I like blinking I do

onyxx

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Hi there, I know that blinking at cats is a very friendly signal to give them but does anybody know any other cat 'language' that might be useful?

Regards
Onyxx
 

larke

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Well, you might know this, but a slowly swinging tail (and/or laid back ears) is not a good sign - it's hostile and I wouldn't try to get in his/her way until you know what the trouble is! If the cat's in the window looking at birds outside, it may open its mouth slightly, make a little clicking sound, and stare hard at a bird (or squirrel, etc.)... it's called the Fleman (Flay man) reaction (and I don't think I spelled it right!).
 

addiebee

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Huh... I thought flemming was when they open their mouths and breathe hard like panting... cats have a special smell sensing organ in the roofs of their mouths called a Jacobson's Organ... and this helps them figure out the scent they're smelling. They look like they are making a stinky face. Tigers especially do this.

Also, this nifty site helps with body language interp.

http://www.messybeast.com/cat_talk2.htm
 

cheylink

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Hi and welcome to TCS!
Yes, blinking is a submission signal with cats. When cats lock eyes, it's a dominant, territorial signal, or they are on the hunt. You could try locking eye contact with your kitty from across the room, this sets Maia into hunt, pounce mode! Like this....

There are several different gestures you can do that mimic cat communication, some react more then others. A guaranteed response is getting on all fours and walking towards them, some get freaked out by this, some playful. Then you can lie down on your side and roll on your back if they were freaked out, they will become relaxed and usually approach you then. This is another submission position. Rubbing your head against theirs lightly mimics their scent sharing, signals love. Instead of kissing the way we normally do, if you do several little kisses mimicking cleaning around the neck, top of head, and sides this is also love.
 

larke

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You're right (and I'm wrong) - Flehming is that 'smell' instinct... I was thinking though of when a cat sees a bird and does that clicking thing - anyone have a name for that?
 

addiebee

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Originally Posted by Larke

You're right (and I'm wrong) - Flehming is that 'smell' instinct... I was thinking though of when a cat sees a bird and does that clicking thing - anyone have a name for that?
Oh, cool. I wasn't sure how to spell it. I heard the clicking referred to as "chattering." But I don't know if that is the proper term for it.
 
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