By Puppy Petite

How Do Cats Communicate?

Contrary to popular belief, cats rarely communicate with loud meows. Instead, cats communicate primarily through very specific body language. Cats can communicate instinctually through a variety of different physical behaviors that tell other cats (and educated humans) exactly what they want or how they are feeling. If you are hoping to understand your cat’s body language, several of the known behaviors are listed below.

Cat Body Language

• Tail Flicking

Unlike with dogs, where tail wagging is often a sign of happiness, cats often display tail wags when they are irritated. If they hit your leg with their tail, this may be a sign of some type of anger or agitation.

• Appearance of the Third Eyelid

When you are gently rubbing your cat on the neck or petting your cat across its back, you may notice that your cat’s “third eyelid” will start to become more prevalent. The third eyelid is a pinkish hued eyelid that comes from the inner corner of the eye. When engaging in fun activities, this means that your cat is very pleased. When you see this third eyelid when nothing is occurring, your cat may be sick. And when you see this third eyelid when your cat is yawning or has had a long day, it means that your cat may be tired.

• Ear Direction

The more interest that a cat has in a particular situation, the more their ears will be perked up and forward. Cats that have their ears all the way back are bored and would generally prefer to be elsewhere.

• Laying Down

One of the most interesting cat behaviors is that of submission. When a cat does not want to cause trouble, and wants to display to you that it means no harm and does not plan on asking for your attention, it will come towards you and then lay down in front of you, appearing to fall towards the ground.

• Kneading/Clawing

If you have ever had a cat on your lap, you have no doubt experienced a time where your cat decided to paw your leg by moving one paw out, exposing nails, rubbing and then alternating with its other paw. Often known as “kneading,” this clawing (though uncomfortable to you) is actually a form of happiness. Cats knead when they are pleased and when they are sleepy.

• Paw Shaking

When your cat lifts its leg(s) into the air one at a time and shakes it as though it is removing water, it is showing disgust at the situation. The amount of the times it performs this action corresponds to how disgusted it is.

• Paw Shaking on Back

When your cat shakes its paws on its back, however, your cat is showing you that it is very relaxed. Cats rarely perform this action unless they are already laying on the ground, and usually only occurs once you have moved in an attempt to show you that your cat is feeling relaxed. 

Recognizing Cat Behaviors

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of these cat behaviors is that their meaning is often counterintuitive to the action that is being performed. A cat that walks in front of you and lies down may give the impression that it feels it owns that location, but in reality it is trying to tell you that it means no harm. A cat that scratches your leg may appear uncomfortable, but is in reality telling you that it feels happy and content.

When you can learn to recognize these behavioral symbols, you will be better in touch with your cat’s feelings, and you will have an easier time recognizing whether or not your cat is being well taken care of.

Puppy Petite has the most beautiful puppies available right now, including Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Chihuahuas, and Shih Tzu puppies. Come see them for yourself! Call PuppyPetite for more information: 718-236-2635. Or, visit us on the web at: http://www.PuppyPetite.com