How Cats Communicate

Ever wonder what your cat is trying to tell you with all those meows, grumbles and purrs?

Animal experts say that feline conversation is far more complex than those sounds. According to animal behaviorists at the Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine, cats rely on visual, as well as sound cues, to let us know what they're thinking.

"Cats do communicate with voice," says Dr. Kathy Gaughan, "The sounds they make have a specific meaning. For instance, a cat's purr generally indicates contentment, an inquisitive meow shows greeting and interest in interaction. On the other hand, a low pitched growl or hiss may indicate either offensive or defensive aggression."

Body "language"
However, the cat's meow is not the entire story. Many owners do not realize that cats communicate through body language, posture, ear position, tail position and odors rather than through "talking."

When a cat rubs its head on any object -- including a person's leg or face -- it is not displaying affection, but claiming ownership. When cats rub, they are marking their territory by leaving smells from the glands in their cheeks. Other cats will detect the smell, and realize that the object - or person -- is "taken."

Cats also send messages with the position of their tails, ears and back. For example, common signs of a content cat include a vertically-aligned tail that is not flicking, ears that are up and forward, and a level back and hind end.

A stressed cat varies in appearance. Often, the cat will flick its tail, starting at the tip, and becoming more pronounced. The tail itself will likely be concave, or U-shaped, and could bristle out. The ears rear back, the cat shies away, and probably lowers its stance while raising its back or hind end. Generally, these signals serve as warnings for anyone who challenges the cat.

A Kitty Glossary