DO you ever wonder if your cat secretly hates you?
Well there might just be a way to find out exactly how your feline feels.
According to cat behaviour experts, there are six telltale signs which reveal a cat’s true feelings about their owner.
The first is if your cat keeps their tail in a horizontal position.
The tail is like a “barometer” of a cat’s moods, certified cat behaviourist Russell Harstein told Insider.com.
While an upright tail, or one that’s wrapped around you, is a sign of contentment, a “lowered horizontal or general lowered tail means the cat is in a state of fear, retreat or an aggressive, hostile mood”, he explained.
And the lower the tail, the more stressed the cat.
Another sign that your cat isn’t your biggest fan is if they walk away from you – and not just because they want to go and relax.
“Chronic disinterest in playful interactions could be a sign that your cat isn’t happy with you,” Harstein added.
And beware if your cat continuously hides from you as well.
Mars Petcare pet behaviourist Jessa Paschke warns that a cat who goes and hides could be uncomfortable in their environment.
“Sometimes a cat will hide if they are unfamiliar with a space or new to your family,” she explained.
In that situation, she recommends giving the cat their own personal space and allowing them time to adjust.
However, if you’ve had your cat for a longer period and they’re still hiding, it could be time to book a vet’s appointment, as hiding can sometimes be an indictor of an underlying health issue.
In addition, if your cat is refusing to engage with you – but is friendly and accepting of everyone else – then it could mean they have a personal problem with you.
If that’s a situation you’re more than used to then Mieshelle Nagelschneider, founder of the Cat Behaviour Clinic, advises making sure that the cat has everything it needs – from food and water to a clean litter box.
“All in all, the more attentive you are to your cat’s living situation, the more likely they will warm up to you,” Nagelschneider said.
The final two signs are pretty self-explanatory.
But if your cat either hisses at you or bites you, then he’s probably not your biggest fan.
Both hissing and biting can be normal for kittens as they learn and develop, but if it’s a full-grown cat doing it, then it’s more of a problem.
In other news, this cleaning expert reveals how to keep your house smelling fresh if you have animals.
A vet answers all your pet queries here.
And this professional dog trainer shares his seven tips for an obedient pup.
