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

What your cat is trying to tell you in Sauget, IL. Cats are wonderful and curious beings that have been living in human homes since before recorded history. Many people think of them as detached, but this utterly false. In actuality, cats are incredibly communicative animals, and they are constantly trying to let their Sauget, 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 feline family member wants and needs.

At Cats Only in Sauget, 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 treat and handle them in ways they find comfortable. If you need cat grooming, cat boarding, or cat daycare services in Sauget, IL, speak to us today at 618-772-8315. Otherwise, read on to unlock the secret communication style of cats.

Purring

Purring is one of the most recognizable sounds that a cat makes, and it's often associated with contentment and relaxation. But, cats also purr as a way to soothe themselves when they're anxious, so it's best to look at their total behavior to be sure about why they are purring. If your Sauget, IL cat shows other signs of relaxation, then they are likely purring out of contentment. 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 do meow at each other, they reserve this form of communication primarily for humans. The sound of a cat's meow can convey a range of emotions and messages, from simply saying "hi" to a demand for food. Pay attention to your Sauget, IL cat's meows and try to ascertain what they want you to know.

Body Language

Cats are experts at non-verbal communication, and they use different positioning and gestures to communicate with us. Here are some common examples:

• Tail position — The movement and position of a cat's tail follows their mood. A straight tail pointing up into the air indicates confidence and happiness, while a tucked tail indicates fear or anxiety. A swishing tail may show enthusiasm, 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 be a sign of interest or inquisitiveness, while ears pointed down toward the side suggest fear or aggression.
• Pupil dilation — A cat's pupils will dilate as the result of a variety of stimuli, including excitement 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 tense posture indicates they're frightened or aggressive.

Grooming

Cats are fastidious animals and spend a significant amount of time 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 trying to bond with you. On the other hand, if your cat is excessively grooming themselves, it's a sign that they're nervous or anxious. Pay attention to your Sauget, IL cat's grooming habits and look for signs of over-grooming.

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 think they need to be in fighting mode. If your cat is growling, leave them by themselves for a minute 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 relieving stress. However, if your cat is scratching excessively or in inappropriate spots, it may be a sign of stress or anxiety. Providing your cat with a scratching post and redirecting their behavior to appropriate surfaces can help alleviate these issues in Sauget, IL.

Litter Box Behavior

How your cat acts in the littler box can also provide information on how they're feeling. If your cat no longer uses 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 schedule a visit with your Sauget, IL veterinarian if the issues doesn't resolve itself. Sometimes, you can also try getting a bigger litter box or putting it in a more easily accessible location.

Cat Care in Sauget, IL | Cats Only

Cats communicate in a variety of 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 understand your Sauget, 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 how important correctly understanding cats is, 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 Sauget, IL at 618-772-8315.