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Baby, It’s Cold Outside — Tips to Keep Your Four-Legged Friends Safe During The Winter

Winter conjures up images of playing in the snow, ice skating, and hot chocolate, but this time of year can also present some dangerous situations for our four-legged friends. Just like humans, pets can easily be affected by the cold, and it is important to keep the following things in mind to make sure our furry friends stay safe:

Let it Grow, Let it Grow. Your pet’s fur is like a built-in coat! While it might be easier on your furniture to shave your pets, letting your pet’s fur grow will help them stay warm in the winter.

Keep Them Nice and Dry. If you have a dog that loves to play in the snow, make sure to dry them fully after coming inside. Let them have a good shake, then take a warm towel and pat them down. Leaving the cold water on their fur can cause sickness.

Puppies and Kittens Need Extra Warmth. Keep those little bundles of joy extra warm during cold weather. Younger animals are more susceptible to sickness, so make sure to monitor your home’s temperature closely and provide lots of blankets for them to snuggle in.

Inside is The Best Place to Be. Although the VBSPCA does not recommend keeping your pets outside any time of the year, it is especially dangerous during the winter months. In addition to hypothermia, there are multiple other factors that can harm your animals if they are kept outside for long periods of time. A good rule of thumb is if you would not want to stay outside, it is not ideal for your pets to do so either.

Shorter Potty Trips. If your dog has a low cold-weather tolerance, watch them closely while letting them outside. Keep potty trips short and, if possible, stand outside to monitor their surroundings.

Understand The Breed. Some breeds — such as Huskies and Malamutes — are bred to withstand extremely cold temperatures. While this does not mean that you should leave them out during a snowstorm, these breeds are able to thrive in colder climates and enjoy being outdoors during the winter. However, you should also be aware if you own a dog that is more sensitive to colder climates.

Pause To Take Care of Paws. Just like human skin, dogs paw pads can become dry and cracked if not taken care of properly. Make sure to dry paws off thoroughly after every walk. Additionally, watch out for sidewalk salt. Although this prevents slipping, it can cause painful chemical burns on your pet’s pads. You can also look into some products that help protect your pets paws when exposed to cold and/or salty surfaces. One great product is called Musher’s Secret. This product protects pads and coats them in an all-natural wax.

Watch Out For Antifreeze. Antifreeze is poisonous for pets! If your dog steps in antifreeze, wipe it off their paws as soon as possible. Consider using pet-safe deicers on your driveway to protect your animals.

Plan Ahead. Knowing your local climate is important when planning for the colder months. Pay attention to all winter storm warnings so you are not caught off guard by bad weather.

Create an Emergency Supply Kit. Create a kit with emergency supplies in case of power outages or being snowed in. This should include one week’s worth of water, food, and cat litter if you have a feline friend.

 

Manners Matter — Teaching Your Dog Polite Greetings

At some point, everyone has been greeted by an excited, jumping dog. This can happen with an overzealous puppy who may have forgotten their manners, and it can even happen with older dogs who are simply excited to meet new friends. Although it may seem like a difficult behavior to change, here is some insight on why dogs jump and how we can remedy this unwanted behavior.

Why do dogs jump?
Dogs jump for a variety of reasons, with the following being the most common:

  • Jumping is a natural behavior that dogs exhibit when interacting with other dogs.
  • A dog may have been rewarded for this behavior at some point without the owner’s knowledge, so – in a way – the dog has been “trained” to jump.
  • A dog is excited and does not know any other way to show it than jumping for joy.

What do we do about it?
The immediate reaction when a dog jumps is to say “no” or “off” while pushing the dog off and away. This does not sound very rewarding — but to a dog, it can be great fun. The dog jumping up at you was most likely seeking your attention and now they are getting it. Pushing a dog away is a form of attention even though it may not be the attention the dog initially wanted. When working with this issue, it is instead suggested to remain quiet and turn your back. Try to be as boring as possible. You may find it helpful to cross your arms in front of your chest with your hands tucked into your sides to help you be as uninteresting as you can be. As soon as the dog has all four paws on the ground, use your marker, and then reward the dog.

What is a marker?
When training a jumping dog, it is helpful to have a verbal marker or loaded clicker. A verbal
marker is a word or sound that when spoken, it means the dog did something correct and is being rewarded. A loaded clicker works in the same way, and the “click” is the sound that “marks” the behavior. The click or verbal marker is associated with a treat or reward, which incentivizes the good behavior. Keep in mind that rewards may vary as every animal is an individual. What motivates one dog may not motivate another.

What about house guests?
During training it is extremely important that everyone who comes into the house understands that your dog is in training. Make sure to politely explain to guests that you are working on greetings and how their reactions can help or hinder the process. This is very important, because when your guests reward the jumping with attention or what the dog may perceive as positivity, the training has to go back to square one.

Time-Outs
Another great tool for training is a time-out. If a dog relentlessly jumps to the point they may be scratching you unintentionally, simply leave the room without acknowledging the dog. Wait one to two minutes and then re-enter the room. Repeat the process if the dog continues to jump. If the dog has all four paws on the ground, use your marker and then reward.

One more thing
Watch out for extinction bursts! An extinction burst is when being ignored amplifies the unwanted behavior. In other words, things get worse before they get better. This is the dog version of a temper tantrum. An extinction burst is your dog’s last effort to continue to get away with this behavior that they have been practicing. But don’t let it hinder your training efforts. Please make sure to continue what you are doing because it is working! With a bit of repetition and training, your dog will be politely greeting you and your guests in no time.

12 Days of December Animal Ambassadors

The 2019 VBSPCA Holiday Fund Drive is dedicated to the Miracle Medical Fund, which provides lifesaving care to homeless animals. Medical treatment can be very costly and is often a deterrent to potential adopters. The VBSPCA Miracle Medical Fund is in place to help offset those costs, making adoptions possible for animals who so desperately need a second chance. In this season of giving, please consider supporting this fund to help future animals find their happily ever after. If you would like to donate to this life-saving fund, please click here.

For further inspiration, meet our special Miracle Medical Ambassadors from 2019…

Baby

Baby is a 2 year old Pomeranian who arrived at the Virginia Beach SPCA in July. His leg was badly broken, and it had been for some time. This sweet pup had clearly suffered in the hands of his previous owner, and we are so glad he found his way to the VBSPCA where he was able to receive the medical care he needed thanks to the VBSPCA Miracle Medical Fund.

 

 

Nelson

Nelson arrived at the VBSPCA last October. He had been in an accident and was badly burned with open wounds on his ears and neck. His body was slow to respond to the medicine which made his outlook grim, but our staff was committed to his care. He remained on medical hold for a couple of months, which gave him time to recover and heal. Finally, after lots of waiting, Nelson was adopted by the perfect family and he is now living his best life. Nelson is a legend around the VBSPCA, as his story shows that animals can come from a traumatic past and still have a heart of gold. Thanks to the Miracle Medical Fund, Nelson received the care he needed. His found his happily ever after because of the kindness of the community.

 

Buck

Buck, an adorable 2 year old hound mix, suffered from a badly broken foot. Our clinic team assessed the situation, opting for a splint in hopes that rest and stabilization would provide the best environment for healing. However, Buck’s foot was very slow to heal, and staff worried he would have to lose his foot altogether. Fortunately, patience and compassionate care proved to be exactly what Buck needed, and his foot finally healed! After months of being on medical hold, Buck has been released and he is available for adoption. Buck has officially been at the VBSPCA since June, and he is our longest canine resident. The cost of care associated with Buck’s circumstances would be more than many can pay, but the Miracle Medical Fund helps offset those costs so that there is less of a burden on his adoptive family. If you would like to visit Buck, stop by the VBSPCA!

