What do cats mean to us?

Understanding cats may not be as easy as understanding dogs. People who have lived with cats for a while may begin to understand what cats want to tell them. However, it may not be possible to tell exactly what cats want from their meow or body language.

While cats often say things like “Give me food” and “Take care of me” when they meow, the way cats express themselves isn’t just about meowing. By observing your cat’s body language, you will be able to better understand what you mean and thus satisfy her needs.

What is my cat trying to tell me?

Behaviors that indicate that cats are happy are generally actions such as massage, wink, head shake, lick, and purr. For example, when your cat looks at you and blinks slowly, this is her way of saying that she is happy and loves you. In response to this behavior, you can tell her that you love her by doing the same.

While purring usually indicates happiness and peace, cats can also occasionally purr when they are nervous. But when cats are nervous, the purr is often accompanied by the wagging of the fluffy tail from side to side. When cats are nervous or anxious, they may purr to calm themselves.

You can read about the basic behavior of cats and what they are trying to tell you below.

He shows that he is excited

If your cat sits by the window and looks outside, suddenly starts wagging its tail like a bird chirping, then most likely it saw birds on the street. Although the bird sound of cats usually indicates that they are aroused, sometimes it can mean that they want attention. The same sound mother-cats call their kittens.

She wants her toilet cleaned

If your cat has started to defecate outside of the litter box, she may require that her litter box be cleaned or that the litter box be moved to another location. Conflicts over the tray are possible, especially if there is more than one cat in the house. If you notice your cat walking outside of the bowl, try cleaning the litter box daily, and if you have more than one cat, use one more litter box than the cats in the house. Urinating outside of the litter box can also indicate that the cat is stressed. In this case, try to create places where your cat can feel safe, and if the problem persists, contact your veterinarian.

Have pain or discomfort

Cats make sounds when they are in pain and also when they are happy. Although cats often yell because they are uncomfortable with other cats in the house, sometimes health issues such as hyperthyroidism can also be a reason for this behavior. If your cat has body discomfort, it is important to monitor her behavior, as she may not show it by crying, but hide it. For example, while most older cats have arthritis, cats often don’t show pain, preferring to hide and sleep more. Therefore, if you see that your cat is running away from you and wants to be alone, you should take the cat to the veterinarian.

feels comfortable

Cats purring usually indicate that they are feeling happy and relaxed. If your cat purrs when you are around, he is probably happy and content. While cats may purr to calm themselves when they’re stressed out, your cat opening its belly, rubbing and fluttering its tail blissfully shows you just how happy it is.

wants attention

When cats want attention, they usually start throwing things on the floor or making a mess. Because he knows that when he makes a mistake, he will see your reaction and you will take care of him. Similarly, your cat, who meows in the morning and tries to wake you up, may want you to play with you or give her food. Since cats are very active at night, your cat may wake you up early in the morning saying it’s time to wake up and play.

love you

Cats have many ways to show that they love people. Massaging your cat’s belly and legs usually shows that they like you. Your cat who massages kittens to suckle their mother may be showing that she is comfortable and happy with you. Likewise, licking, headbutting, or rubbing are also behaviors that express affection. Although mother cats lick their kittens to clean them, this behavior is their way of showing their love when they come out of the kittens. Because cats have scent glands on their foreheads, chins, tails, and on both sides of their heads, the fact that your cat rubs against you indicates that you belong to her.

How to communicate with a cat?

Perhaps you want your cat to understand you in the same way that you understand your cat. It’s actually quite easy to train cats to do this. You may have even unwittingly trained your cat until now. For example, if your cat gets out of bed when you open a jar of food and sits in front of you when it’s time for bed, then she’s trained to some extent.

Most cats easily learn the daily routine. However, you can also teach your cat some things privately. For example, if you want your cat to understand the word “reward”, you should shake the reward bag and give the cat a treat while repeating the word. If you want your cat to sleep with you at night, you can repeat “time for bed” by turning off the lights and heading to the bedroom.

You can also train your cat to clicker. You can teach your cat some commands using this learning with a small tool called a clicker. For example, when your cat approaches the counter, you can press the clicker while saying “No” or “Step away” loudly. Or, if you don’t want to use this tool, “Shh!” You can tell him to stop. When your cat does something well, you can reinforce her positive behavior by giving her a treat.

You may be interested in: