Wouldn’t we all love to be able to tell what that look meant when the cat was shooed off of the kitchen counter (“I have to get off the counter? I own you!”)? Or when the family dog cocks his head and gives you that mischievous grin (“I wonder what those shoes taste like…”)? Wouldn’t it be nice to know what they were thinking?
I believe there is a way we can know what they are thinking. Or, at least interpret the many vocal cues and the body language they give us. You see, it is no secret among Ethologists (animal behaviorists) and scientists that animals are communicating with each other. It is a highly studied and well documented fact. What most people don’t know, however, is that animals generally communicate with us in the same way they communicate with each other. We’re just not ‘listening’, or we are misreading what they are saying through the filter of our human experience.
Both dogs and cats have a complicated and wide ranging dictionary in their repertoire. The difficulty in interpreting those signals comes in the context of the situation, or the many combinations of specific behaviors. For instance, when you rub your dog’s belly, have you ever noticed that he/she seems to grin? That’s not ecstasy written on your pooch’s face, it is called a submissive grin (that’s not saying your pet isn’t actually in ecstasy!). In the wild, when a member of the pack rolls over onto it’s back in greeting of a higher ranking individual, it is the ultimate submissive gesture. In doing this, a dog is exposing it’s tender underbelly and effectively saying, “I mean you no harm, you are the boss and I trust you with my life.”
The problem with us misunderstanding a submissive grin comes because dogs will also behave this way when they are fearful (fear grimace), or if they feel confronted. A submissive grin and a fear grimace is very often mistaken for the baring of teeth. We tend to react with anger or fear; which in turn only makes the dog feel more fearful or submissive, and then they grin wider. A distinct difference between a grin and the baring of teeth is the lack of noise. A grinning dog will generally not look you in the eye; and will make no noise or just soft whining. An aggressive dog will growl and stare you down. That’s not to say a fearful dog won’t bite, but the motivations are completely different. Only someone experienced in these behaviors can tell the difference. Many a good dog has been put down for imagined aggressive tendencies, when actually the dog was acting scared and submissive.
Our beloved feline friends also have a “language” all their own. Although my background is mainly with canines, I have noticed the almost complete lack of behavioral study done on domestic cats. This has spurred me on to do a little observation on my own. It has led to some very practical vocal and physical cues you can mimic to communicate with your cat.
The number one issue I have heard many cat owners complain about is their cat getting up on counters. Ever notice what cats do when another cat has gotten into their personal space? They growl. Humans can simulate this growl by making a sound like the creaking of a door in the back of your throat with your mouth closed. If you’re feeling experimental (and no one is around to think you’ve lost it!), try it the next time your cat is in your space. Face the cat squarely, stare it down, and make the growling noise in the back of your throat. If you’re doing it correctly, the cat will scram and probably give you a very confused look! By the way, your cat won’t take it personally, they’ll just know the behavior was not acceptable.
Another great tip that is useful the next time kitty is feeling anxious is what I call the “sleepy stare”. All you have to do is look your cat in the eye, and slowly blink your eyes as if you’re about to fall asleep. This can be done from across a room or from across the couch, just make sure your cat is actually looking at you! Chances are, your cat will return the “sleepy stare”, and be feeling much more comfortable. This is also used to show affection and contentment, so blink away!
My life’s passion is to help pet owners have a deeper relationship with their pets through better communication. If you have a problem or question concerning your pet’s behavior, or would like to learn more; please don’t hesitate to contact me. My email is pawspress@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!
Copyright©2008 Jennifer Werth
