Cat Communication Explained: What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You

It is pretty cool to think about the way cats communicate, because it is not at all like the way we talk. Even after 10,000 or so years of domestication many pet owners struggle to read the behavior of cats. We may not speak the feline language, but we can translate it — via kitties’ body postures, sounds, smells and touches. Want to know why your cat meows and not chirps or what the head nudging is all about? Check out these 10 ways domestic cats communicate and learn about their unique forms of expression.  

How Cats Communicate with Us

However, thanks to humans many of the behaviors of cats have adapted to some extent as well, and we provide them with plenty of benefits through domestication. These encompass things such as reliable food source, shelter from predators and elements, and access to more/medical care. Still, cats retain plenty of natural instincts from their wild ancestors, especially in the case of feral cats. Cats communicate through body language, physical postures like tail position and eye dilation, vocalizations and scent-marking — all of which reflect their evolutionary roots. They even leave pheromones as a means of messaging, for the benefit of both themselves and other cats, indicating a complex form of instinctual interaction.  

10 Things That Cats Do With Their Body Language

Cats are nonverbal communication experts, and they tend to do most of their discussing with body language. Here are ten core methods of communication they use:

1.Posture

The attitude of a cat can tell you plenty about the state of mind. An example is a crouched or hunched cat which probably means that it is feeling threatened. However, a cat that is comfortable and relaxed will probably stretch out, roll over, or lie comfortably on its back.

 2.Tail Position

The first point — a cat’s tail is reflective of its mood. When a cat comes near with an upright tail — especially if it quivers — you can be sure of a friendly greeting. A half-raised tail usually means inquisitive. But when lashing or puffed-up, the tail shows fear or agitation. A second indicator — a cat sitting down, a little frozen up with its tail tucked tight to their body indicates that the feline is frightened or might be defensive.

 3.Facial Expressions

Cats convey a great deal through visual cues in their facial expressions, which observant cat owners can get accustomed to interpreting. A cat’s ears, whiskers, and eyes reveal its mood. Flattened ears-simultaneously pressed backwards down the head, almost always means fear; upright ears mean attentiveness and alertness. Ears away from the body may indicate aggression. Likewise, stiff and fanned out whiskers are a good indicator that your feline is not having the best day. Pupil size and eye contact are probably also important in feline communication. For instance, if your cat looks at you and slips a slow blink that is their way of showing you affection—it is like saying “I love you”. In contrast, direct, unflinching eye contact coupled with an erect posture may indicate confrontation and even hostility.  

Vocalizations

Humans could only hear each other when it comes to expressing emotions, needs and opinions as they rely heavily on vocal communication, but in reality cats seem to have their specific sounds too. Knowing their sounds can help with better interaction.

4.Meowing

Studies show that cats only meow for humans and don’t do it to other grown-up felines. Now, with the exception of kittens purring to their mothers, this vocalization is mainly used among adult cats as a greeting message towards the owner or for demanding some kind of attention, food or meal.

 5.Purring and Trilling

Purring is common behavior in cats when they are relaxed and happy. Also, trilling or chirruping is often a friendly greeting directed at someone they trust.

 6.Hissing and Yowling

Negative emotions, like fear or anger, are expressed vocally (hissing and growling) that sometimes occurred before aggression. Now, yowling is a lot less polite than this – it can indicate aggression, or mating behavior for both male and female felines. And being able to decipher these tiny signals, people can start to comprehend and react better according to the emotional state of their pets.  

Scent

7.Pheromones

As a species, cats have scent glands that secrete pheromones to convey chemical messages for different reasons. They relay messages like safe and happy, just claimed territory, open for business, or info about other cats through pheromones. Even though humans do not sniff pheromones, they still have important significance for human–cat communication. For example, when a cat rubs its head or ground against you, it is transferring pheromones to mark and signal trust by indicating that you are now part of its social group. Synthetic pheromone products (diffusers or sprays), can help with stress or anxiety-related behaviors in cats.

 8.Toileting

Urine marking is a common form of scent-marking in cats. If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the litter box it may be trying to convey an issue, such as a territorial conflict with another cat. This behavior might also be a sign of stress or another health problem. If your dog seems to be doing his business more or less than usual, he should see a vet for an examination.  

Tactile Communication

The tactile communication is meaningful and while every cat tree will have varying degrees of affection, touch plays an impactful role in bonding with their pets to show love as in many other animals.

9.Sleeping Near or On You

Allowing you to take a nap with them on your lap or sleep at night next to you are signs that they trust and love you more than anything. Cats are vulnerable while sleeping, so seeking safety and comfort around you shows that they have faith in you. Moreover, this closeness helps the cats smell each other- one of the ways cats strengthen their bond and recognize their beloved ones.

 10.Grooming

Grooming each other is a common sight among cats living in the same social community. If your cat tries to groom you or seems happy when you pet them, like if they purr while they are being brushed, these behaviors signal a strong bond. This grooming conversation is a sign that you are brought into their fold.   Although cats do not speak human language, they express their feelings, wants and needs by way of body language, cooing sounds and tactile behaviors. Understanding these little bits, helps to know how they feel and connect with your loved ones even more. Maybe it won’t be as hard as you thought to learn how to speak cat!