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

What your cat is trying to tell you in Rentchler, IL. Cats are amazing and curious animals that have been living side by side with humans for thousands of years. Many people think of them as detached, but this utterly false. In reality, cats are incredibly communicative animals, and they are constantly trying to let their Rentchler, IL owners know something. In this article, we'll look at some of the common ways your cat communicates with you, so you can have a better grasp of what your feline family member is trying to say.

At Cats Only in Rentchler, 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 are special beings, and we always work to treat and handle them in ways they find comfortable. If you're looking for cat grooming, cat boarding, or cat daycare services in Rentchler, IL, speak to us today at 618-772-8315. Otherwise, read on to unlock the secret communication style of cats.

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 pay attention to your cat's body language to determine why they are purring. If your Rentchler, IL cat is relaxed and has a soft, loose body, then they are likely purring because they're happy. Conversely, if other indications point to your cat being stressed out, such as a fluffed-up tail, they might be purring to make themselves feel better.

Meowing

Meowing is how cats get people's attention. While cats sometimes meow at each other, they primarily use meowing to get a human being's attention. 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 Rentchler, IL cat's meows and try to discern what they are trying to tell you.

Body Language

Cats are virtuosos of non-verbal communication, and they use different positioning and movements to show how they are feeling. Here are some common examples:

• Tail — A cat's tail can tell you a lot about their mood. A high, straight tail is a sign that they feel confidence and contentment, while a tucked tail indicates fear or anxiety. Swishing their tail back and forth may show excitement, being annoyed, or intense focus.
• Ears — A cat's ears can also tell you how they're currently feeling. When their ears face forward it can indicate interest or curiosity, while ears pointed down toward the side suggest fear or aggression.
• Pupil dilation — A cat's pupils will dilate in response to a variety of stimuli, including excitement and apprehension. 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 they're frightened or aggressive.

Grooming

Cats are scrupulous creatures 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 fingers 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 Rentchler, 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. Here are some examples:

• 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 produce a chirping or trilling sound when they see an animal that they would typically hunt in the wild. This is a primal hunting instinct and nothing to worry about as long as they're in a safe space.
• Growling — A cat will growl when they think they need to be in fighting mode. If your cat is growling, it's important to give them space and don't bother than again until they have calmed down.

Scratching

A cat's urge to scratch is natural, and it serves a variety of purposes, including marking their territory. However, if your cat is scratching too much or in the wrong spots, they may be stressed out. Investing in a toy or post to scratch and redirecting their behavior to other places can help alleviate these problems in Rentchler, IL.

Litter Box Behavior

How your cat acts in the littler box can also provide information on how they're feeling. If your cat is not using the litter box or exhibits changes in their litter box habits, it may be a sign that something's wrong. It's important to deal with these issues promptly and consult with your Rentchler, IL veterinarian if necessary. In some cases, getting a bigger or more comfortable litter box resolves the issue.

Cat Care in Rentchler, IL | Cats Only

Cats communicate in a lot of different ways, and it's important to follow closely 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 Rentchler, IL cat's communication style and responding appropriately, you can become closer to your feline family member and make sure they're living their best cat-life. As a cat grooming and boarding business, we how important correctly understanding cats is, and all of our staff are 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 Rentchler, IL at 618-772-8315.