Our cat is not an unvarying machine. Our cat can have moods.

We especially need to pay attention when our cat’s mood shifts into something low or unhappy. While cats work very hard at not showing their moods, they are more likely to show them to those they trust.

In turn, being close to our cat means we can pick up shifts in their well-being. Whether they are subtle, or not.

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People who do not have a close engagement with their cat will not have the ability to gauge their cat’s mood. Ignorant of a cat’s signals, and worse, not looking for them, they are astonished when a petting session turns ugly. When the cat was lashing their tail and emitting siren noises. Note to self: these are signs to leave the cat alone.

Of course, Cat Appreciators do not have this problem. We get to know our cats, and discover how wonderfully expressive a cat’s face can be.

Mr WereBear expresses astonishment at how clearly Mr. Bond’s thoughts are written on his face; and how complex and detailed these thoughts seem to be.

Our still-little Olwyn will beam adoration at us just by meeting our eyes.

Reverend Jim’s lack of facial expressiveness was a huge clue that he had developmental difficulties.

Since RJ’s early months were marked by a lack of feedback, he stopped moving his face as he concentrated on survival. Cats with normal socialization learn to reach each other’s facial expression, and encourage each other’s signals.

We can also encourage our cat to express themselves.

We should become adept at figuring out what our cat is thinking. Sometimes, it’s obvious. Sometimes, it’s not.

But it’s always worth knowing.

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There’s more ways to care for our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on CAT CARE.