Do You Study Your Cat's Expressions?

[Laura's Babies]

Giz gets a certain look when she is bored and wants to get into something.. I can always see it coming...

[catmandu]

My Cats do have various looks.
I want a treat, pick me up, im lonely, and tell those Kittens to go away.
The last is a Tubby 2 specialty.
I refuse to believe My Cats ever hate me.
They might be impatient, but hate?
Never.

[Randy_K]

Peaches was a bit perturbed with me for taking her picture rather than scratching her. You can see in her expression that she wasn't overly happy...

[Bengalz]

Aw Peaches - you are so beautiful. Please be patient with your Mommy - she can't help herself LOL.

What a wonderful photo - Peaches is exquisite. Thanks for sharing.

[Don Juan's mom]

I have a paperback I found in a used book store, Do Cats Think? by Paul Corey. (My dad said I would probably open the book and find only "YES!" printed on the first page.) It was first published in 1977, and I suspect it's long out of print. Corey cites many events in his long acquaintance with felines as evidence of ratiocination in cats, even suggesting they are superior in humans in some areas, as their minds aren't cluttered with a lot of extraneous information.

Anyway, I've identified "I'm watching a bird," "I'm hungry," "Stop working on the computer and pay attention to me," "Stop knitting and pay attention to me," "It's time for my brushing," and "I want a treat NOW!"

Liz

[Kirsten]

Now, if I could just understand everything that goes on in that complex feline mind ... one can only hope!

What would I give to know what they are thinking or feeling!!! But I believe that I know from their expression/body language if they are happy, stressed, bored and so on...

Kirsten

[Randi]

Oh yes, I study Fisters expression, and I dare say I can tell what he thinks/wants, most of the time. And his ability to make me "do things" - just by being a cat and looking at me a certain way. It's really amazing!

Ten or fifteen years ago, I would never have imagined cats could have SO many different expressions. Still, I'd love to hear him talk to me in words, if it's important.

[Bengalz]

Thank you everyone for your replies - it's so good to know I'm not alone in my musings

I really believe that those who spend more time interacting with their kitties have a much better opportunity to get the full benefit a cat's incredible personality. Dr. Corey could be right - they may have many qualities that are superior to us. I have learned many important things from my previous cats; things that a person "feels" more than "thinks" about - a bit hard to explain really. Cats are very sensory and "live in the moment". Perhaps that is why they are so comfortable with themselves. I would love to have that much confidence.

... just another muse of sorts ...

[Sevaede]

Soni usually has a "PICKMEUPNOW!" look on his face. Isis' expression usually conveys something like, "WHAT do YOU want?". Lily looks like she is saying, "Come on, come a little closer, I'll let you pick me up... Just a little closerrrrr... *dashes away*"

[Sonia59]

Oh yes, I study Fisters expression, and I dare say I can tell what he thinks/wants, most of the time. And his ability to make me "do things" - just by being a cat and looking at me a certain way. It's really amazing!

Ten or fifteen years ago, I would never have imagined cats could have SO many different expressions. Still, I'd love to hear him talk to me in words, if it's important.

Randi has summarized my thoughts exactly! I do the same with Peppito, and I have the feeling that I understand him quite well. I am so used to my cats expressions that I don't see them just as any animal, but as persons who are thinking and talking to me!

I don't think you are weird, or if so, you are not the only one