Your Cat Should Wear a Mood Ring

Welcome to Friday’s Cats.com Newsletter.

• The Best Cat Food
• The Best Cat Litter
• The Best Cat Litter Boxes
• The Best Cat Insurance

Cats are often described as mysterious and aloof but the truth is they telegraph their emotions pretty clearly—you just have to know how to interpret them.

Keep reading to learn how to read and respond to your cat’s body language when they’re feeling fussy. We’ll share simple tips for assessing your cat’s mood to help you avoid getting scratched or bitten.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Hauspanther Dual Surface Adjustable Under-Table Scratching Post.

When your cat doesn’t have an outlet for natural behaviors, they’re likely to become frustrated. If your cat seems a little moody, giving them an opportunity to scratch their worries away might help. Scratching is a great stress reliever for cats.

This adjustable scratching post is designed to be installed under a sturdy table or desk. It’s a great option if you don’t have space for a free-standing scratching post, and its dual-texture design appeals to a wide variety of cats.

Cats.com receives a commission on purchases made through this product recommendation. This helps us to continue our mission of giving you the best cat information on the web. Thank you for your support!

• How To Tell If a Cat Is Angry
• Cat Begs His Dad to Take Him on Outdoor Adventures
• What Is Catnip? Why Cats Like It

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

8 Signs Your Cat Might be Stressed and How to Help.

From aggressive outbursts to litter box avoidance, stress manifests in cats in all kinds of ways. Whether you’re currently dealing with a moody feline or simply want to learn what signs to look for in the future, Sarah Wooten, DVM, is here to help. In this week’s featured video, you’ll learn how to identify the signs of stress in cats and what steps to take to alleviate it.

Check out the video on our YouTube channel.

6 Signs Your Cat is Angry.

Before I became a cat owner myself, I was afraid of cats. I thought every cat was just waiting for an opportunity to claw at me. Now I understand them a little better, and I’ve learned that most cats aren’t inherently aggressive for no reason. Cats are prone to anger like anyone else, but there’s usually a reason for it.

If your cat is showing any of these signs, it’s wise to just back off. Take a look around to see if you can figure out what’s got your cat so riled up (like another pet blocking access to resources, an unfamiliar person or animal in their perceived territory, etc.). Sometimes you’ll be able to remedy the situation and other times you’ll just have to give your cat space and time to calm down.

Sometimes It’s Not Just Anger.

Cats have individual personalities just like people, and some simply aren’t as personable as others. But if your normally friendly feline starts becoming quick to anger or prone to aggressive outbursts, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian. 
 
Our cats can’t always come out and tell us what they’re thinking, but their behavior gives us clues. If your cat is lashing out in a way they normally don’t, ask yourself why. Is it to prevent you from touching a part of their body that might be painful? Or maybe they’re feeling unwell and trying to isolate and protect themselves. 
 
Any sudden change in behavior is worth bringing to your vet’s attention. Take the time to make a list of your cat’s symptoms, and note the timeline of their progression, if possible, then schedule an appointment. Even if your vet gives you the all-clear on your cat’s physical health, you’ll still need to rule out other possibilities like stress or anxiety

A Sneak Peek At Sunday's Newsletter.

Our cats age more quickly than we do, and the signs of aging can be subtle. In Sunday’s mailer, we’ll discuss how to monitor and protect your cat’s joint health as they get older.