Cats are very good at communicating. Taking time to understand exactly what your cat is saying will make your relationship stronger.
Watch their Body Signals
A bristling tail held straight up, or one that thrashes back and forth are warnings. If a cat is feeling defensive, the tail is usually arched. Hissing and backing away with ears flat against the head are other defensive poses. You can tell a lot about a cat’s state of being from its eyes. Wide, dilated eyes communicate anger or fear. A contented cat slowly blinks its eyes, or keeps them half-closed.
Meows
When it comes to sound, cats say more than meow. Did you know there are at least nineteen different types of “meow”? Their vocalizations fall into three groups, murmurs, open/closed mouth and intensity sounds. Murmured sounds include the low sound cats make when treats are coming, as well as the famous purr. Purring is usually interpreted as a sound of contentment, but it is really more a vocalization of intense emotion. In fact, an injured cat, or one being handled by a stranger – like a vet – often purr.
Different Types of Vocalizations
Open/closed mouth vocalizations include all the variations and intonations of “meow” that a cat uses to greet you, or ask for food, or otherwise demand attention. Intensity vocalizations are created when the cat holds her mouth open the entire time she is making sound. These are the highly emotional vocalization of fear, anger, and extreme pain.
Some cats are more talkative than others. Many owners notice a difference in the types of noises their cats make for them as opposed to strangers or other cats. The more time you spend with your cat, the more she’ll communicate with you and the better you will understand what she is saying. It is well worth the time to learn.
