Cats speak to you in about a million ways. This communication with the tail, for example, is a feline's emotional barometer. A slow, even tale-wave expresses contentment. A faster pace can mean displeasure, excitement or getting ready or 'game time'. Of course, we all know when the cat is about to pounce or when to keep your hand away. Obvious signs of affection are also unmistakable. But did you know that a cat's tale, when held high & perhaps quivering, is a friendly greeting? Cat-rubbing expresses more than just "hello." It can also mean "You belong to me." Scent glands on the forehead, lips and chin are used to mark territory and possessions. Cats will also head butt, entwine around legs, lick or rub their mouths on their humans. In multi-cat households, marking can become a very competitive activity. Since some felines add drool to the mix, it can also be sloppy.
Of course, the way a cat hold its ears usually means something. But when a cat's afraid, its eyes become enormous. And a sick cat's whole demeanor may change. Although felines are notoriously stoic, extreme discomfort can be noticeable. If it has an ear infection or other ailment, the cat might shake its head and dig at or flatten the offending ear. But overall, sick cats sort of close down. They might curl up in an abnormal way, not like they're just sleeping.
And what about that 'bread-kneading' action? You've seen it. Front paws alternately pump away on some soft object (like you) until the kneader dozes off or gets distracted. This activity begins in kittenhood when baby's paws busily stimulate mom's milk flow. Be honored if your thigh reminds kitty of mother's love. It means that your cat loves you and her home! But cats will actually 'tell you' they love you too. Purring indicates happiness and satisfaction, or stress. If a purr can be compared to our laughter, a stress purr is a nervous laugh. Even sick (or dying) cats purr, perhaps to self-soothe. Anyone who's fed a feline knows the sounds: "Chirp, birrr, jibber-jabber, meow, brrow." Whether it's a command to speed up the can opener or an expression of delight and gratitude, it's definitely meaningful discourse. Watch the tail – it's probably straight up. More talk – "Squirrel, squirrel!" The tail is probably switching and teeth chattering. This oral excitement mimics chewing on prey. It's sort of a dress rehearsal for the act of hunting and catching. Perhaps fluids in the mouth are thus stimulated for the kill.
And, of course, cats say volumes by staring. A lengthy, annoyed gaze at you mesmerized by television or the Internet works well enough to use the tactic often. "Hey you, pet me! Uh, I'm hungry! Hola, I'm numero uno!" Staring at the door says kitty wants out. Or Mr. Watchcat might be indicating an immediate need for firearms: "Alert! Intruder, front door!" Now, the trespasser might just be an errant moth hugging the porch light, but it could be a real cat burglar. Watch and learn (and maybe dial 911).
An upside-down cat trusts the person it plops over for. It sometimes offers an invitation to play. Rolling around, grinding its seemingly disconnected spine into the carpet says it all: "Oh bliss, joy. Wuv-ooo!"
So, where can you read a cat? No, not in a catalog – in your own home where your own cat has lots to tell you.
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