Cats, unlike dogs, don’t give off physical or vocal cues to tell you what they are thinking, which is why it can be challenging to read their mind and understand their emotions. However, don’t lose hope just yet, because there is a way to learn what’s running on your cat’s mind.
Closely observe and analyze your feline pet’s body language, facial expressions, and vocalizations to get hints about its mood. Should you suspect anything concerning, take it to the vet immediately. Sometimes behavioral problems can result from underlying physical health problems you might not be aware of.
Your vet can run required medical tests to confirm or rule out potential health conditions. Pet insurance for cats covers a furball’s medical care for various health issues and emergencies, depending on the level of cover chosen. Consider purchasing cat insurance, so you have a medical financial backup in dire health situations.
Meanwhile, read this article to learn how to understand your cat’s mood by observing its body language.
1.Relaxed
When your fur baby is relaxed, its ears will be perked up and forward facing, whiskers will generally be forward, and paws tucked in. Other signs that say your furball is completely at ease include giving you a soft blink, purring, head rubbing, head butting, kneading, or simply lying next to you or on your lap with calm on their face.
2.Anxious
When stress and anxiety take over your cat, or your pet isn’t too sure about the current circumstances, it may have one ear up and the other facing backward. Other signs that indicate your cat is anxious are a stiff body, ears facing up, licking lips, retreating, avoiding looking at you directly, hissing, yowling, and uneasy vocalizations.
3.Fright
A scared cat usually gives a person a wide-eyed stare. Pupils can be dilated or constricted, so pay attention to other signs to understand the situation. Whiskers back, ears pressed down, holding front paws up (ready to strike), stretching claws (to scratch), arched back, fat tail, and fur standing on the spine are some red flags to watch out for. Even a typically peaceful cat can get startled and assume defensive postures when it feels threatened.
4.Angry
You must be careful while handling an angry or irritated feline because it is mostly prepared to attack. Constricted pupils, hard stares, and paws up with its body ready for action are some signs you shouldn’t take lightly. A stiff tail and aggressive wagging indicate agitation even when the rest of the body appears relaxed. Hissing and growling are signs that your furball is getting into the fiery zone and really mad at something.
Learn to understand a cat’s body language and vocalizations to estimate how approachable a furball is. Proceed with caution when meeting new cats because the consequences can be bad if they don’t show relaxed signs. While dealing with inhouse cats, learn ways to help your fur babies overcome negative behaviors and blend with the household peacefully.
At the same time, consider being prepared with pet insurance for cats because health issues are unpredictable and, many a time, unavoidable. Behavioral problems can also be due to ailments or physical distress requiring timely medical assistance. Contemplate purchasing cat insurance to manage unexpected pet health expenses effectively without compromising on the quality of medical care.