If you are a new cat or kitten owner, your new pet's behavior can often be puzzling. Whether you have never owned a cat before, or are just used to dogs, it is time to learn some things about your new feline so you can understand cat behaviors. A cat's body language is his or her form of communication with you.

Firstly, take a look at your cat's tail. A cat's tail often displays what mood they are in. If their tail is relaxed and unmoving, then your cat is content, or sleepy. If your cat's tail is stiff and pointing straight up in the air, then they are happy and want to spend some time with you. The key to cat psychology is the tail.

However, if you notice that your cat's tail has started to twitch or "whap" back and forth, watch out! This signals that he or she is done playing and needs some alone time. The quicker the tail twitches back and forth, as well as the amount of the length of the tail that is twitching can signal exactly how irritated kitty is. Remember, he or she will give you plenty of warning before scratching or biting, so watch the 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.

Flipping onto their backs when wanting to play or interact is a typical example of cat behaviors. Use caution when your cat is in this position, as their bellies are highly sensitive and their response may be reflexive, and as a result you may get accidentally scratched. The wiser choice at that point would be to play and interact with toys, rather than hands.

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.