Cat Behavior Fear
Cat Behavior Meaning - It's Not Always what it Seems to Be
When it comes to cat behavior, meaning often varies from one feline to another. Some say that cats are like women, you'll never figure them out. Even when you think you understand, your ego is bruised because clearly you were wrong. Well, cats are about as difficult to understand but if you really pay attention and get to know your bundle of fur, you will discover that quite often, they really are trying to tell you what's bothering them and what they want.
Look Deep into My Eyes
Your cat's eyes say a lot more than you probably realize. When they are wide, they typically are in a curious and playful mood. However, wide eyes can also mean they are terrified so you have to pay attention to the rest of their body language as well. When your cat's eyes are relaxed, this is their neutral state and once they get a little narrowed, they are showing submissive behavior.
Their pupils tell a tale too. If you see constricted pupils, you should back off, this is generally a warning that aggressive behavior will follow while dilated pupils often indicate fear.
Twitch of the Tail
If you learn to pay attention to the tail, you could avoid a lot of those bites you likely get when your cat is tired of being petted. Many people say that their cat bites them out of the blue. Well, it is very rarely out of the blue! You just don't pay attention to their warning.
Erect - An erect tail is an invite. They want you to follow so they can show you something. Perhaps their food bowl is empty or the dog made a mess?
Swish - You'll likely notice that your cat's tail gently swishes while sitting on your lap; this is a sign of contentment.
Bristled - If you see a bristled tail you should be cautious. This is an indication of fear. The cat could be submissive and let you help or they could attack because they are scared.
Lashing - Here's where things get confusing. Lashing tails can mean the cat is excited, agitated or simply wanting to play. If you are petting your cat and all of a sudden that tail starts flicking, a bite will likely follow.
Ears Aren't just for Ignoring You
Those adorable ears aren't just there to listen (and ignore) you; ears actually indicate how your cat is feeling. Your cat is in an inward state of mind when the ears are flattened back. When cats are being friendly or in a curious mood, you will see the ears perk forward or be very erect, this means that their state of mind is outward.
Read my Mouth
Your cat does a lot more with his mouth than meow and hiss. An open mouth indicates an outward state of mind, typically friendly and happy. However, this can also indicate rage so pay attention to other behaviors. When you see a cat with a wide-opened mouth with teeth showing it should not be difficult to figure out that you are face-to-face with anger.
Body Movement
Inward and outward behaviors are more than obvious in your cat's body posture. When a cat attempts to look bigger than he is, he's displaying aggression or dominance. A full-on relaxed body is generally confident and friendly. However, you need to watch the tail and ears because they could be showing aggression. Of course, if you see the Halloween cat posture with the arched back and hair standing on end, this cat behavior meaning is fear and anger.
Sonia Manning provides interesting information and helpful tips about cats and their behaviors. For more help on understanding your cat, go to http://www.catbehaviorsolutions.com/index.html
Visit her website at http://www.catbehaviorsolutions.com for more topics, and solutions for problem cat behaviors. You can also receive free an 8-day Email Mini-Course on "Secrets About Your Cat's Behavior: Why He Does the Things He Does!"
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