How do cats communicate?
Your four-legged feline friends may be vocal or they may be silent, they may seem to keep themselves to themselves, or they may be right in your face at all hours of the day. No matter how your cat behaves, they are constantly communicating, much in the same way as humans do. Understanding how your cat communicates can be difficult as, obviously, they do not communicate in the same way as we do. In this article, we will explain all of the different ways a cat might communicate. We will cover vocal communication, body language, and communication across species.
Communicating with Humans and Other Animals
Can a cat communicate with other animals such as dogs? And can they communicate with humans? It may bring people some comfort to know that their cat is actually trying to communicate with them and their other pets.
How can humans communicate with cats?
Cat owners know the truth. No matter what language or speech barrier there may be, you can definitely communicate with your pet. Your cat will use both verbal and physical communication to pass signals to their owners. This can be to let them know that they’re hungry, tired, or feeling playful. Some cats are more vocal than others, and some are more physical than others. Some cats will not meow at all, but this does not mean that they are trying to communicate. When you own a cat you will become aware of their cues and you will find that you can communicate with them perfectly well, simply by understanding their behaviour better.
Can cats communicate with dogs?
It is actually a myth that cats and dogs will not get on, simply because they are different species. Cats and dogs can actually get along very well. When they don’t, it is usually because of personality differences, in the same way as humans really. Cats and dogs, when introduced to one another, will communicate through noises such as growls or barks, and body language. Body language is perhaps the best way a dog and a cat can communicate. Dogs and cats will give each other signals via how they hold themselves and in other ways including their ears, tails and mouths. If a dog or cat bares its teeth, they are most likely angry and feel threatened.
Body Language
All living, breathing creatures will display body language. Body language is a means of communication that is not verbal or silent. Body language can convey emotions, wants, and needs.
How do cats communicate with their bodies?
A cat can use their body to communicate with their owners, other cats, and other animals. A cat can change its posture to communicate they are feeling unwell, can lower its shoulders to show they are threatened or can become ‘bouncier’ to show that they are happy and that they want to play. A cat's owner will quickly learn their cat's body language and will be able to act accordingly.
How do cats communicate with their tails?
A cat's tail can also convey many emotions, wants and needs. When their tail is up and moving from side to side, chances are they are happy and content. If a cat's tail is down or tucked between its legs, then they are feeling low and there may be something wrong with them. The fur on a cat's tail may also puff up. This is a sign that they are feeling anxious or threatened. This will also happen when they are aggressive, and they will also arch their back.
How do cats communicate with their ears?
Similarly to their tails, cats' ears can also be a way of communicating. A cat's ears will move and will sit differently depending on its mood. If their ears are to the side and pushed forwards they are happy and relaxed. However, if they are pushed backwards then your cat is feeling anxious and defensive. If your cat's ears are constantly moving and twitching then your cat is nervous.
How do cats communicate with their eyes?
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. The eyes are great methods of communication, and they convey so much emotion and feeling effortlessly. The eye of a cat will be a great way of understanding how they are feeling. When your cat's pupils are vertical in shape and like slits then they are relaxed and comfortable. When the pupils expand your cat is becoming excited, and may want to play, or pounce. Wide pupils however can mean your cat is agitated, so you should attempt to calm them if you can.
How do cats communicate via physical contact?
Some cats are incredibly tactile and will enjoy nothing more than a stroke on the back or a tickle behind the ear. Some cats, however, keep themselves to themselves more, but this does not mean they do not communicate physically. One way a cat shows affection is by reaching out with its paw to touch its owner, often on the face. A fussy cat will also rub itself up on your legs, looking for fuss. If your cat has its hackles raised, tufts of fur on the back of the neck, then it may be agitated, scared, or panicky. Aggressive cats may also have their claws bared as a means of warding off potential threats.
Vocal Communication
How do cats communicate with their voices?
A cat's meow is much more than just a cute noise that they make. When a cat meows, they are trying to communicate something. Different meows mean different things. You will often be able to tell when a meow is happy as it will be mixed in amongst purring. Purring is a noise made by the laryngeal muscles. Purring can be a sign of happiness, however, some cats may purr when they are anxious. Cats will often display displeasure or anxiousness vocally by hissing and baring their teeth.
Do cats understand another cat's meows?
This may seem hard to believe, but cats do actually understand each other's meows, much in the same way as we understand people speaking the same language as us. A cat’s meow is not necessarily a language, but it works in the same way. Meows will have different meanings, and other cats will be able to distinguish this. Some meows will be to ward off potential threats, whereas others will be to let other cats know they are friendly. Whilst the difference between these meows will be hard to tell for us, a cat will know the difference easily.
Sources
https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-do-cats-communicate-with-each-other/
https://www.petmd.com/news/view/cat-language-101-how-do-cats-talk-each-other-37620
https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/zoology/item/how-do-cats-communicate-with-each-other/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_communication
https://pawp.com/cat-language-how-cats-communicate-with-each-other/
https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/how-do-cats-communicate-with-each-other/
