Often, we discuss how much human language cats can understand–but how much of their complex communication system do we understand as pet parents?
There are definitely mysteries remaining when it comes to cat communication, but there’s also plenty that we can learn by observing their subtleties. In this article, we’ll discuss meows, purrs, and body language to help you to better understand your cat.
Understanding Cat Vocalizations
Purring
One of the most common misconceptions about cats is that they only purr when they’re happy. Cats do purr when they feel at peace, but also when they’re stressed or in pain.
Sometimes these purrs can sound different. Happy purrs may sound more relaxed, while stressed purrs can be more intense, loud, or prolonged. However, it depends on the cat.
To determine how your cat is feeling, pay attention to the situation and their body language. For instance, a very sick cat at the vet is likely not purring because they’re happy.
Meowing
Cats rarely meow to communicate with one another. They’re usually talking to their humans! Meowing can be their way of getting our attention, begging for food, or simply saying hello.
Some cats meow rarely, while others seem to love the sound of their own voice. Oriental breeds such as Siamese and Burmese cats are known for being extremely vocal.
Chattering
Chattering is a quiet, excited sound that cats make when they’re excited about something. Most often, you’ll hear it while they’re watching birds outside.
Chattering is often accompanied by crouching, hiding, and a wiggly butt as your cat stalks their prey!
Growling
Growling isn’t necessarily aggression. It’s just a cat’s way of saying “no” or “I don’t like that.” Cats may also growl when they’re feeling afraid.
Respect your cat’s boundaries whenever possible. Even if your cat growls while you’re doing something essential, like trimming their nails or providing them with medical care, it’s a good idea to take a step back. Consider whether you can do things a different way, work more slowly, or train your cat to become more comfortable with the process.
Hissing
Hissing is another way that cats set boundaries with us and each other. It’s a clear sign to back off and give them some space!
Understanding Cat Facial Expressions
Ear Position
The position of your cat’s ears can tell you a lot about what they’re thinking and feeling. They may rotate them in your direction when they’re listening to you talk, or pin them back when they’re feeling afraid.
The ears sit naturally when a cat is feeling relaxed or happy. When they’re angry, they hold their ears further apart with the insides facing outward. When a cat is in pain, their ears may slump down.
Slow Blinks
Slow blinks mean that a cat feels comfortable and relaxed around you. Some people say that it’s a cat’s way of saying “I love you!” Be sure to blink back!
Squinty Eyes
If both eyes are squinting and not held tense, then squinty eyes can be a signal of trust and love. It may look like “glaring” to a human, but it actually means something completely different! After all, staring with wide open eyes can be seen as quite threatening to cats.
Tension in the eyes may signify pain or health issues involving the eyes, as can a singular squinty eye. It may also mean that your cat has something in their eye, like a hair or other debris.
Grimacing
Researchers have developed a “cat grimace scale,” which we can use to tell if our cats are in pain. A grimacing cat has droopy ears, squinty eyes, and an upward turn to their mouth. Their muzzles are tense, and their whiskers are straight and held forward. Their heads sit below their shoulders.
Hard Stares
Going very still while staring hard at something is a threatening, aggressive stance. This should be interrupted, ideally by moving the other person or animal away. Attempts to remove the cat from the situation may backfire, as redirected aggression is possible when a cat is this worked up.
Of course, our cats look at us all the time. The thing that separates a hard stare from a relaxed or curious one is posture. You may notice their ears pinned back, tension in the body, dilated pupils, or raised fur.
Dilated Pupils
Dilated pupils can happen naturally in low-light conditions. They’re also a sign that your cat is excited, whether they’re about to pounce on a toy or run from something scary. Dilated pupils can also be a sign of pain.
Understanding Cat Body Language
Raised Fur
When your cat is afraid, you may notice their fur standing upright, especially on their back and tail.
Bowing
In dogs, bowing with their heads down and their butt in the air is a sign that they want to play! In cats, this is a threatening posture.
Cats may also raise their butts in the air when they’re in heat or when you pet their rear end.
Wiggly Butt
A wiggly butt typically means your cat is about to pounce! It’s playful body language that can also be seen while they’re hunting real prey.
Tail Flicking
Cats communicate pretty subtly with their tails. Tail flicking can mean different things based on the way it happens.
For instance, slow flicks of the tail against your skin can indicate contentment, while hard flicks of the tail indicate annoyance. Cats flicking the tip of their tail are happy, or sometimes mildly annoyed, while movement starting from the base of the tail signifies stress.
Tail Position
A cat holding their tail upright in a question-mark shape is feeling curious and friendly. Natural tail positioning indicates that your cat is feeling happy and relaxed.
A tail held low with raised fur, looking like a bottle brush, indicates fear. Cats may wrap their tail around you as a greeting or a way to ask for attention, and a cat with their tail held straight up in the air feels confident and happy.
