How to chat to your cat – and how to listen when your pet speaks to you
WANT to befriend a cat? Try giving it a slow blink. The gesture is the feline equivalent of a handshake, a University of Sussex study has found.
Nicky Trevorrow, behaviour manager at charity Cats Protection, shows other ways to communicate with your puss and how to learn what it is trying to tell you.
The slow blink
THIS is a bit like a smile — it shows the cat you are friendly and not threatening.
Offer a ‘nose’
FELINES greet each other by touching noses. I wouldn’t advise putting your face towards a cat’s, but you can imitate the greeting by offering a curled index finger or open hand to sniff. When it feels comfortable, it will nudge your hand.
Stroking
THIS movement has been likened to the sensation of a cat grooming its kitten.
It will only like to be handled if it has been properly socialised for the first two months of its life.
How to say ‘no’
CATS do not understand right and wrong. If you tell a cat “No”, what you are actually doing is giving it attention.
To show your disapproval, it’s more effective to ignore the cat or distract it with a toy.
Summon your mog
OUR pets recognise the tone and rhythm in your voice.
To train a cat to come to your call, use a sing-song voice to say its name followed by a call sign like “Come”.
Scent glands
WHEN cats rub up against objects, they transfer their scent, making the item smell familiar. Most cats like the space between their ears, cheeks and chin stroked, which are locations of scent glands, but again it depends on the individual animal.
‘I’m vulnerable’
WHEN a cat rolls on its side and shows you its tummy, it is not asking for a belly rub.
It is saying: “This is my vulnerable area, I feel safe in your presence.” Reply with a “hello” and stroke its head.
‘I’m nervous’
WHEN a cat leaves sweaty paw marks on the table and starts shedding a lot of fur, it is because it is nervous.
If it lies there frozen, it is literally scared stiff.
‘Too much’
CATS can soon feel overwhelmed by attention.
If a pet has had enough of being stroked, its pupils tend to dilate, the ears turn to the side and it may give you a quick nip.
If the cat wakes on your lap and turns to bite you, this is probably because it was startled.
Tail stories
IF the cat is wagging its tail, it is not very happy.
A quick flick at the end of it indicates it is agitated, whereas a thump means, “Watch out!”
What does ‘miaow’ mean?
IT’S very individual as to what each miaow means to its owner.
There are some very common ones, though. A chattering sound, usually while a cat is staring at prey, shows it is in a state of high arousal.
There’s also a chirrup meaning “Hi!” A whimpering would suggest pain, but cats can hide their pain, so if you notice any unusual changes, consult a vet.
Most read in Fabulous
Ear, ear
IF a cat’s ears are pricked, it is listening intently.
Read More on The Sun
If it is turning its ears around, it is anxious and if they are fully back and down, it feels threatened.
- If your cat is behaving in an unusual way, see your vet. For advice on cat care, visit Cats Protection at .
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk
