Feel Closer To Your Cat With These Clever Communication Tips

According to the American Pet Products Association, there are approximately 100 million cat owners all over the world. While cats can be our most trusted confidants, there are times when our communication can be stronger.

With a little bit of training and education, you can soon become a cat behavior expert with these dos and don'ts.

Avoid Laser Pointers

cat with a laser pointer
funnyplox/YouTube
funnyplox/YouTube

Cats are usually up for a little play time, but there are certain activities that should be off-limits. One of the worst toys for a cat is a laser pointer.

The cat will be chasing something that it will never be able to catch, which can create obsessive tendencies for your pet.

ADVERTISEMENT

Do Not Yell At Your Cat

ADVERTISEMENT
cat with green eyes and a green background
Manja Vitolic/Unsplash
Manja Vitolic/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

When things go wrong with our pets, some owners may feel the need to reprimand them the second it happens.

ADVERTISEMENT

People should never yell at their cats, scold them, or spray them with water. This can lead to them becoming scared or uncomfortable around you. When cats get scared, it could cause them to bite.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep An Eye On Their Body Language

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
cat sitting on a table
Paul Hanaoka/Unsplash
Paul Hanaoka/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Something owners should always keep an eye on is their cat's body language. For example, if the cat's tail is up like a question mark, it means they are comfortable and friendly.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also, if their ears are pushed back, they are most likely not in a good mood. If you sense they are uncomfortable, try moving slower, so they won't be scared.

ADVERTISEMENT

Be Cautious When Petting Your Cat

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
person petting a cat under their chin
Yerlin Matu/Unsplash
Yerlin Matu/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

According to a professor of animal behavior science, it's important to be cautious while petting your cat.

ADVERTISEMENT

The best thing to do is pet them a couple of times and then stop. You'll be able to tell if they want you to keep going or if they want to be left alone by how they approach you.

ADVERTISEMENT

Scents Go A Long Way With Cats

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
kitten sitting on a bed
Kote Puerto/Unsplash
Kote Puerto/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

If you notice that your cat isn't following you around the house, it may be time to plug in a diffuser. Cats leave behind a pheromone when they rub their faces against something.

ADVERTISEMENT

There are certain diffusers that mimic the pheromone smell, which attracts the cats into that room. These smells create a happy or peaceful feeling for them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep The House Warm

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
cat under a blanket
Mikhail Vasilyev/Unsplash
Mikhail Vasilyev/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Since house cats are descendants of wild animals such as cheetahs and pumas, they want to live in a warm environment.

ADVERTISEMENT

The ideal temperature for a cat is between 86 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While many probably don't want their house that warm, it can be helpful to keep a heating pad nearby for them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Use Clickers To Train Your Cat

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
owner using a clicker to train their cat
Catster
Catster
ADVERTISEMENT

Most pet stores have clickers available for training. However, other tools can be helpful as well.

ADVERTISEMENT

It's recommended to have a long stick with a toy at the end. Every time the pet touches its nose to the end of the stick, use the clicker. Then, reward them with a treat.

ADVERTISEMENT

Blinking Is A Big Deal For Cats

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat lying on the floor and blinking
Michael Sum/Unsplash
Michael Sum/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

The speed of your blinking actually makes a huge difference for cats. They will respond more positively to someone who blinks slowly.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cats are more likely to approach someone who does this because it makes them comfortable. Blinking slowly is how they may associate a smile. This may seem like a small thing, but it can determine whether or not your cat will approach you.

ADVERTISEMENT

Give Your Cat Special Attention

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat sitting on a chair
Kari Shea/Unsplash
Kari Shea/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Giving your cat special attention is a giant sign of love that they will appreciate. Doing things such as cleaning their coat and removing their shedding hair helps them stay healthy.

ADVERTISEMENT

Other ways you can show attention is by giving them cuddles, taking them for a brief walk, or letting them sleep on a special pillow near you.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Right Way To Massage Your Cat

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat being pet by a blonde woman
Dan Tuffs/Getty Images
Dan Tuffs/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When you know that your cat is comfortable around you, it may want a quick pet or massage. It's important to know the right way to give them one.

