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.

First, let's take a look at the tail. If you take a look at what your kitty's tail is doing, you can often discover his or her mood. If the tail is relaxed and unmoving, kitty is sleepy or content. If the tail is stiff and high up in the air, kitty is happy and interested in interacting with you. The tail is key to cat psychology.

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.

Cats signal interest in playing, or otherwise interacting physically, by flipping over onto their backs. Most, but not all, cats are sensitive about their bellies, and will scratch or bite if you try to pet them there. Because cat behaviors and "play" are forms of training to become better hunters, it is wise for humans to interact with a cat in "play mode" through the use of toys rather than hands. Cats can get very excited, and are very easily spooked, so don't get mad or emotionally hurt if the cat lashes out at you.

When petting or cuddling your new kitty, you should keep an eye on their tail and posture, as we have discussed. Cat behaviors differ from those of dogs in that sometimes they may change their minds about wanting attention or cuddles. When they do change their mind, they will signal it to you with their tail and posture, so that you can give them some alone time. Remember - cats are wonderful, loving creatures, but they have unique personalities and very specific needs. If you respect these needs, you will develop a wonderful relationship with your kitty.

Understanding cat psychology is critical to preventing cat problems. Most cat behaviors communicate their mood. The tail tells a lot about the cat's mood. Limp and quiet is a calm cat, upright and straight is alert and interested and swishing back and forth shows agitation and is a warning. A stretched out cat is relaxed and may be playful while a tightly curled one just wants to sleep and be left alone. Cats can change mood suddenly even while being petted, so be alert to changes. Be aware of body signals and responding appropriately makes for a happier relationship with your cat.