Understanding cats: purring doesn’t always mean “everything is fine”

Understanding cats is not always easy because they have their own language.

We reveal five basic rules on what to look out for when communicating with cats.

Munich – For a good relationship between human and cat it is important to understand the language of velvet paws.

Because the animals have their own way of communicating and that can sometimes quickly lead to misunderstandings.

We reveal five basic rules that you should observe when communicating with cats and with which you can avoid mistakes when handling the animals.

1. Understand cats: purring doesn't always mean "everything is fine"

When a cat purrs, it's a classic sign that it's happy and content.

But it doesn't always have to mean that.

Cats also purr when they are stressed or in pain.

Because purring has a calming effect.

It is also believed that cats stimulate their body's own self-healing powers by purring.

The frequency is said to have a supporting effect on the healing or health maintenance of organs and bones.

And these 15 exciting facts about cats are guaranteed not to be known by everyone.

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For a good relationship between human and cat, it is important to understand their language.

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2. Understand cats: interpret body language correctly

If you want to understand your cat's body language, you have to be attentive and look closely.

Because the facial expressions and behavior of cats reveal a lot about the state of mind of the animal.

An erect tail expresses joy, for example when greeting.

Pricked whiskers and forward ears indicate attention.

If the ears are folded back and the tail twitches nervously, the cat is unhappy and could serve as a warning that it might attack.

3. Understanding Cats: Listening when the cat is “looking for the conversation”

Cats communicate with each other primarily through body language and eye contact.

The meowing comes from their baby talk and is mainly used towards humans.

Many people overlook the subtle signals of their body language, so cats resort to meowing to get our attention.

Many cats develop different variations of meows, depending on what they want from their human at the moment - from flattering to moaning.

But be careful: If a cat suddenly stops communicating and withdraws most of the time, this can be a sign that the velvet paw is not feeling well or is even in pain.

You can't ignore that and you have to be very careful now.

If in doubt, go to the vet.

4. Understand cats: If they show their stomach, caution is advised

With all canine animals, showing the belly can be taken as a sign of subservience or as an appeasement gesture.

In cats, it depends on their mood.

For one thing, cats are vulnerable and defensive when they turn their tummy toward us.

This can be a gesture of trust and token of love.

But just because a cat shows its belly doesn't mean that it wants to be petted there.

Otherwise the mood can quickly switch to defensive mode.

And lying on her back she has all her paws free to punch and scratch.

5. Understanding Cats: These are the mistakes to avoid

In cat language, there's nothing more rude than being stared at.

This is considered a provocation and should be avoided at all costs.

If you want to look directly at your cat, the best thing to do is simply wink at it.

Because that's how you smile at your counterpart in cat language.

Another thing that has no place in communication with cats is screaming.

Cats hate any kind of noise and prefer it quiet.

It is best to always speak calmly and quietly to the cat, because the sound makes the music.

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