Interesting facts and information
What does it mean when a cat purrs?
Purring is not always a sign that cats accept their surroundings and feel happy. Cats will also purr when in distress or in order to avoid being distressed. Purring may also signify a sense of helplessness.
Apart from that, cats purr:
- when in fear and in order to relieve stress and anxiety;
- in order to make other cats calm;
- when injured or in pain;
- while giving birth;
- when dying.
Claws…
Retractable claws are a distinctive trait of the Felidae family. This incredible ability allows very quick and silent moving while hunting. Retracting protects the claws, keeps them sharp and ready. Normally, cats walk on their toes and it is the soft paw pads that let them move so stealthily.
The masterful hunter…
There is not much difference between the domesticated cat and its wild ancestors. If left on its own without the human, it will quickly turn into a masterful hunter.
Communicating…
Cats have not only learnt to communicate with humans, but owing to their exceptional intelligence, they have mastered it to perfection. The way they communicate can be adjusted to the needs of a particular person. “For instance, a Siamese, whose owner suddenly became deaf, started to communicate by his facial expressions and gestures instead of the usual miaowing.”
Getting on with your cat…
If you want to get on with your cat, you need to learn the feline language. It is not that difficult, just take your time and observe your kitty closely. Cats prefer any contacts to be initiated by them rather than by you, so when you start stroking your kitty, make sure you watch her/his body language carefully. A “wagging” tail means that s/he has had enough of stroking and wants to be left alone.
Looking at the cat from a small distance with your eyes wide open may cause her/him to feel threatened. Looking with narrowed eyes means that you are smiling!
To be continued
Based on “Mit Katzen leben” by Denise Seidl.The author
is the Chairwoman of the Association of Pet Psychologists in Austria,
a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Ethology, a feline behaviour
expert and a sought-after and highly-regarded adviser to
breeders associations.
All quotations were taken from the aforementioned book.