What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You in Fairview Heights, IL

What your cat is trying to tell you in Fairview Heights, IL. Cats are amazing and mysterious animals that have been living in human homes for thousands of years. Many people think of them as detached, but this utterly false. In reality, cats just have their own, semi-secret form of communication, and they are almost always trying to let their Fairview Heights, IL owners know something. In this article, we'll explore some of the common ways your cat communicates with you, so you can have a better grasp of what your fluffy friend wants and needs.

At Cats Only in Fairview Heights, IL, we chose our name with a purpose: dogs are not allowed on our property. We know that cats are special beings, and we know how to treat and handle them in ways they find comfortable. If you need cat grooming, cat boarding, or cat daycare services in Fairview Heights, IL, reach out to us today at 618-772-8315. Otherwise, keep reading 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 best to look for other clues to be sure about the reasons behind their purring. If your Fairview Heights, IL cat shows other signs of relaxation, then they are likely purring because they're happy. Conversely, if other indications point to your cat being stressed out, 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 sometimes meow at other cats, they primarily use meowing to get a human being's attention. The tone, duration, and frequency of a cat's meow can convey a range of emotions and messages, from simply saying "hi" to a demand for food. Listen carefully to your Fairview Heights, IL cat's meows and try to figure out what they might be trying to communicate.

Body Language

Cats are experts at body language, and they use different positioning and gestures to tell us what they need. Here are some common examples:

• Tail — Cats, whether knowingly or unknowingly, betray their feelings through the movement and position of their tails. A straight tail pointing up into the air is a sign that they feel confidence and happiness, while a tucked tail suggests fear or anxiety. A swishing tail may be a sign of excitement, irritation, or intense focus.
• Ears — A cat's ears can also convey a lot of information. When their ears face forward it can indicate interest or inquisitiveness, while flattened ears may indicate "fighting mode."
• Pupil dilation — A cat's pupils will dilate as the result of numerous different stimuli, including arousal and worry. Be on the lookout for dilated pupils to get a sense of how they're feeling.
• Posture — A cat's body posture can also give you indications about their mood. A relaxed, open posture suggests contentment and relaxation, while a hunched posture indicates anxiety or fear.

Grooming

Cats are scrupulous animals 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 telling you how much they love you. Conversely, if you notice lesions or lack of fur from over-grooming, it's a sign that they're nervous or anxious. Pay attention to your Fairview Heights, IL cat's grooming habits and look for any changes that could indicate a problem.

Vocalizations

Beyond 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, leave them by themselves for a while and try to identify the source of their fear.
• Chirping — Cats will often make a chirping or trilling sound when they see birds or other prey animals. This is a primal hunting instinct and a sign that your cat is excited or stimulated.
• Growling — A cat will growl when they feel threatened or aggressive. If you hear your cat growl, it's important to give them space and avoid approaching them until they're more relaxed.

Scratching

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and they do it for many different reasons, including marking their territory. However, if your cat is scratching excessively or in inappropriate places, they could be anxious. Giving your cat a scratching post and redirecting their behavior to other places can help alleviate these problems in Fairview Heights, IL.

Litter Box Behavior

Your cat's litter box behavior can also provide insights into their health and emotional state. If your cat no longer uses 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 Fairview Heights, IL veterinarian if the issues doesn't resolve itself. In some cases, you can also try getting a bigger litter box or putting it in a more easily accessible location.

Cat Care in Fairview Heights, 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 better understand their needs and emotions. By making the effort to learn your Fairview Heights, IL cat's communication style and responding appropriately, you can become closer to your feline family member and make sure they're happy and relaxed. 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 Fairview Heights, IL at 618-772-8315.