For centuries man has been trying to understand cats, but, unlike dogs, their behavior seems more difficult to decode. Maybe this is because they tend to be more independent than their canine counterparts and, therefore, leave less space for humans to interpret them.

However, there are some tips that can help us understand cat behavior if we only pay closer attention to them. Below, you will find some of the most basic tips that will help you speak your furry buddy’s language- or at least, understand it when it speaks it.

For starters, if you want to get closer to a cat, you should avoid a wordless approach. Make sure you stand still and talk to it instead of approaching it without saying a word. This feels less threatening to the cat and it helps it relax and be more open towards you.

Now, suppose you have managed to get close to the cat. What next? You sure want to cuddle it, but does it want to cuddle with you, too? If your cat is lying on its back or side, blinking or with its eyes closed, then that means it’s feeling happy and relaces. If it’s cleaning itself, you should wait until it takes a break from it; then, you can stroke it and pet it.

Moving on to kneading: does your cat ever press its paws into you? It probably has at some point. Now, this takes your kitty back to the nursing days when it was massaging mama for more milk! Impressive, right?

Another common question is, “how do I know that my cat is annoyed”?

Well, if the tip of its tail switches back and forth while the rest of the body remains still, this is definitely a negative sign. It could mean that the cat is afraid or angry, and wants to be left alone. Don’t be fooled by wagging tails! Unlike dogs, cats wag their tails to express their moodiness instead of happiness. So, in that case, you’d better approach them cautiously.

Moreover, ear twitching back and forth can also show agitation. In that case, you’d better wait until they calm down, or if you know what object is bothering them, just removing it would be a great idea.

Okay, now you know when and how you can approach your cat. But, what about other signs it gives you that might indicate a health issue?

For instance, vet Daniela Schrudde highlights the importance of noticing any changes in the urinary habits of our cats. One of the most striking things is when they urinate outside the litter tray. Vets explain that this could indicate the cat has kidney problems, bladder stones or cystitis that cause pain when it urinates. Alternatively, it could mean that the cat is going through a psychologically difficult period.

Finally, “meows.” Deep, long growls indicate the cat is feeling aggressive or defensive, while deep, short growls mean they are happy and content with something you did.

Now that you know a little more about cats, it might be a good idea to adopt one, what do you think?

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: The Star, Reader’s Digest