How to Know What Your Cat Wants

Cats, like people, can communicate through sounds and body language. "Reading" some of these signs will help you communicate with your cat and take better care of its needs. There are certain cat behaviors that can help you better understand what it wants or what might be ailing it.

Instructions

    • 1
      Cats' "love-eyes" indicate contentment.

      Read those "love-eyes." When your cat looks at you and slowly closes and re-opens his eyes, he is giving you love-eyes, and letting you know he cares about you. Love-eyes usually mean he wants your mutual acknowledgment and your attention.

    • 2
      Cats purr for various reasons.

      Understand your cat's purring. Cats usually purr when contented or happy, but also may purr at other times, including when they are injured or even when they are frightened. Purring may be a means for self-comfort, and is an indication of inner feelings. Purring often means your cat wants to settle down for a quick snooze, and may want to be left alone.

    • 3
      Cats are self-cleaning.

      Watch for cats to clean themselves. Even when they are very small, kittens instinctively begin licking their fur to clean themselves. Some theories say that a cat's cleaning is very much like a ritual, and that it helps them relax. Cleaning just means they want to keep up their health and hygiene.

    • 4
      Cats swallow their fur while cleaning, leading to hair-balls.

      Help your cat with hairballs. When cats lick their fur to keep themselves clean, their tongue picks up some fur. As they continue licking and cleaning, they swallow some of that fur, which builds up inside their digestive system. Usually, the cat will eventually vomit the hairball, sometimes after they eat grass. You can help minimize hairballs by brushing your cat frequently to remove loose fur. Cats want to keep themselves clean and pristine, but they likely don't want hair-balls.

    • 5

      Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Ask the vet for more helpful tips about understanding and caring for your cat. Your cat might not actually like to go, but they want to be comfortable and contented, so bringing them is always in their best interest.