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Particularly for first time pet owners, or people who are used to dogs, a newly adopted cat or kitten's behavior may sometimes appear very puzzling. In order to communicate with the cat in a way that benefits both owner and animal, it is necessary to learn about basic cat body language and cat behaviors.

First, let's take a look at the tail. If you take a look at what your kitty's tail is doing, you can often discover his or her mood. If the tail is relaxed and unmoving, kitty is sleepy or content. If the tail is stiff and high up in the air, kitty is happy and interested in interacting with you. The tail is key to cat psychology.

Beware of your cat's tail! By slapping his tail back and forth he shows you that he's done playing for now. You can tell just how annoyed he is feeling by how much of the length of the tail he's twitching as well as how fast the tail is moving. Tail twitches let you know that your kitty is ready for some space and time by himself. He gives you fair warning before getting more aggressive as long as you know how to "read" his tail.

Now look at the cat's posture. A cat that is laying down quietly in a ball, or with a paw over its face, is probably sleeping. If the cat is stretched out more, it may be readying itself for play. Cats have very strong opinions about when they wish to interact with humans, and when they don't. Avoiding cat problems therefore requires being observant about the cat's posture, and sensitive to the cat's wishes to play or to be left alone.

Cats signal interest in playing, or otherwise interacting physically, by flipping over onto their backs. Most, but not all, cats are sensitive about their bellies, and will scratch or bite if you try to pet them there. Because cat behaviors and "play" are forms of training to become better hunters, it is wise for humans to interact with a cat in "play mode" through the use of toys rather than hands. Cats can get very excited, and are very easily spooked, so don't get mad or emotionally hurt if the cat lashes out at you.

Getting to know your new kitty involves more than petting and cuddling. Watch his tail and posture for the signs discussed here. Sometimes your pet may change his mind about wanting your attention and signal with his tail and posture to let you know. When you see these behaviors, give your cat some space, even if you'd prefer to cuddle. Cats are amazing, loving pets, but every cat has a unique personality and his own very specific wants and needs. Pay attention to the clues your kitty gives you, and you and your pet will spend many happy years together.

For first time pet owners, or people who are used to dogs, a newly adopted cat or kitten's behavior may sometimes appear very puzzling. In order to communicate with the cat in a way that benefits both owner and animal, it is necessary to learn about basic cat behaviors and cat psychology. If your cat is curled up tightly or has a paw over his or her face, she is sleeping and wishes to be left alone. Many cat problems can result from not being careful about observing posture, and playing with kitty when he or she doesn't want to be played with.