Cats are mysterious creatures. They’re often independent, sometimes aloof, and usually do things on their own terms. You may not think they sound like the best adventure buddies, but we’re here to tell you that they are! You just have to learn how to decode the signals they’re sending.
Decoding Cat Communication
Traveling with our cats means we have had to learn more about how they’re feeling. To be aware of what they’re comfortable with and what boundaries we’re able to stretch, we’ve had to pay close attention to how they react in certain situations. For example, Fish loves kids. When they approach, his tail sticks straight up in the air – an indicator he’s feeling happy and friendly. This way we are able to tell kids that it’s okay to pet him, knowing he will have a positive reaction.
Fish reacts quite differently when approached by dogs. He likes some dogs, but generally reacts cautiously when encountering a new one, and certain breeds really freak him out. We can tell he’s nervous if his ears go out to the side. If he’s especially alarmed, his ears will be pinned back, his pupils will dilate, and his tail will puff up. Next he’ll raise his back as whatever he perceives as a threat approaches.
If the dog is leashed and doesn’t seem interested in him we’ll generally let the encounter continue, because it’s a good way for Fish to get used to dogs. But if Fish starts hissing, we know it’s time to pick him up so he feels safer. Hissing is an obvious sign of distress, fear, or aggression.
Each Cat Is Different
Cats have their own personalities, and anxiety is an expression we see more often in Chips than Fish. Fish is a pretty laid back cat, but Chips is more uneasy. This usually manifests by him crouching down close to the ground with his ears back and tail straight out, angled down, or tucked underneath him.
For us, the best thing to do in this scenario is give him space. Generally, he just needs a little longer to get comfortable in his surroundings. As long as there is no danger, working through these feelings on his own teaches Chips that new environments are not scary. We just remain calm and show him that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Which brings me to my next point: it’s important to never mimic their reactions. Always be aware of the vibe you’re putting out and make sure it’s positive. If your cat is scared, nervous, or frustrated, never react in a negative way.
Animals are exceptionally adept at understanding our body language as a form of communication. If you’re nervous it will heighten their anxiety. Instead make sure your tone is positive, your body is neutral, and you’re dealing with the situation with confidence.
Sometimes your cat might make audible noises to communicate with you, such as purring or various meows. Adult cats normally don’t meow to communicate with each other, so if your cat’s meowing, he’s talking to you!
By paying close attention, you learn to distinguish your cat’s “hungry meow” from his “let’s play” meow. Cats develop their own tones and variations based on how you react. That being said, a noise like purring is universally recognized as the sound of contentment, and growling or hissing generally demonstrate fear or aggression. Chattering, which is a noise they often reserve for watching birds outside the window, is a sound of frustration and interest. Chirping, or what is often referred to as trilling, is a noise they make when they’re looking for you or want you to come over to them.
What’s Your Cat Trying To Tell You?
Below is a list of some common cat communications that you can watch for, but keep in mind that every cat is different. And sometimes individual expressions can mean different things when paired with other indicators, so definitely take a comprehensive approach when evaluating their body language.
- Tail straight up, slightly curved at the tip or in a relaxed position behind them
- Whiskers relaxed
- Slow blinking or droopy eyelids
- Ears angled forwards
- Laying down on their side or back
- Pupils are normal slits
- Head butting, licking, kneading
- Ears to the side
- Body crouched low to the ground
- Eyes enlarged
- Back arched
- Tail between legs
- Direct stare
- Ears flat to the head
- Whiskers forward while in a stare down or fight
- Back arched, tail fluffed or tail lowered and flicking
- Growling, hissing
We hope these tips for understanding what your cat is trying to tell you will help make your travels more fun for you both!
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