Cats' Joyful Whiskers: The Heartwarming Mood of Playful
When a cat is in a good mood, it often enjoys a playful wriggle and twist. Should the feline feel the urge to show affection, it will saunter over to its owner's feet, lie down, and proudly expose its belly. It will then maintain this posture, occasionally turning its head left and right, a sight that many cat lovers are all too familiar with. Sometimes, you might even spot a stray cat doing the same on the roadside, indicating that it has found a cozy spot to its liking.
That spot is undoubtedly a haven of warmth and comfort for the cat, as its entire body seems to be enveloped in the serenity of the environment. Another reason for this behavior is that the cat might be suffering from an itchy back. Unable to scratch it like humans do, the cat relies on friction with the ground to alleviate the itching. So, if you see your cat rolling around in a particular spot, a gentle scratch behind the ears could bring a smile to its face. However, if there's persistent itching, it might be wise to check for fleas, and if present, treat them promptly.
Cats are renowned for their keen sense of smell, which is said to be six to seven times more acute than that of humans. When encountering strangers or other cats, they often take a moment to sniff around to gather basic information. Their moist nostrils are capable of collecting a wealth of scent data. When introduced to a new environment, cats will spend some time sniffing around, effectively gathering intelligence about their surroundings.
Nosetonose greetings among cats are another way of exchanging information, as they recognize each other through the scents on their bodies. Sometimes, when you hold your finger near a cat, it will come closer to sniff it, influenced by this instinct. Cats will also investigate other thin objects you present to them.
A wagging tail can signal readiness for battle. When playing with a cat, you might notice it crouches low and tilts its body forward, with its bottom swaying from side to side and its tail flicking gently. This may seem adorable, but it's actually a primal hunting instinct at play. Wild cats live by hunting, and they lower their bodies to hide in grass to avoid detection, watching their prey with a swaying bottom and planning their attack. When playing with us, cats are merely channeling their inner hunter, so when you see its bottom wagging, it's time to join in the fun until it's satisfied.
Staring intently at a spot can be misleading. Many believe cats can see things invisible to humans, as they often fix their gaze on the sky or a dark corner. But what they're really doing is listening. Cats can hear highfrequency sounds that are inaudible to us, so they follow the direction of the sound. It's why we might think they're staring at something when they're actually just tuning in to the sounds around them. Moreover, cats won't stare at something they don't like; in their world, locking eyes with a stranger's cat is a declaration of intent. They only make eye contact with those they trust. So, if your cat locks eyes with you, it's a sign of deep affection, perhaps even a subtle plea for attention.