 

Blue Kitty

For the first year of his life, Blue Kitty was a patient in an animal hospital. His skin was irritated, he was severely underweight, and he wouldn’t eat. The hospital could no longer care for him, so they took him to an animal shelter. And then he was transferred to yet another shelter. And from that shelter, Blue Kitty was finally transferred to the Virginia Beach SPCA. Our staff and clinic team understood that he came with extensive medical issues, but no one was ready to give up on this kitten. After some testing and examination, our veterinarians realized that Blue Kitty’s teeth were the source of his troubles. Blue Kitty was quickly scheduled for dental surgery, and now this sweet boy is healthy and happy with his new family. Thanks to the Miracle Medical Fund, Blue Kitty got a second chance at life.

 

Isabelle

Sweet Isabelle came to the Virginia Beach SPCA in early September. She arrived with significant orthopedic issues, her teeth were a mess, she had a bilateral ear infection, and – to top it all off – she had a cancerous mass that needed immediate attention. Thankfully, our veterinary staff was able to quickly address her many issues, including the safe removal of the tumor from her body. Post-surgery testing revealed that there was no remaining cancer, and we had caught it before it had a chance to spread. Who knows what would have happened to this sweet, 12 year old senior had she not found herself in the hands of the Virginia Beach SPCA. Because of the Miracle Medical Fund, Isabelle is now living out her golden years in her forever home.

 

Mercie

This blue-eyed pup’s life is the best kind of comeback story. Although she was adopted when she was a puppy, Mercie was returned to us in September with major anxiety and was scared to be back in the shelter environment. Despite her anxiety, she is extremely sweet and loving. Our dedicated shelter staff knew that she could be helped, so they started her on medication and training to help her relax while she is at the shelter. Mercie has made incredible progress and has even gone on the radio to show that every pup deserves a second chance! She loves going on outings with our staff and is now trying to find her forever home. She is still available and hopes that someone will take her home for the holidays.

Jaxon

Jaxon’s owner surrendered him to the shelter last May. He was only 1 year old at the time, and his coonhound nature made him a very lovable, affectionate, and energetic dog. However, Jaxon had a prolapse of the third eyelid gland in both of his eyes, more commonly referred to as Cherry Eye. This condition is fairly common in dogs, but when left untreated it can lead to further eye issues and possibly impair vision. Given the complicated nature of the surgery, he was brought to see Dr. Brookshire at the Animal Vision Center of Virginia. The cost of Jaxon’s surgery was going to be high, but in less than two weeks – enough money was raised and Jaxon was scheduled for surgery. All went well, and to make a happy story even happier – a staff member at the Animal Vision Vision Center fell in love with Jaxon and adopted him a week later.

 

Weakened Puppies

In September, the VBSPCA received a litter of 7 lab mix puppies. As soon as they arrived, it was determined that all of them had pneumonia, which can be incredibly dangerous for such young lives. The puppies were immediately treated in our clinic, given antibiotics, and provided with special care to help them survive. One of the puppies was struggling more than the others, so our staff took him to an emergency clinic where she could receive care through the night. The sweet puppy fought for 2 nights, but sadly she did not survive. As heartbreaking as these moments may be, our staff remained focused on the other 6 puppies, taking very special care of them until they strengthened and recovered. We are happy to say that they did, and all are living healthy, happy lives in their forever homes.

Roscoe

Old hound dog Roscoe had chronic skin and ear issues when he came to the shelter in September. The 8-year-old had lost most of his hair due to allergies but our staff was committed to helping him get better. Through countless medicated baths and taking oral antibiotics, Roscoe finally started feeling better. Once his skin started to heal, Roscoe began to open up and show his sweet personality. He is a typical hound — trots around to smell the environment and wants to be your best friend. Roscoe recently found his forever home after getting a second chance at the VBSPCA.

