Do you call out for your cat and hear their pattering paws as they run to you? Do they ignore you or other family members whenever it pleases them? Cat parents everywhere are bound to notice the ways in which cats have learnt to communicate with them. Cats seem to learn to understand their parents’ communication and teach their parents to understand their needs. Whether they're interacting with humans, other cats, or their kittens, cats have developed a rich and nuanced way to express themselves.
Commanding the Subjects: Humans
1. Purr-machine furr-machine.
One of the most iconic and obvious forms of communication cats use is purring. Various researchers have studied this event and theorised that cats purr to heal themselves, and their humans. The one thing that everyone definitely points out is that a purring cat is a happy cat. A relaxed and safe cat too! When your cat is purring in your lap, it's usually a sign of affection and trust.Is this the only emotion they communicate, through purring? No. Cats may also purr when they're in pain or feeling anxious as a form of self-soothing. Pay attention to the context to interpret the meaning correctly.
2. Shout at them, meow-k them listen!
Cats typically reserve meowing for humans rather than other cats. This vocalization is their primary way of engaging with us. Cats will meow when they're hungry, seeking attention, or asking for a petting session. Some cats develop specific "vocabulary" tailored to their owners. If your cat is looking at you and meowing repeatedly, they might be trying to tell you something important.
3. Swish that tail like a magic wand.
Have you noticed how strays always have their tails parallel to the ground? Do your cats at home hold their tails the same way? No? That’s fantastic, you’re doing something right!A cat’s tail can tell you a lot about their mood. A tail held high generally signals confidence and contentment, while a flicking or twitching tail indicates agitation or frustration. A cat wrapping its tail around you is a sign of affection and trust, while a puffed-up tail indicates fear or aggression. A stray cat’s tail shows their caution and lack of safety in an environment where they need to fight for resources.
4. I like to.. We like to.. Move it!
Cats communicate with their entire body, all they need from you is to look for the signs!
- Eyes: Your cat’s eyes are often a window into their emotions. Slow blinking is a sign of affection and relaxation. If your cat stares at you and blinks slowly, it’s their way of showing love and trust—an invitation to bond. On the other hand, dilated pupils can signal fear, excitement, or anger. Always pay attention to their eye movements in conjunction with their body language.
- Nose and paws: Ever noticed your cat sniff you when you enter the house? Have they kneaded you or rubbed their paws on a spot on your bed? These are things your cat does for familiarity. As creatures that understand the world through scents and smells, they are likely to pick up information about you by sniffing you. They tend to leave their scent on you by rubbing the pads of their paws on you or your things. While this is not stereotypical communication, it is how cats express their familiarity and belonging.
5. Oopsie Daisies!
One of the most important ways your cats will communicate with you is through unwanted behaviours. Spraying, scratching, eliminating outside the litter box are ways your cat will communicate discomfort, possible illnesses and other needs they may have.
How Cats Communicate with Each Other
Cats, being animals that do well on their own, have a complex system of communication with one another. People living in a multi-cat household will know that they too have a social structure that is delicate and easy to upset. These relationships rely heavily on resource availability, and are based on scents and levels of comfort.
1. Hips don’t lie!
Cats use their bodies to communicate their intentions. A relaxed body with an upright tail shows friendly intentions, while a stiff, arched back and piloerection (fur standing up) signals aggression or fear. Cats will often face each other with a stiff, upright posture to establish dominance. In contrast, a submissive cat will lower its body, roll onto its back, or avoid eye contact.
2. Shouting matches
While meowing is mainly reserved for humans, cats communicate with each other through a variety of sounds, including growls, hisses, and chirps. A hiss, for example, is a sign of fear or irritation, usually in a confrontation. Growling or yowling often signifies aggression or territorial disputes, while a soft chirping sound may indicate curiosity or social engagement.When a cat hisses, be it a you or at another cat, they are asking to be left alone. Consider this a warning and give them their space. Do not try to punish your cat for hissing at you.
3. I came, I sprayed, I conquered.
Scent marking plays a crucial role in feline communication. Cats have scent glands located on their cheeks, paws, and the base of their tails. They may rub against each other or various objects to mark their territory and identify each other. When one cat rubs against another, it's usually a sign of affection and a way to blend their scents, reinforcing their bond. Scratching is also a method of marking territory, signaling to other cats that the area is claimed. Male cats that have not been neutered tend to spray as a way to mark territory.
How Cats Communicate with Their Kittens
The communication between a mother cat and her kittens is incredibly important for their development, both emotionally and physically. From birth, kittens are reliant on their mother for warmth, cat food, and safety, and communication is key in building that trust.
1. Mom and baby talk.
Kittens communicate with their mother primarily through vocalisations, especially in the early days. Newborn kittens will emit high-pitched mews to signal their hunger or discomfort. As they grow, their vocalizations become more varied, but they still rely on sound to get their mother’s attention.Mother cats, on the other hand, use vocalizations to call and guide their kittens. A soft trill or chirp can reassure kittens, and the mom may use low growls or hisses to protect her kittens from perceived threats.
2. Body and Care
A mother cat will communicate with her kittens through grooming, licking them to reinforce maternal bonds. The grooming process is soothing and helps kittens feel secure. Body language also plays a role; the mother will nuzzle her kittens to guide them and show affection. Kittens, in turn, will nuzzle her belly or chin when seeking comfort or warmth. This is where the kneading behaviour develops in cats - they use it to soothe themselves and to show affection.
3. Emotions through contact
Kittens rely on their mother’s physical presence for safety. At first, they cling to her for warmth and nourishment. The mom will carry her kittens by the scruff of their necks, a behavior that’s both a way to transport them and an essential teaching tool. This type of physical contact is an important part of how kittens learn trust and bond with their mother.
To know how long kittens should stay with their mothers, click here.
Conclusion
Cats are subtle, nuanced creatures with many methods of communication. Whether they communicate with humans or other cats, an important motivation from communication is food. At Carniwel, we believe that all cats should have access to the best cat food. Which is why Carniwel offers nutritious food made from premium ingredients and affordable prices. Make sure that the cats you care for feel safe and well nourished with Carniwel’s cat food range, with more Protein options coming soon!