How to Communicate with Cats

Observe the Cat's Tail. Just like dogs, cats communicate through the position and movement of their tails. By understanding the tail position alongside their meows, you can better interpret your cat's needs and desires. Here are some common tail positions:

• Tail standing upright and curving at the end: the cat is happy.
• Tail twitching: the cat is excited or anxious.
• Tail fur standing up or fluffed: the cat is excited or feels threatened.
• Tail shaking: the cat is thrilled to see you.
• Tail fur standing up with the tail curled into an 'N' shape: a sign of aggression, often seen during fights or self-defense.
• Tail fur standing up but the tail drooping low: your cat is feeling irritable or scared.
• Tail tucked under or lowered: the cat is frightened.

Look into the Cat's Eyes. By observing their eyes, you can get closer to the cat and understand their internal feelings. However, avoid staring directly into their eyes without blinking, as this can be seen as a threat and make them uncomfortable.

• If their pupils dilate, the cat may be feeling joyful, excited, or quite scared or aggressive; combine this with their behavior to determine exactly what they're feeling.
• If a cat stares directly at you, it indicates trust and comfort in your presence.
• Slow blinking from the cat might be a sign of affection, meaning they feel at ease with you around.

Pay Attention to Other Body Language. Since cats are much more skilled than humans in body language, certain gestures often accompany meowing to convey messages.

• If a cat bumps noses and tilts their head slightly back, it means "I acknowledge you." Cats may greet you this way when you pass by, especially if they're sitting by a window.
• If a cat flattens their ears backward, it signals fear, stress, or excitement. This may happen when they're sniffing cautiously to investigate something.
• If a cat sticks out its tongue and licks its lower lip, it means they are anxious or scared.

Recognize Communication Behaviors. Some of a cat's communication methods are based on how they behave when near you. Certain actions are typically consistent among most cats.

• If a cat rubs against you, they are marking their territory and claiming ownership.
• A "kiss" with a damp nose shows affection when a cat touches their nose to yours. This indicates that they like you and feel comfortable with you around.
• If a cat nuzzles, circles around, or twines their tail around you, it's a distinctive greeting behavior.
• Friendly headbutting demonstrates fondness and affection.
• Cats may sniff your face to identify you by the familiar scent.
• If a cat rhythmically kneads you with their paws, alternating between their left and right feet, it signifies joy, contentment, or playfulness. Kneading is a sign that they trust you completely.
• If a cat licks you with their tongue, it's an expression of absolute trust. They may view you as a family member, similar to how a mother cat grooms her kittens.
• If a cat tries to nibble your hair, they might be "grooming" you. This shows deep affection and trust.
• Some cats express love by imitating your actions. You can test this by "playing dead" on the floor. The cat will sniff and gently push you, and may even play dead as well.
• If a cat nibbles you lightly, it’s a warning that they want some space.

Re-engage with Your Cat. Cats are always learning how to communicate with us. The more you interact, the quicker they learn.

• Use a higher-pitched tone to convey friendliness and a lower tone to express displeasure or aggression.
• Repetition helps cats associate certain actions with specific words. For instance, you can repeat words like "sleep" or "bed" when it's time for bed. Eventually, your cat will begin to associate the repeated sound with the action and may even go to sleep before you.

Using non-verbal communication cues. Cats can be trained to understand words, but they have an instinct for recognizing non-verbal cues. You can create a warm and welcoming environment with clear intentions and incorporate a surprise element to bond more deeply with the new cat you've brought home.

• If you blink slowly at your cat, they will often respond by coming closer or gently touching you. This is seen as a non-threatening gesture.
• Avoid staring directly into a cat's eyes, as they may interpret it as unfriendly or confrontational.
• If your cat wants to sit near you, like on the couch, but is uncertain, you can gently tap the seat and use a soft, assertive tone to invite them to sit beside you.
• Be consistent with your gestures. Many pet owners unintentionally send mixed signals, such as saying "no" while petting their cat at the same time. This causes confusion. If you want your cat to move away, do so assertively with a firm push to let them know that it's not the time for their presence. Most cats will try to claim their human's space multiple times, from different directions. When you say, 'Not now,' be patient and firm.
• Avoid yelling or punishing your cat physically. This will only make the cat scared and angry, doing more harm than good. Instead, use a stern tone to show disapproval. Your cat will understand your displeasure and sense your mood.

Giving commands to your cat. Always be consistent with your word choice, tone of voice, and accompanying signals when giving commands. This helps both you and your cat understand each other more clearly.

• Use a commanding tone when your cat is doing something you disapprove of. Keep your tone natural but distinct from your everyday speech. If used sparingly and seriously, your cat will learn to associate your tone with displeasure.
• Use a quick, sharp hissing sound to express the command 'no.' This sound can mimic the warning signals cats give each other and help communicate your intent more clearly.
• With patience, cats can be trained to respond to commands like dogs. You might even be able to teach your cat to shake paws!

Understanding how and why cats communicate. Meowing is generally not the primary form of communication for cats. Their 'native language' is a complex system involving scents, facial expressions, body language, and touch. Cats quickly realize that we don't pick up on their non-verbal cues, so they meow to communicate in a 'human' way. By observing which sounds are associated with certain actions, cats learn to express requests or commands.

Observing the context behind a meow. If you pay attention to the actions that accompany their meows, you'll be able to distinguish what each meow means (or what they are protesting). The specific sound of a meow can vary between cats, but there are some common meows associated with certain emotions, like purring or hissing.

• A short meow is generally a simple greeting or acknowledgment.
• Repeated meowing often signifies an excited greeting, especially if it's heard more intensely after you've been away for a while.
• A meow with a middle pitch is often a request for food or water.
• The prolonged 'Mrrroooow' is a persistent request for something to be fulfilled or needed.
• 'MRRRooooowww' in a low tone typically indicates complaint, displeasure, or a sign of preparing to fight.
• A louder meow in a low tone is usually a sign of urgent hunger.

Recognizing common non-meowing communication forms in cats. While meowing is the sound most associated with cats, they produce other notable sounds as well.

• A purring or rasping sound often indicates an invitation for close contact or attention. Though cats may purr for various reasons, it typically signals contentment.
• A hissing sound is a clear sign of aggression or self-defense. When a cat makes this sound, it usually means they're upset, feeling threatened or fearful, or are preparing for a fight.

Paying attention to other unique meows. While certain sounds may occur less frequently than the typical meow, hiss, or purr, recognizing them helps you better understand how your cat communicates.

• RRRROWW! in a high pitch typically happens when they're angry, in pain, or scared.
• A low growling sound may indicate excitement, anxiety, or frustration.
• A soft meow mixed with a purr is often a friendly greeting, a sound mother cats use to call their kittens.
• A loud screech or 'reeeowww' often occurs when the cat is unexpectedly hurt, like if you accidentally step on their tail.

• Always love and respect your cat, and they will become your happy, affectionate companion.
• Sitting cross-legged on the floor and looking at your cat is a welcoming sign, so they may come closer for some petting.
• Avoid making loud noises when your cat is scared, as they might interpret this as a signal of fear.
• If your cat bites you, it may be playing or feeling satisfied.
• If your cat moves away or runs off, give them space; this shows they need some alone time.
• A bite from your cat doesn't always mean aggression. Sometimes, it's just a 'love bite' or a gentle nudge during play. Most of these 'love bites' are harmless and don't hurt.
• If your cat growls while being hugged, stop holding them so tightly. Instead, switch to gentle petting or light cuddling. Cats can adjust quickly. Be careful not to make them uncomfortable.
• If your cat seems irritable, speak softly and closely to them every day if possible. You might want to brush their fur, feed them, or play with them.
• Cats may hide and only come out when they're alone or hear a voice that makes them feel secure.
• If your cat swings their tail vigorously from side to side, they could be either upset or playful. It's best to give them space in such cases.

• Cats should be spayed or neutered once they reach adulthood to prevent behavioral issues and unwanted pregnancies. Male cats, in particular, should be neutered before reaching sexual maturity, as it becomes more difficult to do so once they are fully grown.
• Handle your cat carefully, especially when picking them up. Squeezing too tightly can signal aggression, and it may lead to deep scratches or injury.