On Wed, 10 Feb 2016 19:53:47 -0500, Cheryl >
wrote:

>On 2/10/2016 7:27 PM, Je?us wrote:
>> On Wed, 10 Feb 2016 19:18:19 -0500, Cheryl >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 2/10/2016 2:42 PM, Je?us wrote:
>>>
>>>> Speaking of Lucy, a few nights ago we watched a documentary on cats,
>>>> mainly about their 'language', the way they communicate and what they
>>>> get up to at night or when alone (they put cameras on the cats). Very
>>>> interesting, Lucy thought it extremely interesting, to the point she
>>>> was glued to the screen for the whole show - even when there were no
>>>> cats making sounds. Normally she doesn't pay any attention to the TV.
>>>
>>> Cats seem to have a very extensive language involving their tails. I
>>> often see mine wrap their tails around each other either while just
>>> sitting, sleeping on my bed, or even walking together down the hall when
>>> it's mealtime and they had to come get me.
>>
>> Indeed, their tails are a very good indicator of their mood and state
>> of mind - or their intentions if approaching another cat, IME. I think
>> some cats also 'talk' with their eyes. I know my Annie does - often
>> when I talk to her she will respond or at least acknowledge me by
>> slowly blinking her eyes.
>>
>> Interestingly, in the documentary I mentioned above, they were
>> conjecturing on why cats will sometimes furiously lick themselves
>> abruptly. They weren't sure if it was a sign of stress or not. No
>> doubt in my mind that it is an indication of stress (be it minor or
>> major).
>>
>>
>They also "talk" with their ears. Pinned back, pointing forward, etc. I
>agree that licking themselves furiously or even doing some things we
>often take as contentment may mean something is wrong. Kneading or even
>purring are not always signs of being content.

Yes. Purring can indicate pain too.

With sheep, it seems to be (almost) all about the ears. You can read
their moods by what their ears are doing. With ewes it indicates
caution or alarm. If my ram's ears go horizontal, I know it's time to
NOT turn my back on him