Cat Training is Possible!
This website is for every cat owner who thought it was impossible to train a cat or is just looking for advice, hints and tips on training their cat or kitten.
We hope to provide every resource you may possibly need in the training of your cat.
Cat Body Language
Many people believe cats don't really 'say' much because they're not generally that vocal. However, you can understand a lot about how your cat is feeling or what they want just by learning to watch and understand their body language.
Tail - Cats use their tails to signify lots of different emotions.
- If your cat runs to greet you they will probably hold their tail high in welcome. Cats greet close friends with their tails held high, indicating happiness.
- A twitching tail usually means excitement and interest. Usually about something such as a bird or squirrel outside that they want to chase.
- A long swish of the tail indicates irritation and annoyance so leave your cat alone if they begin to do this.
- Many people believe a quivering tail is the biggest gesture of love your cat can give you and this is only ever shown for their most favourite person.
- A low or tucked under tail indicates a frightened cat. If this is also accompanied by flatted ears and a growl, retreat away as frightened cats can pounce and scratch trying to defend themselves.
Ears - A cats ears can also tell you a lot about their feelings.
- Flat ears indicate fear or aggression and are normally accompanied by hissing or growling. Leave your cat alone if they do this as they may scratch trying to defend themselves.
- Pricked ears normally indicate that your cat is interested what's happening around them.
- Ears turned to the sides normally means they've heard something behind them but it's not interesting enough for them to turn around.
Eyes
- Wide eyes with dilated pupils can indicate many different things so check the rest of the cats body language.
- Cat's will often be seen to be 'giving you a dirty look' from across the room by closing their eyes and looking away. This actually means they like and trust you.
- Slow blinking towards a cat shows that you are not a threat and they will most likely return the slow blink telling you that they feel comfortable with you and they like you.
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Other behaviour
- Cats may touch noses or rub cheeks to say hello, which are both friendly greetings
- Leg rubbing is natural 'marking' behaviour. Your cat is covering you with pheromones from glands on their face. I usually think of it as my cat marking me as in his gang. Leg rubbing can also be a way to get attention as it usually leads to being stroked.
- If your cat rolls over on to their back and shows their belly, they're giving you the ultimate compliment of 'I trust you'.
- If your cat is lying flat or crawling low to the ground, she is feeling playful and getting ready to attack. Coupled with a tail twitch and pricked ears, look out as the "victim" could be your ankles!
- Many cats will knead with paws. It is a sign of contentment and is thought to come from either the time when wild cats had to flatten areas of grass or foliage in order to sleep comfortably, or a carry over from the instinct that kittens have to knead their mothers teat to stimulate milk production.
Worrying body language - Some body language can indicate illness. Take your cat to the vets if he or she:
- Won't eat
- Retreats by themselves
- Neglects grooming, with fur becoming coarse
- Sneezes repeatedly
- Has difficulty urinating
- Has trouble breathing
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