A cat may swish, flick or twitch her tail for a variety of reasons when you speak to her. It could be because she's feeling playful, happy, anxious or annoyed. As a dedicated owner, it's up to you to examine her tail wagging and body language to understand the emotions she's trying to convey.
But other times, he might not be sleeping as deeply as you think. If you call his name and he doesn't come to you but slowly begins to wag or swish his tail, then he's likely awake and trying to decide if he wants to get up. His gentle tail swish lets you know he hears you and knows you're there.
When your cat holds their tail high in the air as they move about their territory, they're expressing confidence and contentment. A tail that sticks straight up signals happiness and a willingness to be friendly.
When cats are happy or during their playtime, they often wag their tails slowly in a waving motion from side to side. They could just be in a good mood, or they could be focusing on something, whether it is a bird outside the window or a toy you are waving at them.
Cats Wag Their Tails When They're Feeling Secure
If you're petting your cat and they acknowledge you by moving their tail a bit or your cat is wagging their tail while they are purring, they're feeling secure. This is a good sign you're free to keep petting your beloved cat and showing them that you care. Trust us.
Signs a cat is frustrated with you
Your cat may move their head or body away from you. Your cat may sharply or quickly turn their head towards your face or hands (usually as a reaction to you touching them somewhere they're not keen on).
Cats tend to use pawing as a form of communication. Cats paw at us out of instinct, by accident, to give or get affection, and to get our attention. Most times, when cats paw at us, it means nothing serious. Sometimes, however, they are getting our attention to tell us that they are sick or in pain.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter. Females, on the other hand, are often more standoffish.
It probably feels like your four-legged fur baby has got it in for you, but these perceived acts of aggression are actually an indicator of affection. That can be quite difficult to fathom, right? But it's true; they're actually “love bites” rather than a defense mechanism.
To show affection
Licking is not only a grooming mechanism but also a way cats show that they love you. Your cat is creating a social bond by licking you, other cats, or pets. This sign of affection may stem from kittenhood when your cat's mother licked them to groom them and show care and affection.
Your Cat Stares at You to Show Affection
Cats can use staring as a nonverbal way of communicating. Even though a long, unblinking stare may not be the best way for humans to show affection, when your fur baby does this, it may mean they're showing love to their favourite owner.
Rubbing: Affectionate Ownership
It's their way of saying, "Hey, I claim you as mine!" They transfer their scent onto you, almost like marking you as their own. Whether it's a full-body rub or just a gentle forehead or cheek nuzzle, cats are declaring their ownership and seeking your undivided attention.
Cats are often quite independent creatures but if they have a strong bond with you, they may simply follow you around because they want to be near to you and see what you're up to. Or perhaps they're waiting for you to sit down so they can jump on your lap for a snooze.
It is feeling playful or focused
If you notice your cat wagging tip of tail while lying down on its stomach, it means they are focusing and getting ready to pounce on the toy you are wagging in front of it or maybe an insect! They may also make little sounds that sound like chirping when in this position.
Sleeping with you provides them with security and an extra defense if a predator should launch a nighttime attack. They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.
Strengthens the bond – Cats who sleep with their humans are closer to them. This comfortable snuggle helps them feel more trust and safety with their owners. It's warm – For those who get cold easily, a cat in the bed is the perfect feet warmer.
Your cat follows you into the bathroom because they want to be a part of this daily ritual. Your cat may also follow you into the bathroom because they associate your routine with something else. For example, your kitty may have figured out you always feed them after your morning shower.
It's a form of play from when they were kittens. Plus they want your attention, most likely in hopes of snacks, petting, or both. Be happy that the kitty at least likes you enough to do this; if they didn't, the kitty would just plain ignore you.
Kneading to mark territory — Cats are strongly driven by scent-related communication, relying on scent markers to claim territory and leave other cats a message. Your cat has scent glands in her paws, and scratching and kneading deposits her scent, letting other animals know she was there.
Every cat is different, but there are a few feline behaviours that may be your cat's way of saying they'd like to patch things up. They include, Approaching you (it's a little gesture, but it means they feel safe) Head butting and rubbing.
Being picked up and held can make some cats nervous, as they are being restrained in your arms. This limits their options for escape if anything were to startle them. Cats are independent creatures, and although they often like to be up high, they like to choose their own perch and not be restrained whilst doing so.
“A cat or any pet can tell that you are sad,” Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinarian in Texas, tells Romper. “They sense the change in your behavior and know that you're upset.” Some cats will even try and comfort you when you're sad — they might lie in your lap and lick your face or hands.