The universe of cats is mysterious and charming, as well as intriguing. Felines express their emotions, greet each other and communicate their thoughts to us in different ways. In addition to the common domestic cat, there are more than 70 cat breeds that have countless variations in color, size, coat, head shape and other characteristics.
How cats express their feelings
Cats express their feelings in a variety of ways, using subtle body language, vocalizations, and specific behaviors. These are some common ways in which cats express themselves.
- Purring is one of the most recognized ways cats express contentment and happiness. However, they may also purr when they are sick, injured, or anxious as a way to calm themselves. Specialists believe that purring may have healing properties by releasing endorphins, which help relieve pain and reduce stress.
- Meows are their form of vocal communication. They may meow to ask for food, attention, or express discomfort.
- When you blink slowly you are showing trust and affection. Responding with a slow blink can strengthen the bond between the cat and its owner.
- When a cat rubs against you or an object, he is marking his territory with scent glands located on his head and body. This behavior is a sign of affection and belonging.
- If their tail is up, it is a sign of confidence and happiness.
- On the other hand, a raised tail or arched back indicates that the cat feels threatened or scared. This is a defensive behavior where he tries to appear bigger and scarier.
- If you hide, it's because you're feeling vulnerable, anxious, or simply looking for a quiet place to rest.
- Some felines express happiness and comfort by gently biting or kneading with their paws. This is similar to the behavior of kittens when they nurse from their mother.
- Direct eye contact can be a sign of trust and affection for these pets. However, a direct stare can also be interpreted as a threat in confrontational situations.
Some additional features
- They are incredible jumpers. They can jump up to five times their height in a single jump. This ability is due to the muscular structure of its hind legs and an extremely flexible spine.
- Their mustaches are not only a stylish accessory, but they are also very sensitive. They use them to measure spaces and understand their surroundings. If a cat's whiskers are facing forward, it may be interested or excited, while if they are facing back, it may indicate fear or disgust.
- They spend two thirds of their lives sleeping. They are hunters and need to conserve energy to hunt prey. They are most active at night, meaning they sleep during the day.
- Although many domestic cats do not hunt, their predatory abilities are innate. They can catch insects in mid-flight and perform impressive acrobatics to reach their prey.
- To communicate with other cats they use more than 300 facial expressions.
It is important to remember that each cat is unique and may have individual ways of expressing their emotions. In addition, context and circumstances also influence the interpretation of their behavior. Observing your cat and paying attention to his signals will help you better understand his feelings and needs.