 

Petunia

Petunia was found in the bushes outside of the VBSPCA shelter. She was just over a month old at the time, and it was clear that her body was unique. Our clinic staff took some x rays and did some tests, and it was determined that both of her front limbs were missing bones and the bones in her back legs were twisted and misshapen. Additionally, Petunia’s lungs appeared to be underdeveloped and her breathing was labored. She was a genetic challenge, yet she was curious, alert, and absolutely adorable. Petunia went out on foster until she was strong enough and old enough to be made available for adoption. While she grew, the clinic team continued to monitor her development and ensure that she was well. Once Petunia was strong enough, she underwent surgery to help improve her respiratory function, and her resilience has been beyond inspiring. Now, at just over a year old and a solid 5 lbs, Petunia has grown into an amazing cat. Her foster mom became her forever mom, and together they foster puppies and kittens on a regular basis. Petunia has a way with the little ones, loving on them as if they were her own. She is a very special cat, and we are so glad that she found her way to the VBSPCA where she found compassion, care, and a family.

Bandit

Bandit came to the shelter via transfer, so not much is known about his past. What our staff did know was that his outlook was grim. He had an eye condition called bilateral entropion that requires costly surgery. Although it is a congenital defect and is fairly common, it had caused his eyelids to curl in on eye. This would ultimately cause vision loss. However, because of the Miracle Medical Fund he was able to get the surgery that he needed and had a great recovery. After he was fully healed, he was quickly adopted and is now living a great life with his forever family!

 

Three Blind Kittens

Back in October, we received a request to take in 3 blind kittens. They were young, homeless, and motherless, and in need of care and medical attention. All 3 kittens had been born with eyes that had not fully formed, and they would eventually need enucleation surgery to prevent future issues and infection. The kittens had been at a shelter where euthanizia was likely, so they were transferred to the VBSPCA where we have the time, space, and resources to give these kittens a chance.

The Miracle Medical Fund is in place for cases such as this. Kittens that had nowhere else to go found comfort and care at the VBSPCA, and it is all because of our generous, compassionate community. This holiday season, please consider contributing to the Miracle Medical Fund, ensuring that the VBSPCA will continue to be a safe haven for animals in need.

Thank You

As we look back on a year of lives forever changed by the kindness of our community, our hearts are full of gratitude. Thank you to everyone who donated to the Miracle Medical Fund, giving so many of our animals the second chance they deserve. If you have not yet supported the fund, you can do so by clicking here. By doing so, you become part of their story.

A special thank you to Terry O’Quinn and some adorable children of our community for helping us put this video together. We hope you enjoy.

 

Be a Holiday Elf For The Animals of The VBSPCA This Year

The holidays are a time to reflect and give back, and what better way to do that than fostering a shelter animal for Christmas?

The Holiday Elf program was started as a way for animals to get a break from the shelter and get some extra love for a few days. Heather Ford, a experienced foster mom, loves the program because of how it benefits the animals.

“The shelter is a stressful environment for an animal. The shelter staff and volunteers do a great job to try to minimize that, but it is still stressful,” said Ford. “Fostering with the Holiday Elf Program is an opportunity to help out in ways that can fit almost any schedule while having a very positive impact for the animal. And in return you get to cuddle with a dog, cat, or other critter for the holiday season. It is a way to give and get at the same time.”

Cat Walker, the VBSPCA foster manager, said that in addition to allowing staff to spend more time with their families, there is a change that happens when the animals are in a home environment for a few days.

“There is such a huge difference in the animals when they come back,” said Walker. “Especially in our seniors, there were a few that had become shut down because of the stressful shelter environment. But when they came back, they were very interactive and they even came back with cute sweaters and toys. Some even came back a little heavier because of all the great food and treats they were eating.”

Every family that chooses to foster has an animal that will fit their needs and how much time they can commit during the busy holiday season. However, Walker said that an animal helps remind foster families the reason we celebrate the holidays.

