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Understanding Cat Behavior: Litter Box, Body Language, Sounds And Play
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Published: January 9, 2008
The complex laws of communication that dictate cat conduct make these animals some of most intriguing pets. Whether catching their owner’s legs with the tip of their paintbrush tails or draping themselves over their master’s face in the middle of the night, cats find subtle and not so subtle ways to demonstrate their feelings.
Because of this sophisticated communication, however, cat behavior can be difficult to decipher. To ensure that they are providing their pets with the best care, cat owners must learn to understand cat behavior.
Cat behavior is best interpreted through their body language. Being aware of changes in cats’ posture, facial expressions, and tails can greatly enhance an owners’ understanding of their pets. Cats especially use their posture to interact with other cats. Dominant cats arch their backs, flatten their ears, and whip their tails back and forth to make themselves look larger and more intimidating. Submissive cat behavior, on the other hand, consists of putting the tail between the legs and avoiding eye contact. Because fighting can lead to significant injuries, often cats will use their body signals to avoid violent confrontations.
In addition to indicating dominance and submission, certain cat behaviors signify affection. To demonstrate their fondness toward humans and other animals, cats will rub their faces or tails onto others to spread their scent. The pheromone-producing glands on these areas of their body create a comforting group scent. Other playful, trusting cat behavior includes belly exposure, tail quivering, purring sounds, and paw kneading. The cat who is in the mood to play will often chirrup or make other welcoming sounds upon entering.
Sometimes deciphering cat behavior depends upon a paired interpretation of body language and context. Cats utilize many types of “meows” that vary in pitch and duration depending on the situation. A loud purr, for example, can be a sign of contentment and an openness toward human affection. However, cats will also purr if they are fearful or in pain. When interpreting cat behavior, the animal’s environment is just as important as their body.
Abnormal cat behavior can be a sign of either distress or illness. A cat's refusal to use the litter box is fairly common cat behavior. They may feel their box is in an inappropriate place or that it is not clean enough. Although many possible reasons could explain why they avoid the litter box, health problems need to be ruled out immediately; cats will eliminate elsewhere if they have difficulty urinating or defecating.
Owners should also consult their veterinarians should their pets exhibit other unhealthy signs of cat behavior. These include a refusal to eat or drink or excessive drinking. Also, owners should be concerned if cats neglect to groom their coats or they go into hiding for a long period of time.
Their wide spectrum of sounds and body language make cats intriguing animals. But sometimes their behavioral complexities can be confusing. The key to cat behavior comprehension is to take both the cat’s body and its surroundings into consideration. By being able read their pets, cat owners can bring more purring and tail quivering into their homes.
Sources:
“Cat Chat: Your Cat’s Body Language Speaks Volumes.” The Iams Company. 2004. 8 Jan. 2008. http://www.iams.com/en_BI/jhtmls/nutrition/sw_Nutr itionQuestions_qanswer.jhtml?li=en_BI&sc=C& />
Hartwell, Sarah. “Cat Communication.” Messybeast.com. Cat Resource Archive. 2002. 8 Jan. 2008. http://www.messybeast.com/cat_talk2.htm.
“Solving Litterbox Problems.” Discovery Communications. 2007. 8 Jan. 2008. http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/e-vets/catbeh avior/boxproblems.html.
Related Articles
Cat behavior is best interpreted through their body language. Being aware of changes in cats’ posture, facial expressions, and tails can greatly enhance an owners’ understanding of their pets. Cats especially use their posture to interact with other cats. Dominant cats arch their backs, flatten their ears, and whip their tails back and forth to make themselves look larger and more intimidating. Submissive cat behavior, on the other hand, consists of putting the tail between the legs and avoiding eye contact. Because fighting can lead to significant injuries, often cats will use their body signals to avoid violent confrontations.
In addition to indicating dominance and submission, certain cat behaviors signify affection. To demonstrate their fondness toward humans and other animals, cats will rub their faces or tails onto others to spread their scent. The pheromone-producing glands on these areas of their body create a comforting group scent. Other playful, trusting cat behavior includes belly exposure, tail quivering, purring sounds, and paw kneading. The cat who is in the mood to play will often chirrup or make other welcoming sounds upon entering.
Sometimes deciphering cat behavior depends upon a paired interpretation of body language and context. Cats utilize many types of “meows” that vary in pitch and duration depending on the situation. A loud purr, for example, can be a sign of contentment and an openness toward human affection. However, cats will also purr if they are fearful or in pain. When interpreting cat behavior, the animal’s environment is just as important as their body.
Abnormal cat behavior can be a sign of either distress or illness. A cat's refusal to use the litter box is fairly common cat behavior. They may feel their box is in an inappropriate place or that it is not clean enough. Although many possible reasons could explain why they avoid the litter box, health problems need to be ruled out immediately; cats will eliminate elsewhere if they have difficulty urinating or defecating.
Owners should also consult their veterinarians should their pets exhibit other unhealthy signs of cat behavior. These include a refusal to eat or drink or excessive drinking. Also, owners should be concerned if cats neglect to groom their coats or they go into hiding for a long period of time.
Their wide spectrum of sounds and body language make cats intriguing animals. But sometimes their behavioral complexities can be confusing. The key to cat behavior comprehension is to take both the cat’s body and its surroundings into consideration. By being able read their pets, cat owners can bring more purring and tail quivering into their homes.
Sources:
“Cat Chat: Your Cat’s Body Language Speaks Volumes.” The Iams Company. 2004. 8 Jan. 2008. http://www.iams.com/en_BI/jhtmls/nutrition/sw_Nutr itionQuestions_qanswer.jhtml?li=en_BI&sc=C& />
Hartwell, Sarah. “Cat Communication.” Messybeast.com. Cat Resource Archive. 2002. 8 Jan. 2008. http://www.messybeast.com/cat_talk2.htm.
“Solving Litterbox Problems.” Discovery Communications. 2007. 8 Jan. 2008. http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/e-vets/catbeh avior/boxproblems.html.
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