Understanding cat behaviour

In short: Cats communicate through body language, sounds and scent marks. Those who understand the signals recognise well-being, stress and needs sooner.

In more detail: Cats are hunters and loners with a fixed territory, but need affection.

In detail

• Purring: Usually contentment, but can also be self-soothing under stress.
• Tail up: Friendly greeting; fluffed-up fur means fear or arousal.
• Slow blinking: A sign of trust.
• Head-butting and rubbing: Scent marking, affection.
• Scratching: Claw care and marking; offer a scratching post.
• Soiling: Often stress or illness, consult the vet.
• Enrichment: Play with a wand toy, hiding places, raised resting spots.
• Several cats: Separate bowls and litter trays, one more than cats (haustier-gesundheit-impfen-entwurmen-tierarzt).