Pet Behaviour and Habits

But how many of us really understand our pets? Animals, particularly cats and dogs, are extremely expressive, making use of body language, vocal sounds and movement to communicate.

Although many of us have successfully trained animals to respond to commands and gestures, it’s important that we try to understand our pets and their habits.

Dogs:

• Tail chasing – puppies pounce on things that move and they are not always aware that their tail is part of their body. If it moves – they’ll chase it.

• Barking – all dogs bark, but excessive barking can be a sign of fear, frustration or anxiety. They may also be bored and need more exercise.

• Yawning – not just to show a dog is tired. Dogs also yawn when they’re stressed as it calms them down and helps them to relax.

• Jumping – puppies jump to greet their mothers and often do it to people as well. It can also be a sign that they are trying to exert their dominance over you.

• Begging – dogs love food, but it shouldn’t be encouraged as it can jeopardise your dog’s understanding that you are the dominant party.

Cats:

Tilly and Pickle

• Kneading – kittens do this to their mothers to make the milk flow freely. Cats often do it when on their owner’s lap to show that they feel safe and happy.

• Mad dash - more common in kittens and house cats, a cat will run around the house to dispel its pent up energy.

• Rubbing - cats tend to rub against their owners legs. They are rubbing their scent glands over you to mark their territory.

• Tail wagging - cats’ tails are highly expressive and a swishing tail can mean they are agitated, whereas an erect tail tends to be a friendly greeting.

• Meowing – in cats this is used to attract attention, especially if the cat is hungry. A yowling cat is one who is angry or seeing off a trespasser.

John Lewis Pet Insurance

We all love our pets, despite their quirky little habits that we find funny until they become irritating. If your pet is acting strangely, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

John Lewis Pet Insurance provides long term pet care for cats and dogs from the age of just eight weeks old. If your pet has an accident or falls ill, you’ll be entitled to up to £10,000 of vet bills and we can even arrange to pay your vet directly, so that you won’t have to worry about payment.

Our Pet Insurance policy also covers your pet if they cause an accident, with legal liability up to £2 million.

Visit www.johnlewis-insurance.com/pet for further information and a quote.

*http://www.rspca.org.uk/media/facts

Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. A full copy of the policy wording and the insurance complaints procedure are available on request.

John Lewis Insurance is a trading name of John Lewis plc. Registered in England No. 00233462. Registered office 171 Victoria Street London SW1E 5NN. John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of AXA Insurance UK plc who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. AXA Insurance UK plc. Registered in England No. 78950. Registered office: 5 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1AD

Photo: Snoop the dog from Bridgnorth