Communication in Cats

Study Notes

Communication in Cats

Vocalizations

Cats use vocalizations to convey emotions, needs, and intentions
Different types of vocalizations:
- Meowing: maternally-imprinted sound, often used for communication between mothers and kittens
- Purring: sign of contentment, relaxation, and self-soothing
- Hissing: warning or threat, indicating fear or aggression
- Growling: low, rumbling sound, indicating aggression or defensiveness
- Chirping/Chattering: high-pitched sound, often seen when cats see prey or are excited

Body Language

Posture and facial expressions convey emotions and intentions
- Ears forward and perked up: alertness and attention
- Ears back and flat: fear or submission
- Tail held high: confidence and dominance
- Tail held low: fear or submission
- Whiskers forward: exploration and curiosity
- Whiskers back: fear or anxiety

Olfactory Communication

Cats use scent marking to communicate with other cats
- Rubbing faces and bodies on surfaces to deposit pheromones
- Urine marking: depositing pheromones in urine to signal territoriality and reproductive status

Visual Cues

Cats use visual cues to communicate with humans and other cats
- Eye contact: attention, interest, and aggression
- Blinking: relaxation and contentment
- Staring: attention, interest, or aggression
- Tail swishing: agitation or irritation

Touch and Proximity

Cats use touch and proximity to communicate affection and comfort
- Kneading: sign of comfort and relaxation
- Head butting: sign of affection and marking
- Rubbing: sign of affection and marking
- Proximity: seeking comfort and companionship

Description

Learn how cats communicate with each other and humans through vocalizations, body language, olfactory signals, visual cues, and touch. Understand the different ways cats express emotions, needs, and intentions.