“Think like a cat.” What does it really mean?

Of course no one really knows what their pet is thinking, but people who spend hours watching and interacting with felines have become adept at interpreting sounds, body language and facial expressions. This is invaluable knowledge for those of us who deal with the wilder, feral cats.

When faced with apparent danger, cats are hard-wired to react. Run away is the first response. Those caught with no exit freeze, ready to move should the threat come closer.

Even pets living in our homes and sleeping in our beds have freak out moments. Cats prefer quiet, slow movements unless they are playing. Noisily enter a room where a cat is napping, and notice how he jerks awake, dashing off and tearing the fabric on which he lay in his haste. Who among us hasn’t had a startled cat launch off our laps with claws drawing blood from our bodies?

Living with former ferals that are always hair-triggered for freak out has forced me to slow down. This is a good thing as I’m a high energy person. No longer do I enter a room “like a gust of wind” as a long ago horoscope described me (accurately, I might add). On the few occasions when I do dash through the house, felines running for cover, turning to stare at me with big eyes from bodies poised to fight/flee remind me that I have crossed a line of trust.

I have also learned to approach a sleeping cat with a gentle hand, face averted. Long ago a seemingly calm pet went for my eyes, resulting in a trip to the ER and seven stitches. While she wasn’t asleep when I reached for her, I must have moved too quickly and somehow appeared threatening.

The eyes of a cat are very expressive. Wide open with dilated pupils and tail flicks indicates fear or excitement. You will often observe this in a cat high on catnip or chasing a toy. The body language which accompanies this look is taut and ready for action.

A different wild-eyed meaning is when a cat is in pain. The dilated pupils will be there while the body may be limp and the breathing rapid. Call your vet immediately if your pet appears to be stoically suffering.

A calm kitty will have “soft” eyes. Often accompanied by purring, it is an invitation to come hither and cuddle.

Vocalizations of cats are a bit more complicated to interpret. Most of us understand the insistent, “Feed me now!” meows and the pleading, “Open the door,” louder ones for those who let their cats outside. Of course the loud yowling of fighting toms is unmistakable in meaning.

My favorites are the chirps and trills cats sometimes greet one another with or use when trying to remind us it surely must be treat or play time. These soft sounds are also used by a queen communicating with her kittens as she returns with food or while nursing her babies.

A cat’s tail is also used for communication. Held high accompanied by a trotting gait indicates happiness and is a friendly greeting. When the tail is in a horizontal position, the cat is cruising in neutral. Low tail and scurrying away indicates fear.

So much can be learned by observation. Our pets are attuned to us so shouldn’t we take the time to tune in to them? Treat yourself to an occasional hour of just watching your cat(s). You may be pleasantly surprised at how much lingo you pick up.