Cats are known to be mysterious creatures, so owners often have a hard time understanding what they need and how to communicate with them. Here are some tips to make this relationship work!
Recently we talked about “Hot To Speak Dog Language.” Now, we are deciphering the other side of the spectrum, the ever mysterious, introverted, and adorable little creatures we know as “cats.” Contrary to dogs who are often energetic and playful, cats tend to be more independent and quiet - but just like any being with emotions, they will often try to communicate and express a variety of sentiments - including love.
Before we begin, it’s of the utmost importance to understand that cats are much more nuanced in their body language than dogs, so you shouldn’t apply what you know about dogs to cats, as this is guaranteed to frustrate you. For example, dogs love that you pet them in the belly, while cats will often dislike or not care for that.
I’m hungry!
If there’s one thing your cat will not be shy to ask you for is food. Cats will often meow, purr, or rub themselves on you and on furniture as you approach their bowl, or what they recognize as the food cabinet. And when that happens, you know what to do.
I secretly gave milk to my cat, Nala, while living with my parents for years, and for all those years my parents failed to understand why she would meow for food every time they opened the fridge. They recently figured it out and understandably, wanted to kill me. This also explains why she always liked me more.
I want to play!
A playful cat needs no one to entertain itself. At a younger age especially you will often find them running around, attacking shadows, chasing dust… and if you decide to join in with a toy, you’re in for hours of hilarious fun.
Unlike dogs, most cats won’t mind if their owner doesn’t play with them unless that’s a custom they develop over time. Even then, some will prefer playing alone, especially if they grew up alone.
Cats also like some toys, but they aren’t as sentimental as dogs. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a cat to completely ignore a toy you just brought him and end up playing with something that’s totally NOT a toy. Because of their genetic independence, cats won’t differentiate too well between what’s theirs and what’s yours - because since they live where you live, as far as they’re concerned, everything is also theirs.
My cat, Nala, despite being 15 years old, will often engage in chasing something around the house only she can see. She doesn’t let us participate.
I’m not feeling well!
Body language is a major player here, as cats tend to isolate themselves when feeling ill, but be wary of any changes in behavior: is your cat less playful than usual? Is it sleeping too much? Is it’s “meow” sounding different? Is it meowing at all?
As for body language, there are many things to note.
- Purring usually indicates happiness, but a cat may also purr to try calming itself when feeling stressed - similar to a child sucking on their thumb.
- A distressed cat won’t respond kindly to petting. It won’t attack you, but it will likely try to get away.
- Yowling or howling (loud meows) means your cat is in some kind of distress - this usually happens when they get stuck in a closet or just looking for you in the house, but if there doesn’t seem to be any reason, it may be in pain. Always look for your cat when you hear this.
- If you’re unsure of what your cat is feeling, be sure to talk to a vet!
You can also observe your cat’s tail to tell how it’s feeling. For more info, you check out this expert reviewer article by WikiHow.
Don’t hit me!
Just like dogs, cats don’t respond to physical aggression as a means to educate. Instead, they will start to distrust you and maybe even respond very aggressively, and will end up misbehaving the same way when you’re not around. The proper way to educate a cat is being consistent and patient.
If your cat does something you don’t want it to, say “no” in a firm and lower-toned manner. If the cat tries to get near, gently push it away with a firm “later.” Your cat should understand you were displeased. On the other hand, be sure to show contempt when your cat did everything right, greeting it with a higher-pitched tone and petting it.
And I know how hard it can be, but if you’re trying to educate your cat to STOP doing something, don’t pet them or reward them in any way. Cats like pleasant experiences - if they do something they like, they will do it again. Therefore, if your cat wakes you up at five o’clock in the morning and your response is petting it, give him food and let him stay in bed with you, it will NEVER stop doing that, no matter what you say.
Similarly, if your cat made a mess on the corner of the house and you want to teach it to do it on the litter box, taking him there and forcing him inside won’t do much good - it will probably identify the litter box as a bad place since you’re forcing it there. Instead, always try to make what you want appealing to the cat. For more information on cat training, I recommend Perfect Paws Cat Training.
A famous cat trope is when they kill and bring you a dead bird. The best way to show you’re displeased is verbally, with the same low-toned firm “no” we’ve talked about before. Cats do these as an attempt to please their owners, as a gift. Turning aggressive towards your kitty at this time would not only be counter productive, it would be insensitive.
Talk to me!
Cats can understand and respond to verbal commands and greetings, but nonverbal cues are most easily understood by them. Here are some ways you can talk to your cat effectively, whether verbally or nonverbally:
- Cats tend to blink slowly as a sign of affection. If you do the same, your cat will likely respond by approaching to be stroked or to sit on your lap.
- If your cat seems to want to sit on your lap or beside you, but seems unsure, tap on the place and assure kitty it’s OK.
- Avoid staring directly into a cat’s eye. Eye contact is fine, just don’t stare. This is considered an aggressive gesture and your cat will either feel uncomfortable, walk away or turn slightly aggressive.
- Always use the same voice for different commands or greetings. If you say “no” or “down” the same way you say “Come here kitty”, your cat won’t understand either very well. Remember, it can’t understand english, but it can recognize sounds and body language. Be consistent, and your cat will begin to follow.
Do you have any cats? How do you communicate with them? Do you have any funny stories you can share with us? Feel free to tell us in the comments and don’t forget to follow Datahand on Facebook for more awesome articles!
