Communication in Cats

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