How to interpret your cat's body language

Like humans, cats have a unique body language system with which they communicate. At first a bit cryptic, these tips will help you understand what your feline friend is telling you.  

The Tail:

• A wagging tail on a cat is not a good sign. Kitty is not feeling friendly or happy to see you. They are feeling quite the contrary. Angry, feisty cats vigorously swish or wag their tails to show their displeasure. This can be an early warning sign before a cat lashes out.
• A straight tail, held rigidly vertical, with the tip curled down to one side, indicates a cat that is curious or interested in something.
• When a cat is extremely happy, her tail is held rigidly vertical, with the tip also straight.  
• A stiff tail with a twitching tip means that your pet is becoming mildly irritated, so watch out!
• A defensive position is marked by a bristling, arched tail.
• A tail drooping or held near the ground generally indicates submission and non-aggression.

Rubbing:

• If a cat rubs against you with its body or the sides of its face, it's simply marking its territory.
• A true sign of affection comes when a cat rubs against you with its forehead or nose. Lucky you!

Whiskers:

• A happy or curious cat has fully-extended whiskers that help him navigate around his world.
• An irritated or sick cat has whiskers that are pulled back more tightly towards the face.

Ears:

• Happy cat ears are up and always moving, rotating in the direction of every little sound.
• Frightened or defensive cats flatten their ears against the side of their heads as a sign of submission. Fighting cats often exhibit this behavior because they are trying to avoid injury.
• An angry cat shows his aggression by pointing his ears forward at an angle.

Eyes:

• Wide-open eyes are signs your kitty is curious and happy. Often, you can see a slight glint in your cat's eyes when it's about to do something mischievous.
• Half-closed eyes are a sign your pet is ready for a nap. However, if the eyes are half-closed but the cat is fully awake, it may indicate an infection or illness.
• Dilated pupils indicate a cat that is frightened and prepared to defend itself.
• Learning some cat speak will not only bring you and your pet closer together, but it may help you recognize the early warning signs of sickness or infection.

Training Your Cat

While cats are famed for having their own ideas about things, and a rather strong-will, they actually can become quite well trained. Here's how to turn even stalwart misbehavers into courteous pets.

1. The training sessions should be short (not more than 10-15 minutes) and performed in a quiet environment, free from distraction.

2. Always do the same thing. Use the same commands, the same signals, same reward, and always do the training yourself. You must be committed to consistency and patience.

3. Find a reward your cat really likes. Food treats usually work best. Try to make it a healthy one so kitty doesn't end up waddling through his new tricks. Just a pea sized goody should provide enough incentive.

4. Make a little clicking sound before offering the treat. Repeat the sequence: Command, good behavior, click, treat--in that order without exceptions. Be sure to click immediately after the good behavior is performed. Use the clicking device or sound only for training, never for play.

Here are some examples:

Sit

Using hand signals, "sit" is a fist held vertically with the thumb up. Put your cat on a table and begin by holding the food over his/her head. It is natural for a cat to sit down as the head is tilted up watching the food. As soon as the cat sits, click and say "sit", and then make a fist with the other hand holding the thumb up. If your cat will not sit down, gently press down on the hindquarters and continue holding the food overhead and say "sit".   As soon as the cat sits, make the clicking sound and give the food treat.

After going through this procedure a number of times the cat will start to associate the food treat with your command. At this point you will not need to use the clicker any longer. Just the command "sit" will be enough.

Come

You may have already trained your cat to come without knowing it. Ever notice how easily she materializes when a can is opened or a cabinet rattled? Simply start pairing those sounds with the command "come and the cat's name." Then hit the clicker. Wait until your cat comes up to you to reward with food. Praise and petting are always a good reinforcement while training.

Try this "come" training in other parts of the house besides the kitchen. When your cat comes to you on a consistent basis after the "come" command, you can stop using the clicker.