Cats have unique and effective body languages. Clear communication between cats and their owners is special because the cats are treated in a way that makes them happy and content.

Every day our cat Ozzy has ways of letting us know he is a big part of our family. Our job is to make Ozzy feel safe and secure and loved. His body language allows that to happen. Follow Ozzy through his day and you will see the body language he uses.

Ozzy, is tucked into ball, asleep on his red mohair blanket. Hearing the front door open, Ozzy stirs then tilts his head while sniffing the air. Jumping out of his big wicker basket he races downstairs to investigate. His greeting to whoever has come home is a meow and a salute with an upturned tail.

Ozzy wants affection. While climbing up our legs his wide green eyes look at us in anticipation of being cuddled. We pick Ozzy up and he happily settles in our arms while purring loudly . From that vantage point Ozzy becomes acrobatic and climbs onto our shoulders where he perches precariously but gallantly.

We are sleeping. It is five a.m. Ozzy wants company. Jumping noiselessly onto our quilted duvet he softly walks over to us. He deftly nudges our cheek or chin with a padded paw. Getting no reaction Ozzy pokes his wet cold nose under the covers and tentatively taps us again. We sleepily pat Ozzy. Satisfied and purring loudly, he falls asleep.

Ozzy is hungry. Prancing over to the cupboard he rattles the bottom of his food cupboard door with his paws. We look over. Ozzy's stainless steel bowls are refilled with his special indoor crunchy cat food and fresh water.

Sometimes we have to leave Ozzy for hours while we go to school and work. When our key turns in the door at the end of the day Ozzy scampers to greet us and meows while walking in circles to let us know that he is happy we are home. Other times he stands right in front of us, ears perked at attention, eyes wide waiting for the signal. When he is posed like that we count to three and Ozzy jumps right up on our shoulders.

There is a bird on the roof, a squirrel in a tree or a trespassing cat. Ozzy's tail becomes a bushy Christmas tree and a thin strip of fur stands up on his back. Ozzy is excited, annoyed or intrigued.

We are walking through the house. Ozzy flops himself down in front of us and rolls on his back. We pat him. Ozzy is happy . He stands, saunters away, head held high.

Ozzy's body language tells us all we need to know to make him a happy cat.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Kates.
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