ADVERTISEMENT

Touching them from nose to tail is the best way to give them a massage. Not only is it relaxing, but it can help lower their blood pressure.

ADVERTISEMENT

Find Your Cats A Fun Toy

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
kim-davies-fEK4jvgnApg-unsplash
Kim Davies/Unsplash
Kim Davies/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

In order to have a happy and healthy cat, it's best to prevent them from being bored. One way to curb their boredom is to get them an interactive and stimulating cat toy.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also, a good toy can serve as an outlet for predatory behavior, reduce their stress, and provide them with physical exercise.

ADVERTISEMENT

Why Cats Licks Themselves

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat licking herself
Eric Han/Unsplash
Eric Han/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

It may seem annoying when your cat is licking their fur, but they have a reason for doing so.

ADVERTISEMENT

Licking their fur promotes the production of sebum, which is an oily fluid that helps them maintain healthy skin. Not only does it protect their fur, but it eliminates loose hair, mats, dirt, and parasites.

ADVERTISEMENT

Know How To Introduce Them To New Animals

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Cocker spaniel relaxing with a cat
Auscape/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Auscape/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If you are an animal lover, then having lots of pets seems natural to you. However, adding new animals to the family may make your cat anxious.

ADVERTISEMENT

Before bringing a new furry friend into the house, slowly introduce your cat to them. Have them meet briefly outdoors a couple of times and watch them carefully when the new pet finally comes home.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep Snacks Around

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
cat eating a treat
INABA Premium Cat and Dog Treats/YouTube
INABA Premium Cat and Dog Treats/YouTube
ADVERTISEMENT

If you want to show your cat you love them, one way to get their attention is through treats.

ADVERTISEMENT

While you should not go overboard, letting them have a treat every now and then for good behavior is something they will love. It's best to avoid human food and stick to snacks specifically made for cats.

ADVERTISEMENT

How To Get Rid Of Their Stress

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat sitting on a couch
Erik-Jan Leusink/Unsplash
Erik-Jan Leusink/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

If your cat is acting out, it's likely due to stress. The first thing owners should do is try to figure out what is causing them to feel stressed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Some examples could be moving to a new home or the addition of a new animal to the household. Once you figure out what's going on, you can try to do things that make them feel comfortable such as petting them or giving them a snack.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tips For Holding Your Cat

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
mel-elias-2_KjpNXFl5M-unsplash
Mel Elias/Unsplash
Mel Elias/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

While it may be fun to hold your cat and carry them around, there are certain things people shouldn't do when picking them up.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cats should be held carefully but not too tight. If they're held too tight, it can be seen as a sign of aggression, which can lead to scratching or biting.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Judge Cats By Their Looks

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat nuzzled on owner's lap
Pinterest
Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

It's important to remember that cats aren't humans, so they don't communicate through their facial expressions. They do other things that demonstrate how nice or aggressive they are feeling.

ADVERTISEMENT

Try your best not to judge your cat by how they look because it doesn't necessarily correspond to how they are feeling. Instead, watch for their behavior and body language.

ADVERTISEMENT

How Cats Mark Territory

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat being scratched under the chin
Pinterest
Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

If a cat feels threatened by another animal, it will do its best to mark its territory. One way they do this is to urinate, spray, or deposit feces in a specific spot.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, if this behavior is ongoing, it may be a sign of a urinary tract or bladder infection.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cats Like A Quiet Tone

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat looking sad
Pinterest
Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

It's normal that owners may have an outburst in front of their cats, but loud voices and commotion can cause a lot of stress for them.

ADVERTISEMENT

When speaking to your cat, try to keep a quiet tone. A low, soft-spoken voice soothes them and makes them feel safe and comfortable.

ADVERTISEMENT

The "Purrfect" Way To Greet A Cat

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
peter-lam-ch-0iNLhORjMGM-unsplash
Peter Lam/Unsplash
Peter Lam/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Since cats often greet each other by touching noses, humans should try to replicate this when greeting their cats.

ADVERTISEMENT

You can do this by curling your index finger and slowly extending it to touch the cat's nose. This gives your cat a way to greet you in their own language.

