We all wish our pets could speak to us. Sometimes we wish for conversation, most of the time, we just want to know if our feline friends need something.

grey kitten on floor | What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You
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Though we are more familiar with dog language, it can also come in handy to pay a little more attention to what our cats need. Here’s a little guide on what your cat is possibly trying to tell you.

Meowing, purring, and hissing

Cats vocalize a lot, and each meow may mean something different.

close up photography of cat
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A purr may signal comfort and affection, while a yowl may be a sign of distress and a warning before a kitty chooses to fight. Cats may also chirp to greet fellow cats, as well as hiss when they’re feeling threatened or frightened. If you hear a cat hiss, coupled with bared fangs and narrowed eyes, it might be time to back away.

It’s important to be able to distinguish between each type of meow because cats generally are less expressive than dogs, which may make it harder for us to understand what they want to say.

Body language in the eyes, tail, and ears

Like dogs, cats can also be read through their specific body language.

cat loaf position orange cat large
Photo from Aipaws

Have you ever noticed our feline pals to be a little mischievous? Knocking down things from your counter or shelves can be their way of telling you they’re bored and want attention. Catloafing, or when cats fold up their limbs under themselves like a bread loaf, is actually a sign of content and relaxation; alternatively, it may be your kitty trying to stay warm!

Beware for changes in eye dilation, tail wagging, and ear direction. Unlike dogs, if a cat is furiously wagging its tail, it may mean it is overstimulated or frustrated. Ears slanted downwards with wide eyes may signal a nervous and anxious pet.

Nose-rubbing, kneading, and grooming

These may all be signs of affection of your cat towards you.

black cat holding persons arm
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Nose-rubbing, or when a cat rubs its nose on you, may be a cat “claiming” you, while kneading may point to contentment. Cats will also often groom themselves, and sometimes even you to show a bit of love.

Cats can arch their back against you to show trust and a deep bond. This will look and feel very different to the aggressive arched back, so embrace it!

There are a million things that cats may want to tell us as humans and owners. Though it may be hard to figure out exactly what they want to say, we can still try our best to keep learning their behaviors and mannerisms. They would probably really appreciate it!

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