Has Your Cat Got The Cream?

Owning a cat can feel a bit like having a small child. It is dependent on you for survival, yet cannot tell you exactly what it wants, how it feels or that it doesn"t understand why you don"t want to play at 3 am. Like children, cats need love and attention as well as the basics of food, water and shelter and, more often than not, they will let you know when they are not completely satisfied.
The first step towards having a contented feline friend is becoming familiar with its vocabulary. If you really listen to your cat you will discover that, although it cannot communicate in the same way we do, it has a language of its own. Different types of "miaow" are used depending on what it wants, whether it is hungry, in distress, or just wants to play. Learning the difference between high, low, loud and quiet miaows will help you tune in to what your cat is after and will enable you to satisfy its needs. It is important to do this as early on as possible as the ease with which your cat settles into its new home will affect its behaviour later on.
A cat that has grown up in a secure, loving environment will usually be a lot friendlier than one that hasn"t. If you have or are thinking of getting a kitten, it is up to you to provide it with the attention it needs. If you are adopting an older cat or have already had your cat for several years, it is possible to change existing patterns of behaviour although this will be a long-term process and will require a lot of time and dedication on your part. Of course, there will inevitably be variations in behaviour that are affected by its breed; some types of cat are very independent, even aloof, while others require a lot of attention. If you are thinking of getting a cat it is important to research the behaviour patterns of different breeds and fine one that suits your lifestyle. For instance, if you are at work for eight or nine hours each day, it is probably not a good idea to pick a breed that doesn"t enjoy being left alone.
So how can you tell if you have a happy cat? There are many different theories regarding how cats show their contentment. The most widely recognised sign is purring, a noise not dissimilar to a distant motor. Stretching and yawning are also signs that your cat is happy as these are usually only things it will do when it feels relaxed and secure. Cats are very sensitive to changes in mood and any aggressive behaviour will affect their temperament, even if it is not directly aimed at them. Therefore, it is important to provide a comfortable and happy household for your cat, as it is for any pet.
Cats can potentially be the source of endless enjoyment and fun. Whether you enjoy cuddles in bed or energetic games of hide and seek, your cat will be right beside you provided you supply the right environment for it. As with any relationship, there is give and take involved and if you listen to your cat"s needs, you will be rewarded with a relaxed, affectionate and happy kitty.