-clumping, scented, unscented) and litter box styles (covered, open). Experimenting can help determine your cat’s preferences.
- Monitor for Medical Issues: Sometimes, inappropriate elimination can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney issues, or other health problems. A veterinary check-up is necessary if this behavior starts suddenly.
Aggression
Aggression in cats can stem from fear, territorial disputes, pain, or past trauma. Consulting a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist is crucial for severe aggression.
- Avoid Punishment: Punishing aggressive behavior will likely worsen the problem, only increasing your cat’s stress and fear.
- Create a Safe Space: Provide a quiet, comfortable area where your cat can retreat to feel safe. This can be a room, a cat tree, or even a box.
- Recognize Warning Signs: Learn to recognize the signs of stress or agitation in your cat and give them space when they exhibit these signs.
- Environmental Enrichment: Providing toys, puzzle feeders, and regular playtime can help reduce stress and aggression.
- Pheromone Diffusers: These can help create a calming environment for your cat and reduce stress-induced aggression.
- Routine and Stability: Cats thrive on routine. Maintaining a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and cuddles can provide a sense of security.
Understanding your cat’s behavior and body language is essential for fostering a harmonious relationship. Each cat is an individual with unique personality traits and ways of expressing themselves. By observing and learning from your cat, you can create a deeper bond and a happier, healthier environment for your feline friend. Remember, when in doubt, consult your veterinarian, especially if a sudden change in behavior occurs, as this could be a sign of health issues. With patience and empathy, understanding the mysterious language of cats can be rewarding and deeply enriching.
Author
Dr. Cynthia Maro – Integrative Veterinarian, Cynthia Maro, DVM, CVA, CAC, VMRT, VNAET