“We work with families to find the best match for them and a dog that will fit into their lifestyle,” said Walker. “We want to make it an easy transition for the animals. The holiday season is busy, but we believe that having an animal in the home can bring a sense of calm and unconditional love during those crazy days. Something with such a great purpose can help you slow down and see what is truly important.”

If you would like more information or want to sign up to be a Holiday Elf, please send an email to foster@vbspca.com.

December 2019 Volunteer Spotlight — Laura Poole

What is the Visiting Paws program?

We select dogs from the shelter to visit nursing homes and retirement communities in the city of Virginia Beach. I personally visit about 14 locations right now, some monthly, some twice a month. I’ve also gone to schools for final exams and we set up in the student center. What better way to destress than to hang out with a dog?

What is the impact of the program and why is it important?

It’s just so rewarding. When you take a dog to these places, like the memory care units at the retirement communities, these people are bound to beds and wheelchairs. But when they interact with one of our shelter dogs, their reactions are incredible. Sometimes the residents are crying because they are so happy to see an animal and to have human contact as well. We spend 45 minutes at each location and the time we spend there is incredible. When you see somebody staring at the ceiling and you bring a little pup up to the bed and they smile, it just makes it all worthwhile.

Does this program help the animals destress outside of a shelter environment?

Yes it does! The biggest reason we have this program is for the dogs. Just to get the dogs out of the shelter for an hour is great for their mental state. It just gets them out and gets them socialized. I also know of two cases where the dogs were adopted by a staff member of the places we visit!

 

December 2019 Volunteer Spotlight — Kevin and Heather Ford

How did you get involved in fostering?

We started volunteering with the VBSPCA in 2016 in other areas: special events, dog walking, helping in the cattery. I wanted to foster as well but was concerned about the time commitment. After about 6 months I signed up for foster orientation. It really didn’t sound that intimidating, especially when fostering older kittens. So we put our name down as available to foster and waited. This was January or February. Kitten season doesn’t start until March or April. We took in 5 kittens for our first time, which is a lot of kittens for a first timer. But we managed it and have been fostering ever since. Due to work schedules, we haven’t been able to foster bottle feeders or puppies.

Why should someone foster an animal with the Holiday Elf Program?

The shelter is a stressful environment for an animal. The shelter staff and volunteers do a great job to try to minimize that, but it is still stressful. Fostering with the Holiday Elf Program is an opportunity to help out in way that can fit almost any schedule while having a very positive impact for the animal. And in return you get to cuddle with a dog, cat, or other critter for the holiday season. It is a way to give and get at the same time.

Any special stories about a specific animal that you have fostered?

The hard part is narrowing down the stories. We fostered Jalapeno last summer with his brother, Chili, and 4 older kittens from a different litter. When it was time to send them off for adoption (first the older kittens with Jalapeno and Chili following two weeks later) we did so with a heavy heart. He just kind of struck something for us. After about 5 weeks all the kittens except Jalapeno had been adopted. Jalapeno had two applications during that time which fell through. So Kevin and I decided we couldn’t give him up and went back and adopted him. He is such a cool cat and gets along well with our other pets, especially our dog Cookie. Those two have a weird bond.

What is the personal impact volunteering at the VBSPCA has had on the lives of you and your husband?

It is fascinating to watch kittens grow and develop unique personalities. Young animals can get sick easily in the shelter and have a high mortality rate, making the foster program very important. We get to “play” with kittens while helping them grow healthy, strong, and ready for their forever homes. It isn’t easy. Kittens are messy and high energy. Each time it has been hard to let them go. We do so knowing that there is another litter needing a place to land so they can grow healthy, strong, and ready for their forever home.

December 2019 Volunteer Spotlight — Josh Hall

Why did you decide to volunteer?

Both my wife and I decided to volunteer in memory of our previous rescue pets that had passed away. Having had rescue pets most of our lives, we were already big supporters of “adopt, don’t shop” and wanted to find a way to do more. It wasn’t until we adopted our current dog, Thor, from the VBSPCA that we realized how and where we wanted to volunteer. The entire experience was so positive that we both just knew the VBSPCA was where we wanted to give back and volunteer.

