How to communicate with your cat

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When talking to your cat the tone and pitch of your voice are more important that the words, says author Jean Marie Bauhaus writing for Hill’s Pet Food. If the kitty does something you don’t like speak in a low, commanding tone, “no, down, stop”. Ms Bauhaus says when praising your cat use a light, happy tone and perhaps offer a treat. Match gestures to words. If you tell the cat to get down from the table, point while using a strong tone. If you want the cat to come to you beckon with one finger while speaking in a soft encouraging tone.

Eye contact is something you must get right, Ms Bauhaus says. It can be good or bad. Don’t stare at your pet because this may be interpreted as threatening. Do give the cat a slow, loving blink and possibly the cat will return the blink. Kitty will show it loves you by bumping its head or nose against you. If you return this gesture gently with a knuckle you may get a purr of pleasure.

If your cat returns your knuckle butt or rubs its face against you, this means it is happy to see you. If the pet shows you its bum this is a friendly greeting. If your kitty returns your slow blink, it means it trusts you with its life. If your pet bites, scratches, growls or twitches its tail this is a sign of agitation — it does not like something. If your cat responds to your gentle talk with its own vocalisations it is an invitation to continue the conversation.

If your cat rolls over showing its tummy, it is NOT an invitation to rub the tummy, but shows you the animal is comfortable and happy with you to the extent of being open and vulnerable.

HOW CATS SIGNAL WITH THEIR TAILS

Tail sticking straight up means the cat is happy and likes to be with you. A thrashing tail signals strong emotion. Your animal prefers to be left alone. A swishing tail means the cat is focused on something, perhaps hunting. A quivering tail tells you the cat is excited. Your kitty may rub itself around your legs while its tail quivers. A tail sticking straight up says it is a good time to play. Sometimes the tip of the tail will curl forward. (Folklore has it that the Egyptians* created the question mark to look like a cat’s tail curling forward when it is inquisitive.)

A fluffed up tail signals the cat is feeling threatened and wants to appear bigger ready to fight. A tail kept low means the pet is anxious or frightened. Tucked between the back legs, this may mean the cat is sick or in pain and you had better take it to the vet.

• The Egyptians worshiped cats as Gods. They have not forgotten this.