The ‘cat tap’ is a form of cat-to-human communication which impresses me and my cat employs it. What I like about it is that the cat devised this all on their own. They were not taught this effective method of catching the attention of their caregiver and what’s doubly impressive is that the cat is also able to train their caregiver to respond to the cat tap in the desired way. It is a wonderful example of cat training human not the other way around. Often training between cat and caregiver is mutual; about equal.
A personal example
It is about 2am in the morning and my cat has been sleeping at the base of the bed on my clothes. I am awake 😢🙄. My cat knows that I have woken. He trogs over and taps the top edge of the duvet near my head with his left foreleg.
I have been trained to respond to that clear signal by lifting up the duvet to allow him a clear passage under it where he settles down for the next 20 minutes to soak up my human scent and the warmth. After 20 minutes he has had enough and goes outside. I can’t sleep while he is under the duvet next to me.
Other examples
You’ll see many other examples on the internet. The classic is the young cat tapping their owner’s arm to ask for a cuddle or a food treat. Another special version is the deaf cat who taps the arm of his caregiver to catch their attention followed by paw/foreleg signals to tell their caregiver that they’d like a food treat, please.
Credit
We have to credit the cat for understanding that a very gentle tap, usually on the caregiver’s arm will attract their attention an allow them to communicate some more. That’s smart. It is the kind of thing humans do when they are in a foreign country and can’t speak the language. Communication is made possible with hand signals; another example of feline intelligence.
Here are some more examples of feline body language when communicating with humans. Most – if not all – are well-known after years of discussion on the internet. They are here to metaphorically speaking put a bit of flesh on the bone.
Cats rely heavily on body language to communicate with their humans for obvious reasons, and they have a fascinating array of subtle (and not-so-subtle) behaviors to get their points across. Here are some examples:
- Tail Position and Movement
- Upright Tail with a Curl: This is a friendly greeting or a sign of affection. If a cat’s tail is up, it generally means they’re comfortable and happy to see you.
- Twitching Tail Tip: A quick, slight twitching of the tail tip often indicates curiosity or focus. Your cat might be watching something intently (like a bird outside or you opening a can of food).
- Slow, Wide Swishing: This often means the cat is annoyed or agitated, and it’s best to give them some space.
- Ears
- Ears Pointed Forward: Your cat is alert and interested in whatever has their attention (including you!).
- Ears Flattened or Turned Back: This is a sign of fear or annoyance. Flattened ears usually mean they feel threatened or overstimulated and may want to retreat.
- Rotating Ears: Rapidly turning or “radar-like” ears mean they’re trying to pick up sounds or are a bit on edge.
- Slow Blinking
- When a cat gives you a long, slow blink, it’s a major sign of trust and affection. They’re essentially saying, “I feel safe with you.” You can try returning the gesture as a way of bonding!
- Head Butts (Bunting)
- Cats will gently bump their heads against their favorite people as a form of affection and marking. This behavior deposits pheromones from glands around their head, marking you as “safe” and part of their social circle.
- Kneading
- When cats press their paws in and out on soft surfaces (or on you), they’re often feeling content or affectionate. Kneading behavior is a leftover kitten habit that adult cats often use to express comfort.
- Rolling Over and Showing Belly
- When cats roll over and expose their bellies, it’s a big show of trust. However, this is not necessarily an invitation for a belly rub! Some cats may tolerate belly rubs in this position, but for most, it’s just a sign that they feel safe.
- Arching Back and Puffing Up
- When a cat arches its back and puffs up, it’s likely feeling threatened. This “Halloween cat” pose is a way to make themselves appear larger to potential threats. Best to give them space until they calm down.
- Tail Wrapped Around You
- If a cat wraps its tail around you or around another cat, it’s a gesture of friendship and companionship. Think of it as the cat equivalent of holding hands or putting an arm around someone.
- Butt Wiggle before Pouncing
- The butt wiggle before a pounce is a playful, often predatory move. If they do it to your hand or a toy, it means they’re engaged and ready for a bit of fun.
- Straight Legged Stance with Direct Eye Contact
- A cat may stand tall with its legs straight and hold steady eye contact when it’s feeling territorial or assertive. They may do this if they feel their space is threatened.
Cats use these nuanced gestures to communicate everything from affection to agitation, so reading and responding appropriately to their body language can strengthen your bond.
More: Cat (body) language and behaviour Infographic (modified)
