jumpingjacktrash:

the-real-seebs:

jumpingjacktrash:

dharmagun:

angelbabyspice:

rabbitinheadlights:

I feel like the reason certain dog-lovers insist cats are evil is because they read their body language as if they were dogs. So here’s a very basic guide to common “mean” things cats do that actually aren’t mean at all if you know what they’re thinking.

Rolling and exposing belly- attacks you when touched
Does not mean: Give belly rubs! – haha I tricked you! 
Actually means: I’m playful! If you reach for my belly I’ll grab your arm and bite it because I think we’re playfighting! 

Lazily exposing belly – still attacks when touched
Does not mean: tricked you again!
Actually means: I’m showing you my belly because I trust you. Please don’t break that trust by invading my personal space. I might accept a belly rub if I’m not ticklish and I know you well.

Snapping at you while being pet
Does not mean: I suddenly decided I dislike you!
Actually means: You’re petting me in a way that gives me too much restless energy. Please focus on petting my head and shoulders instead of stroking the full length of my back next time.

Is in the same room but makes no attempt to interact
Does not mean:  I’m ignoring you
Actually means: We’re hanging out! I’m being respectful by giving you space while still enjoying your company.

Slapping/scratching your hand when you try to pet them
Does not mean: I hate you!
Actually means: You’ve failed to establish that we’re not playing, or the way you’re approaching me scares me. Be calmer, speak more gently, make eye-contact and blink slowly at me before you try again.

THANK YOU!! so tired of people calling cats evil cos they got scratched by one once when they were 12 🙄 the livelihood of animals does not come down to whether or not you “like them”

can i just get on with trying to interact comprehensibly with other humans now i’m anxious about misunderstanding cat social cues

alternates biting with licking: i’m combing out knots in the fur you don’t have, it’s part of the social grooming process

turns back on you: i trust you to watch my back

rubs your ankle and then dances out of reach when you try to pet: hey i was just saying hi, not in the mood for anything else

honestly i think a lot of cat hate comes down to dog lovers being used to dogs submitting, obeying, and being desperate to please them. cats are not submissive and they’re not desperate to please you. you’re not the axis of their universe. they know what they want and won’t put up with being treated like a thing. anyone who hates cats for enforcing their own boundaries is suspect, imo. are they going to hate me for the same reason?

Can confirm. I mean, even though my cat actually does put up with being treated like a thing, etcetera. But she’s weird.

your cat is so big and strong that she knows she could get down if she wanted, whether you wanted to put her down or not. so i think she feels pretty secure about being carried around like a teddy bear. also, she doesn’t let anyone but you carry her.