Cats Have Their Own Language - Page 2
© Faith Antonioni
The most noticeable body language happens when two competing cats meet when fighting over territory or during mating season. The body language of the cat is so hard to detect that sometimes humans can't tell when two cats are fighting.
When looking at a cat's body language, you must consider the whole body, which includes the face, body and tail position. Looking at one thing like a cat's arched back is confusing because this could mean many things. Depending on the facial expression of the cat and the position of the fur, it could be distressed or friendly.
A person can learn many things about how a cat communicates by looking at the position of the head. For example, a cat that leans his head forward wants to be petted or is positioning its head so it can see the approving or disapproving facial expression of its owner or other cats. The placement of the head can make a contradictory message. A cat that moves its head upward can be considered assertive. Also a cat that is aggressive can bow its head down. By the same token, a cat that is subservient will bow down its head. A substandard cat will lift up its head when it is scared or protecting itself.
A cat can tell you that he is losing interest or being non-threatening. It will position its head down, pulling its chin in and rotate its head sideways.
The language of smell is the first thing a kitten learns. A kitten is blind at birth and uses its sense of smell to find its mother's nipple. The kitten uses the same nipple because the kitten finds its scent on it.
Smell is a important factor in the communication of cats. The scent glands can be found on the chin, lips, temples and the bottom of the tail. A cat has its own individual scent which it uses to carry over to its fur when a cat washes. Then when it rubs on a couch, for instance, its scent is transferred.
