Slog It Blog It, Speaking Cat Lesson 101!

Every pet owner likes to think they share a special bond with their furry friend, but experts believe that many people might be missing the chance to communicate effectively. The Cat Protection Charity say that three quarters of cat owners did not know an upright tail means a moggy is pleased to see them and is trying to say hello.

One in three thought a cat lies on its back when it wants its tummy tickled. Cat behaviour expert Nicky Trevorrow, who works at the charity, said it is likely that owners may be being scratched and bitten when they try to rub their cats' tummy for the cats see the action as an abuse of the trust they are exhibiting and would rather have their heads stroked.

A third of the cat owners surveyed failed to recognise a slow-blinking cat shows a calm, contented moggy, while two in three think a purring cat is always a happy one, when it could actually mean they are in pain.

Four in ten puzzled owners did not realise a feline with flattened ears meant it is scared and in need of somewhere to hide. It recommends making sure there is somewhere for the feline to hide or climb up high.

Half of owners were unaware cats also signal stress by licking their lips. It can a sign of nausea or stress, as well as making sure their face is clean after a meal.

One in 20 people thought their cat was rubbing against furniture or walls because it had an itchy face. It can look like affectionate behaviour if they rub against your legs as you return home, but as well as being a form of greeting, the kitties think their owner smells a bit strange and are depositing their scent so the human smells familiar once more.

Ms Trevorrow admitted cats' subtle facial expressions can be difficult to read. Unlike dogs and humans, cats have not evolved the complex facial muscles that allow them to make obvious expressions. They are more subtle and can be difficult to read, so owners also need to look for non-facial signals that can indicate how their cat is feeling.

 

Mini-Me Of Maudikae By Lynne Over at 2 Chihuahua Girls.

Do You speak cat and do you agree?