Page 32 - Creature Companion October Edition

FELINE MATTER

scent glands on their head and ears,
so if your cats rub their cheeks and
sides against you, this is their way
of investigating your smell and then
rubbing their own scent onto you.

TO STROKE, OR NOT TO STROKE;
THAT IS THE QUESTION
Cat has a favourite spot to roll on
its back and expose its tummy.
If so, chances are it’s feeling nice
and relaxed. It could, in fact, be a
demonstration that they trust you and
feel comfortable in your presence,
as presenting the belly shows their
vulnerability. However, cats are very
aware of their surroundings and
likely to change mood at slightest
stimulus. So, just because a kitty is
on its back, doesn’t mean it is inviting
you to tickle. Depending on your cat’s
character, they may have areas of
their body that they do not appreciate
being touched, such as their tummy.
This is just one of their behavioural
aspects, but there are some more brain is telling them to pounce at it is in an affectionate mood. A high,
general signs of comfort or anxiety. any movement. If the objects they bushy tail can mean a cat is scared,
Relaxed muscles, forward-facing happen to be staring at are your especially if its back is arched or low
ears, and constricted pupils are all fingers or toes, it’s best to keep them to the ground, but this can also be a

signs of calm. Conversely, if their still. A cat’s pupils can also tell you sign of excitement. Always take note
muscles are tense, body is low to the what they may be feeling. Wide of the cat’s surroundings so you can
ground, and their pupils are dilated pupils can mean fear or anxiety – as understand if its bushy tail is anxiety
then something in the vicinity is your cat tries to take in everything or excitement. Bear in mind that cats
making them feel threatened. around them. Dilated pupils, when and dogs tend to tuck their tails in
combined with purring and a relaxed between their legs when they are
EYES ARE A WINDOW TO THEIR body, can convey contentment or scared. If your cat’s tail is pointing
SOUL pleasure. However, your cat’s pupils towards ground, there’s a good chance
In the animal kingdom, closing your shrinking can also be a sign of anger they are frightened, while a wagging
eyes is a sign of trust. It means you’re or fear, especially when paired with or twitching tail means that your cat

in an environment where you can let flattened ears and a tucked-in tail. is irritated or upset and should be left
your guard down. Next time your cat Speaking of tails… alone. Of course, there is one more
gives you an unnerving stare, only to method of communicating that is
slowly blink its eyes, slow blink back AN EMOTIONAL TAIL more reliable than movement, eyes,
at them because they just told you Eyes aren’t the only way to get a sense and tails: speaking!
how comfortable they feel with you. of what your cat is feeling – a cat’s
Really comfortable cats will even lick tail is very expressive. A high tail, if CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE?
their owners’ hands or faces! Many not too tense, denotes confi dence As helpful as body language can
cats also maintain their prolonged and familiarity. This is doubly so if be, nothing tells you better that
stare while in hunting mode. When your cat decides to cuddle you with your cat is comfortable than their
in this state of high attention, their its tail as curling it around you means soft purring as they settle in your

32 Creature Companion | OCTOBER 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 9 • NOIDA