What is the best memory you have from an event you volunteered at?

I think my best memory from an event would have to be the very first event I volunteered at. The event was at apartment complex in Virginia Beach and I was asked to take a young hound named George. While at the event, a young man who lived in the complex came down to meet with George. The young man spent nearly the entire two hours getting to know George, and was so excited and happy that we brought him to the event. The young man had been looking at George’s adoption profile on the VBSPCA’s website and because I was able to bring him to the event, he was able to meet and interact with George. A few days after the event, he came in and adopted George. It was such an awesome experience!

Favorite adoptable animal and why?

All rescue pets are awesome, so it’s really hard to pick a favorite. That said, I tend to be more of a dog person. Dogs are awesome. Whether they’re a puppy or a senior, a dog has the ability to be so much more than just a pet. They can be your best friend, protector, comedic relief, and even your therapist. A dog will give you everything they have and all they ask for in return is love and maybe a few french fries.

What is one thing you want people to know about the VBSPCA?

I think the one thing I want others to know about the VBSPCA is just how much they care about their mission and about improving the lives of all animals. Not only do they offer the ability to adopt, but they provide so many other services to help animals. They offer low cost medical services through their in house clinic and the Neuter Scooter. While these are only some of the many services the VBSPCA provides, none of this would be possible without the hard work of the amazing staff. From the moment you walk through the shelter doors, you can tell you are in a place where the love for animals is the number one priority. To anyone who has ever thought about volunteering or adopting an animal, I would encourage you to check out the VBSPCA — you won’t be disappointed.

December 2019 Volunteer Spotlight — Sara Hall

How did you get involved with walking dogs at the VBSPCA?

My husband and I wanted to find something good as there was so much negativity in the world.  We had talked about volunteering at a shelter off an on for a few years.  We chose the VBSPCA since we adopted our dog as a puppy in 2018.  The shelter saved him as a puppy when he had parvo (pre-adoption) and helped us train him for success.

Why is walking shelter dogs important?

There are so many reasons that walking the shelter dogs is important.  First impressions matter, for shelter dogs that is cage presence.  When a dog has excess energy, he may jump and bark as people walk through the shelter.  That is especially true for larger dogs. This can be a deterrent for potential adopters.  So many are afraid of getting a dog that is just “too much.” That is why getting them out for 10-15 minutes to get out energy and allow them to sniff things (which stimulates their brain) helps them have better cage presence. During the 9 months that I have been volunteering that I have taken many dogs on a mile to a mile and a half run.  These are the high energy dogs that needed that extra something in order to have good cage presence.  Another reason it is important is it gives the shelter/volunteer a chance to see the dog outside of the shelter.  To see how they walk on a leash: are they easily distracted, are they love bugs, are they looking for approval?  Walking is one-on-one time with that dog. Lastly, a selfish one, it is great exercise.  I burn about 700-1,000 calories walking the dogs every Saturday and Sunday!

Are there any special dogs you would like to highlight?

One of my running buddies, Ares, has been in the shelter for almost 4 months now.  He is a gorgeous brindle pittie mix that is just a love bug.  He is high energy, so we run as much as we can.  He is a great running partner for anyone looking for one.  He’ll push you but will stop easily when it is time to walk. His cage presence isn’t the greatest, so he has been overlooked so many times. But honestly, how would you feel after 4 months in a 3′ x 8′ kennel run?  He is going a little stir crazy waiting for his perfect person to come along.  Once that person comes, he will be the best dog for an active family.

Why should someone volunteer in the kennel?

