Aspiring Spirit

If you are a new cat or kitten owner, your new pet’s behavior can often be puzzling. Whether you have never owned a cat before, or are just used to dogs, it is time to learn some things about your new feline so you can understand cat behaviors. A cat’s body language is his or her form of communication with you.

Firstly, take a look at your cat’s tail. A cat’s tail often displays what mood they are in. If their tail is relaxed and unmoving, then your cat is content, or sleepy. If your cat’s tail is stiff and pointing straight up in the air, then they are happy and want to spend some time with you. The key to cat psychology is the tail.

However, if you notice that your cat’s tail has started to twitch or “whap” back and forth, watch out! This signals that he or she is done playing and needs some alone time. The quicker the tail twitches back and forth, as well as the amount of the length of the tail that is twitching can signal exactly how irritated kitty is. Remember, he or she will give you plenty of warning before scratching or biting, so watch the tail.

Next, we can look at a cat’s general posture. If your cat is curled up tightly or has a paw over his or her face, she is sleeping and wishes to be left alone. On the other hand, if her body posture is more relaxed - for example, she is sprawled across the floor, it might be play time. Many cat problems can result from not being careful about observing posture, and playing with kitty when he or she doesn’t want to be played with.

Flipping onto their backs when wanting to play or interact is a typical example of cat behaviors. Use caution when your cat is in this position, as their bellies are highly sensitive and their response may be reflexive, and as a result you may get accidentally scratched. The wiser choice at that point would be to play and interact with toys, rather than hands.

It’s important to observe the tail and the way your baby kitten stands while you are stroking and coddling it. Unlike dogs that always want your love and affection, cats are more finicky. They change their minds about wanting your attention without warning. Often they signal it to you first using their tail and their posture. Keep in mind that cats are individuals with their own style and personality, and sometimes they just need to be left alone. They best way to form a loving bond with your new kitten is to respect its needs.

Cat behavior can be very confusing to first time cat owners. Learning cat psychology and cat behaviors is essential to prevention of cat problems. Tails indicate mood well. If it’s relaxed, the cat is happy. If it’s straight in the air, the cat wants to interact. The tail wags when the cat is irritated. If the cat is curled up tightly, the cat wants to be alone. If they lie out, they want to interact. Cats flip onto their backs if interested in playing.The belly is sensitive and they might attack if rubbed there. The signs indicate when their mood changes and you can avoid being attacked.

- Paul Proctor