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

What your cat is trying to tell you in Shiloh, IL. Cats are amazing and mysterious beings that have been living in human homes for thousands of years. They have a reputation for being detached, but this couldn't be further from the truth. In actuality, cats communicate a lot, and they are continually trying to tell their Shiloh, IL owners 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 family member is trying to say.

At Cats Only in Shiloh, IL, our philosophy is in our name: 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 Shiloh, IL, speak to us today at 618-772-8315. Otherwise, keep reading to understand better how your cat is trying to communicate with you.

Purring

Purring is one of the most recognizable sounds that a cat makes, 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 determine why they are purring. If your Shiloh, 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 a fluffed-up tail, then they may be purring to self-soothe.

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 simply saying "hi" to a demand for playtime. Pay attention to your Shiloh, IL cat's meows and try to discern what they might be trying to communicate.

Body Language

Cats are masters of body language, and they use different positioning and gestures to tell us what they need. 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 happiness, while a tucked tail suggests apprehension. A swishing tail may be a sign of excitement, being annoyed, or that your cat is intently focused on something.
• Ears — A cat's ears can also tell you how they're currently feeling. Forward-facing ears be a sign of interest or curiosity, while flattened ears may indicate "fighting mode."
• Pupil dilation — A cat's pupils will dilate in response to 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 indications about their mood. A relaxed, open posture suggests contentment and relaxation, while a tense posture indicates anxiety or fear.

Grooming

Cats are fastidious 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 telling you how much they love you. Conversely, if you notice lesions or lack of fur from over-grooming, it may be a sign of stress or anxiety. Try to follow your Shiloh, 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, 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 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 you hear your cat growl, leave them by themselves for a minute and don't bother than again until they have calmed down.

Scratching

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and it serves a variety of purposes, including relieving stress. However, if your cat is scratching excessively or in inappropriate places, they may be stressed out. Investing in a toy or post to scratch and redirecting their behavior to appropriate places can help alleviate these issues in Shiloh, IL.

Litter Box Behavior

Your cat's litter box behavior can also provide insights into their health and emotional state. If your cat is not using the litter box or exhibits changes in their bathroom 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 Shiloh, IL veterinarian if necessary. In some cases, you can also try getting a bigger litter box or putting it in a more easily accessible location.

Cat Care in Shiloh, IL | Cats Only

Cats communicate in a variety of ways, and cat owners need to 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 Shiloh, IL cat's communication style and responding in kind, you can deepen your bond with your fluffy family member and ensure their happiness and well-being. 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 Shiloh, IL at 618-772-8315.