While there are multiple areas in the shelter that you can volunteer, I felt volunteering in the kennel is the most rewarding.  There are so many dogs that come through.  The staff is constantly trying to rotate them outside in the yards, feeding them, giving medications, cleaning, and have to interact with the potential adopters.  On the weekends when I am there, the shelter is usually very busy.  Having volunteers to help with the needs of the dogs allows the staff to focus on the potential adopters.  You get to know the dogs when you walk them every week, so you can help speak to that if someone has questions.  You also can sit with the dogs and puppies and get unlimited amount of snugs and kisses.  What is better than puppy kisses?

Any dog-walking tips?

Remember that every dog is different.  Allow the dog to sniff around as it helps wear them out mentally. However, the dog also needs to know that you are the one leading the walk.  You need to be firm and confident. If a dog pulls when you walk them, simply stop until they stop pulling. From experience, it won’t correct it immediately and you will likely have to stop many times during the walk and for several walks.  Bring treats to give them when they are walking appropriately as it will help reinforce that behavior. 

November 2019 Volunteer Spotlight — Donna Schnaars

Why did you decide to volunteer at the VBSPCA?

I started volunteering here because I signed my husband up, and after he passed away, I enjoyed it so much I stuck with it. That was in the summer of 2017 and here I am now a regular volunteer with Visiting Paws and Listening Ears.

What is Visiting Paws and Listening Ears? Why do you serve in those programs?

Basically Visiting Paws is a chance for shelter animals to get out and socialize at nursing homes and daycare centers, and Listening Ears is generally the same thing but focuses more on helping children struggling to read build self-confidence by reading to an animal.

Why should someone volunteer at the VBSPCA?

Volunteering at an animal shelter is very fulfilling. You get to make animals lives better, but it also makes your life better. I love spending time with the people I meet through these programs and seeing their reactions to the animals. It’s just a great feeling when you see a senior citizen’s face brighten up when they see a dog enter the room.

Any favorite moments you would like to share?

There is one that stands out to me. I was at a memory center for Alzheimer’s patients, and I know that’s not for everyone. I had brought a puppy over and placed it on the lap of one of the patients. She began to pet the dog and all of a sudden her eyes lit up and she smiled at me. That experience made a huge impact on me.

Cat Body Language Basics

Cats are amazing animals and great companions, but sometimes it can be difficult to figure out what your cat is trying to tell you if you don’t know what you’re looking for!

The good news is that cats are very expressive animals and use their whole body to communicate with their human friends. According to experienced trainers, taking into account the animal’s surroundings, body direction, and physical cues all help to decipher what your cat is saying.

Body position is one of the most obvious ways a cat will express their emotions. A confident cat will have a relaxed body position and will angle their body toward you. Cats will also show they are comfortable and trust you by exposing their belly. This is not an invitation to scratch and you can lose the cat’s trust by doing this. If a cat becomes nervous, they may try to crouch down in case they need to flee. Watch out for an arched back with hair standing straight up — this means that the cat is fearful or angry and may try to get away through any means necessary!

Tails are energy meters. A high quivering tail means that they are excited and ready to receive affection! A fearful cat will tuck their tail and keep it close to their body to protect themselves. Many people think that a wagging tail means the same as dogs — it is actually the opposite. This means that they are agitated and you need to back off.

A cat’s pupils are like mood-rings and change depending on their mood. A happy cat usually has medium-sized pupils and will give you slow blinks to show they are not a threat. Make sure to give slow blinks back because this is a great way to communicate with your cat! Large and dilated pupils mean that a cat is stimulated. Generally this is not a good thing, but it can happen during play if they become overexcited! Slit pupils mean that a cat is not happy and may be scared or angry.

Ears are also good indicators of what a cat is feeling. Generally, if ears are perked up or moving around, the cat is curious and investigating their surroundings. Watch out for airplane ears, which is an obvious sign that the cat is unhappy and feeling afraid!

Context is key when learning how to read your cat. Instead of focusing on one part of the body, look at the bigger picture! Cats can be very easy to read if you understand what each movement means combined with what is going on in their surroundings. Just like anything else new, it may take a little practice, but your cat will be very happy that you are learning to understand their language.