WHAT DO YOUR CAT'S GESTURES MEAN?

While an entire book could be written about how cats communicate with just their vocal chords …

… this short article is more concerned with breaking down the body language of cats.

You can gauge a lot about a cat's mood and its intentions by watching …

… just the position and movement of its tail and the arrangement of its ears.

WHAT A CAT'S TAIL SAYS ABOUT ITS MOOD

While it is a common expression that eyes are the windows to the soul, paying attention to a cat's tail is the best way of sensing the animal's motives.

By noting the position and movement of your cat's tail, you can distinguish between a happy cat and a neurotic one.

An upward-angled tail indicates alertness.

If the hairs on the tail are relaxed, the cat is indicating that it feels either confidant

or relaxed.

If the hairs on the tail flare out like a pipe-cleaner, then the cat is feeling threatened and should be left alone.

A tail curled around another body indicates friendliness to that animal or person.

A tail that is hidden away from view indicates caution

and anxiety.

A rapidly moving tail indicates a very different mood from what people expect of a dog.

If the tail is thumping against the ground in rapid succession, this is a sure sign that the cat is getting irritated. If the tail is moving slowly from side to side, the cat is unsure of something and is looking to safely examine it.

WHAT A CAT'S EARS SAY ABOUT ITS MOOD

The positioning of a cat's ears is just as important to understanding the cat's mood as its tail.

If your cat's ears are pointing forward, that is a good sign he's in a good mood and maybe wants to play.

If your cat's ears are sticking straight up, they are likely on the alert. This gesture will usually pair with the cat standing upright in order to better react to surprises.

If your cat's ears are turned back, leave them alone.A cat exhibiting this sort of gesture will likely growl or even hiss if repeatedly bothered.

If your cat's ears are turned to the sides, the cat is only nervous … … and should be approached cautiously.

If you see a cat with his ears pointing back and also flattened against his head …… this is a cat that is ready to throw down if approached.

Just think; if a cat is folding his ears against his head … … then he's not really willing to listen to what you have to offer.

Another behavior that is nearly instinctual to cats is the desire to chase movement.

If you see a cat that locks its eyes on something and seems to rock its entire body back and forth …

… flattening its ears, dilating its pupils and slightly moving its tail, the cat is ready to pounce on whatever it sees.

If the cat seems fixated on a hand or something else you'd rather not have clawed or bitten…

… the best answer is to just freeze the movement; this will snap the cat out of its instinct.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet?

An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend.

For more info, please visitCustom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/