What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You in Belleville, IL

What your cat is trying to tell you in Belleville, IL. Cats are amazing and curious creatures that have been living among us since before recorded history. Many people think of them as aloof, but this couldn't be further from the truth. In actuality, cats are incredibly communicative animals, and they are constantly trying to tell their Belleville, IL owners something. In this article, we'll look at how cats make their feelings known, so you can better understand what your feline family member wants and needs.

At Cats Only in Belleville, IL, we chose our name with a purpose: there will be no dogs at the facility to make your cat nervous. We know that cats have unique needs, and we always work to give them the personalized, cat-centered attention they all deserve. If you're looking for cat grooming, cat boarding, or cat daycare services in Belleville, IL, speak to us today at 618-772-8315. Otherwise, read on to understand better how your cat is trying to communicate with you.

Purring

Everyone knows the purring sound that cats make, and we usually think it means they are happy and relaxed. However, cats also purr as a way to soothe themselves when they're anxious, so it's important to look at their total behavior to determine why they are purring. If your Belleville, IL cat is relaxed and has a soft, loose body, then they are likely purring because they're happy. On the other hand, if your cat's body is tense or they are exhibiting other signs of stress, such as dilated pupils, then they may be purring to self-soothe.

Meowing

Meowing is a cat's way of vocalizing with humans. While cats occasionally meow at other cats, they primarily use meowing to communicate with humans. The sound of a cat's meow can convey a range of emotions and messages, from simply saying "hi" to a demand for playtime. Pay attention to your Belleville, IL cat's meows and try to discern what they are trying to tell you.

Body Language

Cats are virtuosos of body language, and they use a variety of postures and movements to communicate with us. Some signs to look out for include:

• Tail position — The movement and position of a cat's tail follows their mood. A straight tail pointing up into the air is a sign that they feel confidence and contentment, while a tucked tail suggests fear or anxiety. A swishing tail may indicate enthusiasm, being annoyed, or intense focus.
• Ears — A cat's ears can also convey a lot of information. Forward-facing ears indicate interest or inquisitiveness, while ears pointed down toward the side may indicate "fighting mode."
• Pupil dilation — A cat's pupils will dilate as the result of numerous different stimuli, including excitement and fear. Pay attention to your cat's pupils to get a sense of their emotional state.
• Posture — A cat's body posture can also give you clues about their mood. A relaxed, open posture indicates contentment and relaxation, while a hunched posture suggests anxiety or fear.

Grooming

Cats are scrupulous beings and spend 30-50% of their day grooming themselves. However, grooming can also be a way for cats to communicate with their owners. For example, if your cat licks your hand or face, they may be expressing affection. On the other hand, if you notice lesions or lack of fur from over-grooming, something is not entirely right in cat town. Pay attention to your Belleville, IL cat's grooming habits and look for any changes that could indicate a problem.

Vocalizations

In addition to meowing, cats make a variety of other vocalizations that mean different things. Cat vocalizations include:

• Hissing — A cat will hiss when they feel threatened or fearful. If your cat is hissing, give them some space and try to identify the source of their fear.
• Chirping — Cats will often make a chirping or trilling sound when they see an animal that they would typically hunt in the wild. This is a natural hunting instinct and a sign that your cat is excited or stimulated.
• Growling — A cat will growl when they feel threatened or aggressive. If your cat is growling, leave them by themselves for a minute and don't bother than again until they're more relaxed.

Scratching

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and it serves a variety of purposes, including marking their territory. However, if your cat is scratching too much or in inappropriate places, it may be a sign of stress or anxiety. Giving your cat a toy or post to scratch and redirecting their behavior to other surfaces can help relieve these issues in Belleville, IL.

Litter Box Behavior

Your cat's litter box behavior can also provide information on how they're feeling. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box or shows changes in their bathroom habits, it may be a sign of a medical issue or stress. It's important to address these issues promptly and schedule a visit with your Belleville, IL veterinarian if the issues doesn't resolve itself. Sometimes, getting a bigger or more comfortable litter box resolves the issue.

Cat Care in Belleville, IL | Cats Only

Cats communicate in a lot of different ways, and it's important to pay attention to their body language, vocalizations, and behavior to know how they're feeling and what they need from you. By taking the time to learn your Belleville, IL cat's communication style and responding correctly, you can become closer to your fluffy family member and make sure they're living their best cat-life. As a cat grooming and boarding business, we understand the importance of communication with cats, and everyone who works here is trained to be able to understand and gently handle cats. We strive to provide the best care possible to our feline guests. If you need cat grooming, or if your cat needs a safe and fun place to stay while you're out of town, please don't hesitate to reach out to Cats Only in Belleville, IL at 618-772-8315.