Anyone have any pointers? I just got my first cat a couple days a go. I'm use to dogs, I'm a dog person. I have no idea what cat gestures mean. And, my cat keeps trying to rub up against my face when I get in bed... ?
2007-05-20 23:02:42 · 7 answers · asked by stephyrose87 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Basically, cats...want your attention only when they want it, and want you to feed them when they're hungry. Other than that...they basically prefer to be let be.
Rubbing against your face, my cat does that. Pretty much means the damn thing wants your attention, or food.
This is another reason why I prefer dogs, lmao. They're always happy to see you no matter what.
2007-05-20 23:07:42 · answer #1 · answered by Lexi 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The best and most responsible thing you can do to switch yourself from a dog behavior comprehender to grasping "cat-aese" is to check out some books from the library and read them or the chapters that you feel you need right now.
I don't care what anybody with any experience says, cats are not aloof and uncaring. But they are predators by nature AND they are prey for larger predators. So, unlike dogs who travel in packs, cats' communications are mostly silent. A cat will greet you with its tail up like a flag, which is a greeting. In a face-to-face situation, averted eyes means submission; a direct and pointed stare is aggression or challenge. A soft-eyed look accompanied by a little blink is a love greeting. A head bump usually means "I would like some attention". Rubbing means "feed me" or "I'm glad to see you." And laying against you at night means companionship, or it is done for warmth, depending on the context.
Some cats are "talkers", and communicate with humans with meows. Siamese are notorious talkers. Most cats are pretty silent, though.
I suggest a couple of books below, but the best thing for you to do is to just go the library and find something or go to the bookstore and pick up a couple of books. The ASPCA cat handbook is a good thing to keep around the house.
And finally, DO NOT LET YOUR CAT ROAM. Owners who let their cats roam lop 11 -- yes, eleven -- years off their cats' lives on an average. Free roaming cats get worms, ear mites, feline leukemia, feline AIDS (not transmissable to humans); fleas; encounter raccoons, dogs, nasty people, coyotes and automobiles. Indoor cats live 15 years on average, and cost a lot less in vet bills and heartache. Have your animal fixed and keep it in.
2007-05-21 08:26:52 · answer #2 · answered by Mercy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats rub to mark their territory and it appears to be a sign of affection in cat groups. You are now officially property of your cat. In a few years you will appreciate the humor and accuracy of that statement. Some general cat body language; standing stiff with tail held high and fluffed ( often accompanied by a hissing sound ) = I'm startled or frightened. Crouching low, tail whipping back and forth ( usually, but not always accompanied by a growl ) = there's something or someone I don't like over there. Kneading ( a rhythmic pressing with the paws, sometimes involving some degree of claw action ) = Oh, soft! or a sign of pleasure. Purring is usually a clear sign of happiness, but not always. All cats are touch oriented to some degree but all have different personalities. Your cat sounds like a cuddle cat and will probably enjoy getting all your attention, on their terms. When a cat pushes away, it's best to let them go. They have novel ways of getting what they want and getting into things you'd rather they didn't. Best of luck. Cats are independent beings and will allow you to share their living space, as long as you learn and follow their rules. Where dogs will wet themselves because you came back home, cats will look at you as if to say "Oh, your'e here. You may feed me now." Actually, most cats will tell you in their way when they missed you. Cats also have their own vocal skills, often unappreciated by most humans. Some cats fancy themselves to be singers and will choose peculiar ( and often times inconveinient ) to practice these skills. Listen carefully and you'll realize they pick up certain words from you over time.
2007-05-21 06:27:21 · answer #3 · answered by Acorn S 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Rubbing against you is a sign of affection.Some say the cat is just marking you. We have eight indoor cats. All with very different personalities. I feel like like the wife and I are the leaders of the "pride". So to us this is a sign of love and acceptence. Also try catfancy.com. We just got two dogs a few months ago. LOL, VERY different from cats. Good luck
2007-05-21 06:08:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Aww, kitties are very expressive, mostly. Yours is a rubber, she'll rub herself against you to show affection.
Please see these links, it's way too much info to bring over and it goes into quite some detail:
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/health/cat_talk.htm
http://www.catsincharge.co.uk/body-language/index.shtml
Have fun, it's a whole new world!
2007-05-21 10:06:08 · answer #5 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it means the cat likes you, and wants you to pet him or her. if it purrs then you really know they want attention. just remember cats at times can be fickle, meaning when you call them to come to you they will basically give you the look....
'leave a msg and i will get back to you". but in my opinion they are generally good pets.
2007-05-21 06:14:10 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Charmed One♥ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like the cats wants to show you affection.....
2007-05-21 06:09:08 · answer #7 · answered by allison s 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