ADVERTISEMENT

Make A High-Pitched Sound If Your Cat Gets Too Rough

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
four kittens in a basket in a garden
Jari Hytönen/Unsplash
Jari Hytönen/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

When cats participate in playtime, they can get a bit rowdy. This can lead to them acting out by biting your fingers or toes, which they may mistake for a toy.

ADVERTISEMENT

When they first start doing this, the best thing to do is make a high-pitched yelp. This tells them that it hurts and that they should back off.

ADVERTISEMENT

Why Your Cat May Show You Their Belly

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat with blue eyes
Mikhail Vasilyev/Unsplash
Mikhail Vasilyev/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

It may seem playful for a cat to roll over and expose their belly. This gesture is most likely their way of telling you that they want attention.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just by them rolling over and showing their belly, it is their way of saying they trust you and are putting themselves in a vulnerable position.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meows Are Special

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
kitten running through a field
Andriyko Podilnyk/Unsplash
Andriyko Podilnyk/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Owners are probably used to hearing their cats meow, but that sound is only reserved for humans. According to Pet MD, cats rarely meow at each other.

ADVERTISEMENT

A meow from a cat can mean dozens of things, such as asking for attention, food, or wanting to be pet. Try to listen closely because each meow is different.

ADVERTISEMENT

Avoid Staring Directly At Your Cat

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat looking scared on the couch
Tran Mau Tri Tam/Unsplash
Tran Mau Tri Tam/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

One of the most threatening gestures for a cat is direct eye contact. This can make them feel very anxious and uncomfortable.

ADVERTISEMENT

Staring at a cat often tells them that you are looking to cause trouble, which can make them act out. It's perfectly fine to look at them every now and then, but staring is a bit much for them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Chattering Is A Good Sign

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
timo-volz-QM9eqBlehw8-unsplash
Timo Volz/Unsplash
Timo Volz/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Cats can make all sorts of noises; one of the good ones is chattering. This noise is very common when cats greet their owners at the door or when they follow them around the house.

ADVERTISEMENT

Chattering is a cat's way of talking in a friendly manner and shows that they're interested in interacting with you.

ADVERTISEMENT

Purrs Can Mean A Bunch Of Things

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat lying down with a mug and incents
Gaelle Marcel/Unsplash
Gaelle Marcel/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Those who own cats have often heard them purr but may not know why. Purrs are usually a sign of comfort and security.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, cats will purr for other reasons, such as feeling sick or after they get injured. Purring is a way for them to comfort themselves, but it's also a sign of affection.

ADVERTISEMENT

Be Happy If Your Cat Kneads

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat looking to the side in front of a pink background
Kabo/Unsplash
Kabo/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Cats have a bunch of ways to show affection, but one of the most certain is kneading. This behavior actually starts when they are kittens.

ADVERTISEMENT

When cats are young, they will often knead on their mothers when they are nursing. So, if they continue to do so as adults with their owners, it shows that they love them.

ADVERTISEMENT

They Love Singing

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a cat standing on a table with plants and knick-knacks
Steve Tsang/Unsplash
Steve Tsang/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

A cat can show you the most affection when they feel comfortable and safe in its home. Owners can go about this in many ways, but one thing they can do is sing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Feel free to sing in a soft lullaby voice around the house and notice how relaxed it will make them feel.

ADVERTISEMENT

Why A Cat May Wag Their Tail

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
the back side of a cat
Marnhe du Plooy/Unsplash
Marnhe du Plooy/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

When it comes to dogs, a tail wag usually means they are excited and want to play. That behavior is different for cats.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cats will usually wag their tail when they are annoyed. If you see your cat do this, make sure you can identify what is annoying them and try to fix the problem.

ADVERTISEMENT

Repetition Is Key For Cats

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a grey cat in front of a grey background
Luku Muffin/Unsplash
Luku Muffin/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

One of the ways cats learn is through repetition. For example, if you repeat the word "up" when they climb up to sit on the couch, they will associate that word with being able to sit there.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to Love Ferplast, repeating the same word several times makes the cat associate the sound of the word with actions.