Understanding your cat

Cats have their own personalities and are well known for their spirited and independent nature. When treated with love, cats make ideal housemates who can adapt to a wide variety of family situations without any problems, especially if you understand their language and behaviour.

Cats can see about six times better than a human at night and can hear twice as well.

All cat owners gradually discover their cats produce a wide range of both vocal and non-vocal sounds. From purring to growling, meowing to gurgling, each signal has its own distinctive meaning. If you listen carefully to your cat, you will soon find out what it is trying to say and many of its intentions and feelings are revealed simply by posture or facial expression.

  • Ears pointed forwards convey friendly interest (the perkier the ears, the greater the interest). Ears pricked up and turned slightly backwards are a warning that attack is imminent.
  • Cats avoid people who make prolonged eye contact, even in a friendly manner. They regard this as hostile and aggressive.

Cats love of high places is shared with leopards and jaguars, who sleep in trees. They spend 16 hours of each day sleeping � a seven year old cat has only been awake for 2 years of its life!