What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You in O'Fallon, IL

What your cat is trying to tell you in O'Fallon, IL. Cats are amazing and peculiar creatures that have been living among us since before recorded history. They have a reputation for being aloof, but this couldn't be further from the truth. In actuality, cats are incredibly communicative animals, and they are persistently trying to let their O'Fallon, IL owners know something. In this article, we'll explore how cats make their feelings known, so you can have a better grasp of what your fluffy friend wants and needs.

At Cats Only in O'Fallon, IL, we chose our name with a purpose: we offer our services to cats and only cats. We know that cats have unique needs, and we strive to treat and handle them in ways they find comfortable. If you're looking for cat grooming, cat boarding, or cat daycare services in O'Fallon, IL, call 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 it's often associated with contentment and relaxation. But, cats also purr when they are feeling anxious or stressed, so it's important to pay attention to your cat's body language to be sure about the reasons behind their purring. If your O'Fallon, IL cat is relaxed and has a soft, loose body, then they are likely purring out of contentment. On the other hand, if other indications point to your cat being stressed out, such as dilated pupils, they might be purring to make themselves feel better.

Meowing

Meowing is how cats get people's attention. While cats do 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 a simple greeting to a demand for attention. Listen carefully to your O'Fallon, IL cat's meows and try to ascertain what they might be trying to communicate.

Body Language

Cats are masters of non-verbal communication, and they use different positioning and gestures to show how they are feeling. Some signs to look out for include:

• Tail position — A cat's tail can tell you a lot about their mood. A high, straight tail is a sign that they feel confidence and happiness, while a tucked tail indicates apprehension. Swishing their tail back and forth may be a sign of enthusiasm, being annoyed, or that your cat is intently focused on something.
• 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 in response to a variety of stimuli, including arousal and fear. 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 indicates that they feel relaxed and happy, while a hunched posture indicates they're frightened or aggressive.

Grooming

Cats are scrupulous creatures and spend 30-50% of their day grooming themselves. Their grooming habits can tell you a lot. For example, if your cat licks your hand or face, they may be telling you how much they love you. On the other hand, if your cat is excessively grooming themselves, it may be a sign of stress or anxiety. Try to follow your O'Fallon, IL cat's grooming habits and look for signs of over-grooming.

Vocalizations

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

• Hissing — A cat will hiss when they think they might be in danger. 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 birds or other prey animals. This is a fundamental hunting instinct and nothing to worry about as long as they're in a safe space.
• Growling — A cat will growl when they feel threatened or aggressive. If your cat is growling, it's important to give them space and avoid approaching them until they have calmed down.

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 spots, they may be stressed out. Giving your cat a scratching post and redirecting their behavior to other places can help alleviate these issues in O'Fallon, IL.

Litter Box Behavior

How your cat acts in the littler box can also provide information on how they're feeling. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box or exhibits changes in their litter box habits, it may be a sign of a medical issue or stress. It's important to deal with these issues promptly and consult with your O'Fallon, IL veterinarian if the issues doesn't resolve itself. Sometimes, getting a bigger or more comfortable litter box resolves the issue.

Cat Care in O'Fallon, IL | Cats Only

Cats communicate in a lot of different ways, and it's important to pay attention to their body language, sounds, and behavior to know how they're feeling and what they need from you. By taking the time to understand your O'Fallon, IL cat's communication style and responding in kind, you can deepen your bond with your fluffy friend and make sure they're happy and relaxed. As a cat grooming and boarding business, we understand the importance of communication with cats, and all of our staff are trained to be able to understand cats and handle them in a way that doesn't bother them. 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 O'Fallon, IL at 618-772-8315.