Understanding Cat Communication: Key Moments
 |
| How cats hint to us about what they are missing |
Cats may not speak human languages, but they possess enough intelligence to express their needs and desires through various sounds and body language. Purring often signifies approval or gratitude, while intense meowing may indicate hunger or a desire for attention. Being attentive to your pets allows you to decipher their feline language effortlessly.
Diversity in Cat Communication
It's essential to recognize that cats vary in their sociability. Some are highly communicative due to their breed predisposition, while others prefer to maintain a certain distance from humans. Regardless, all cats communicate with their owners. Understanding and responding to their signals is crucial for fostering a strong bond with your feline companion.
Not Manipulation, but a Request for Help
Cats are independent animals accustomed to solving their problems. However, living in a home, they encounter difficulties they cannot overcome alone. They seek assistance from their owners, attracting attention in various ways. Contrary to common belief, cats don't manipulate humans; instead, they request help in solving specific issues or warning about something important.
For instance, a cat persistently sitting and meowing by a closed balcony door is likely asking for help. Unable to open the door independently, it communicates, "Hey, open this door; I really want to go out and enjoy the view and sunlight!"
Another scenario involves a cat meowing and rubbing against a person. After receiving a response, the cat steps back, gazes into the person's eyes, and softly meows. This signals that the person should follow. Cats employ this behavior in various situations, from simple requests to more serious matters. A typical situation is when a cat leads its owner to the food bowl, indicating hunger, or to its toys, suggesting a desire to play. However, sometimes a cat may warn about a real problem, such as an open faucet causing a flooded kitchen or an ajar front door.
Ignoring the signals of your pet is unwise, as dedicating a few minutes to address its needs is a small investment, even for the busiest individuals.
Not Retaliation, but Signals of Health Issues
If a cat avoids using the litter box, many owners might think the cat is seeking revenge. However, cats lack the concept of "revenge" in the human sense. Their actions are linked to their current state and instincts, not deep-seated grudges. It's crucial to consider health issues when a cat exhibits unusual behavior, as avoiding the litter box could indicate an underlying problem that requires attention.
Seeking Help, Not Revenge
If your cat starts avoiding the litter box, and this behavior was not observed before, it's a cry for help rather than "revenge" as some may assume. This behavior indicates that the cat is searching for a more comfortable place to attend to its needs. Instead of punishing the animal, a visit to the vet is recommended. Such behavior can result from either common stress or indicate serious health issues such as urinary tract problems or other illnesses.
Not Being Capricious, but Wanting a Proper Bowl
Some complain that their cat drags food out of the bowl and consumes it directly from the floor, causing frustration for the owners who need to constantly clean the area around the bowl. Many attribute this behavior to poor manners or invent other reasons. In reality, the issue lies in a completely different aspect and can be easily resolved. Often, it happens due to an uncomfortable or too small bowl. Cat whiskers are not just long hairs; they are essential tactile organs responsible for touch sensation. When a cat eats from an uncomfortable or too small bowl, its whiskers constantly touch the edges, causing discomfort. When the cat pulls food out of the bowl, it's saying, "Look, owner, this bowl doesn't suit me. My sensitive whiskers are constantly touching it, and it's unpleasant for me."
Another reason may be the improper placement of the bowl. For instance, the location might be too noisy, or the bowl may be too close to another pet's bowl. In such cases, the cat not only reaches for the food but also moves it to a secluded corner where it feels more secure.
Not Trying to Break Everything, but Needing Vertical Territory
Sometimes, owners notice their cats exploring various surfaces in the house, including high cabinets, shelves, the refrigerator, microwave, nightstand, and so on. In these instances, the cat "accidentally" knocks over objects, seemingly clearing its path. While it may be challenging not to reprimand the feline for such behavior, it's crucial not to, as punishment won't solve the problem; it will only stress the animal and the owner.
The cat is trying to express its discomfort on the ground. This behavior could result from conflicts with other pets, the actions of household members, various stressful situations, or a lack of sufficient space, especially in households with multiple pets.
When climbing surfaces, the cat isn't attempting to destroy possessions. Instead, it's expressing a need for vertical territory where it feels more comfortable. Elevated areas provide an illusion of additional space, allowing the cat to avoid interactions with other animals or people that may be stressful. Providing more vertical space for your cat is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance.
Conclusion
Cats are incredible creatures with unique personalities, needs, and desires. Understanding them is not difficult; it simply requires a bit of observation. If your cat starts avoiding the litter box, don't immediately resort to scolding; instead, consult a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause, which could range from simple stress to serious health problems. When your cat displays cunning behavior to grab your attention, don't ignore it; there might be an important message, such as a potential danger or something significant for you. If your cat leads you to its bowl, it's probably hungry, so feed it. If your cat consistently drags food out of the bowl, consider getting a more suitable one and place it in a quiet corner for a peaceful dining experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment