Communication in cats
Communication among cats comprises diverse methods. Though cats seem to lack social behavior superficially, compared to dogs, there are certain methods by which they communicate with their own species and other animals. Studies have revealed a vast range of subtle social behavior that exists in cats. Some theorists also believe that cats possess the ability to direct human beings with understated forms of communication. Let us begin with the major forms of cat communication.
Meowing
The most common cat sound audible to the human ears happen to be “meow”. Researchers have found that there exist nineteen different types of “meow” differing in rhythm, tone, pitch and pronunciation depending upon the situation in which they are used. Cats also make use of body language and ‘scent’ – their native language to carry out communication. A meow usually signals a wish for attention. If analyzed phonetically, ‘meow’ comprises two sounds, ‘me’ and ‘ow’. It is believed that the former stands for ‘here I am’ and the latter means ‘don’t hurt me’. When kittens say ‘meow’, it is usually directed to their mothers. Adult cats do not really commune with each other like this. They ‘meow’ while communicating with humans and other animals. A variation in tone is observed when a cat uses ‘meow’ to communicate with humans.
Cat Purring
Accompanied by a trembling tail, purring often signifies happiness. It is an attempt at friendship or sometimes, has a specific intention. Purring can also be a sign of expressing affection to their owner. The most effective way by which a cat expresses happiness is by kneading, when about to lie down and take a nap. However, purring does not always indicate happiness. Cats can also purr when they are tensed or ill.
Cat bite
Cats usually bite to express hunger, playfulness and other emotions. When happy, cats make a harmless bite which is referred to as ‘nip’. Nipping is somewhat similar to human kissing and is often accompanied by other gestures such as purring, an erect tail or licking. However, when a cat is irritated or is tired of being patted it might start to bite, which will be harder than a simple nip and obviously painful. A forceful cat bite is bound to cause injury, but well domesticated cats rarely bite with injurious intentions.
Cat noises
Apart from the above mentioned modes of communication, cats are capable of making other noises such as growl, hiss, snort and chirrup. Most cats tend to growl when angry. Growling or hissing serves as a warning to the opponent. If the warning is not paid heed, a serious attack may follow. Attacks may lead to scratches and in extreme cases the resultant effect can be cat scratch fever. Cats also make chattering noises while observing preys. Chattering is often accompanied by biting movements. A kind of chirrup is used as a form of greeting among cats. Some cats grunt when attended to. The cry of a cat is known as ‘caterwaul’.
Cat body language
Just like dogs, cats also rely on body language for communication. However feline body language is subtle and complex, consisting of twenty-five visual signals used in sixteen different combinations. With time, most owners learn to recognize few of the visual signals. Different body parts of a cat convey different meanings. Let us consider each part individually.
The position of a cat’s head conveys multiple meanings. If the head is stretched forward, the cat is demanding attention or encouraging touch. This can also act as a greeting message. If a cat keeps its head down, it shows a lack of interest in the surroundings. Friendly cats rub their heads against their owners. Cats effectively make use of their eyes to communicate. For a cat, an extended eye contact can be a threatening signal. While resolving conflicts, rival cats tend to out-stare each other. When a cat realizes that it is being glared at, it might stop carrying out its activity. When relaxed, most cats have their eyes half-open, appearing to be half-asleep. The movement of the whiskers and the mouth indicate a cat’s mood. Cats have highly mobile ears which can rotate at 180 degrees. An anxious cat will move its ears slightly back. An important device of communication – the ears act like semaphore signals. A cat’s tail and different body postures indicate a mixture on communication. The tail also helps in maintaining balance.
However, feline behavior is difficult to comprehend no matter how well you know your cat. Certain nuances among feline behavior remain ambiguous to humans.