Deepen your bond with insightful behaviour tips
The way our pets behave is a unique way for them to talk to us. Even though they don't speak our language, their actions, sounds, and body language show what they want, how they feel, and what they plan to do.
Our furry friends can't speak, but they express their feelings and needs with their gestures and postures. Let's try to understand those.
Flapping Tail: A slow wag with the tail held low usually means to be careful, while a fast wag with the tail held high usually means to be happy and excited. A stiff, high tail could mean that someone is angry or aware. If your ears are up, it means you're paying attention or are interested, while if they're pinned back, it could mean you're scared or giving up. Ears that are relaxed generally mean that the dog is calm.
Posture: A dog that is comfortable and happy will have a relaxed body posture. A dog that is hunched over or hiding is probably scared or worried. When you have an arched back and raised hackles, it means you are angry or scared.
Mouth: A dog that is calm usually has a mouth that is loose and slightly open. Lip-licking, stretching, or showing teeth can be signs of being stressed out or hurt.
The most sensual and moody pets of our home also express themselves with their fast and furious actions. We just need to learn them to understand them better.
Tail: A cat with a high, straight tail is usually content and sure of itself. A puffed-up tail means the animal is scared or angry. A tail that flickers or twitches means that the animal is either annoyed or excited.
Ears: Ears that are turned forward show interest and wonder, while ears that are flattened show fear or aggression. If a cat's ears are moving back and forth, it means it is aware of its surroundings.
Posture: A cat that is calm and stretched out is happy. If your back is arched and your hair is standing on end, that's a classic sign of fear or anger. A cat with wide eyes and a hunched back looks scared or aggressive.
Whining: Whining is often a sign of pain, nervousness, or a need for attention.
Growling: Growling is a warning sign that can mean fear, anger, or a desire to protect one's territory.
Howling: Howling is often used to talk to someone far away or to react to certain sounds, like sirens.
Meowing: Cats meow to talk to people, and they do it to show a lot of different wants, from wanting food to wanting attention.
Purring: Cats purr when they are happy, but they also do it to calm themselves down when they are in pain or stressed. When an animal hisses or growls, it's clear that it's scared, angry, or uncomfortable.
Chirping and Chattering: Cats make these sounds when they are excited or frustrated while watching birds or other prey.
Digging: Dogs dig for many reasons, such as being bored, anxious, or following their desire to hide food or make a cosy place to rest.
Chewing: Dogs naturally chew, but it can be a sign that they are teething, bored, or anxious in humans. Giving them the right chew toys can help.
Pacing and Restlessness: These actions usually mean that someone is anxious or needs to get more exercise.
Scratch: Cats scratch to mark their area, give their muscles a break, and keep their claws healthy.
Hiding: Cats may hide when they are scared, upset, or stressed. If hiding too much gets out of hand, you should talk to a doctor.
Kneading: Cats often knead with their paws when they are calm or looking for comfort.
To have a strong, healthy bond with your pet, you need to understand how it acts. You can better understand their wants and feelings if you pay close attention to their actions, sounds, and body language.
