Las Vegas Veterinary Clinic

A Cat's Body Language

While cats are often thought of as aloof or non-communicative creatures, the truth is that they display a wide variety of behaviors intended to convey many different messages. Here is a quick overview of some of the most common things cats “tell” their owners.

Bites

Bites can mean many different things, depending on their type.

• Nip: This is a small, weak bite that is usually accompanied by other signs of pleasure, such as purring or licking. Nips are signs of affection, somewhat similar to human kisses.
• Warning bite: This is harder than a nip, but generally not hard enough to hurt. This is a sign that a cat is becoming irritated and may attack more strongly soon. One way to tell the difference between a nip and a warning bite is to look for other signs of annoyance, such as pressed back ears or swatting.
• Playful biting: This is especially common among kittens who have not learned that human skin is more vulnerable than theirs. Since encouraging aggressive behavior can create behavioral problems, it is best to respond to playful biting with a stern “No!”

Body Language

Cats use body language in many ways. Just a few common examples include:

• Pressing his or her face or head against a person: This is how cats leave their scent, which is a strong sign of affection.
• Lying on his or her side when a person approaches: This is a sign of submission to that person.
• Swishing its tail against a person’s leg: This is simply how a cat gets your attention, often when he or she is feeling annoyed. If you ignore the signal, he or she may leave the room.

Speak with a Las Vegas Vet

For more information about caring for cats, contact your local Las Vegas veterinarian.