1. Learn and respect your cat’s body language . Much like humans, cats use body language as a form of communication to express everything from trust to fear. Their postures convey important messages. For example:
- an arched back, upright hair along the spine, and unsheathed claws means that your cat feels threatened. Leave it alone for time being!
- If your cat nudges you, it may want to play.
- If your cat curls its tail around you, it’s probably expressing contentment.
- If its tail is tucked below or between its legs, your cat is likely feeling anxious or insecure[5]
2. Listen to your cat’s vocalizations. Purring is a sign of love and contentment. Growling and hissing means stay away. Meowing is an attention-getting vocalization that expresses everything from hunger to a desire for affection.
- Cats do not meow at each other; they meow to communicate with people.
- Constant meowing may indicate illness and require a trip to the veterinarian. [6]
3. Avoid prolonged eye-contact with your cat. While polite in conversations between people, many cats find extended eye contact threatening. When cats blink in your presence it is a sign of trust.
- The next time your cat starts blinking at you, try mimicking the behaviour.
- By blinking slowly, you are communicating trust and openness, and fostering a loving relationship[7]
4. When picking up your cat, go down to its level first. Slowly bend down before lifting your cat into the air. If a cat can see you before you pick it up, it is less likely to be frightened.
