How To Communicate With Cats?
Our fabulous feline friends have not just won over our hearts, but they have also reigned supreme over the internet. These adorably cuddly creatures are popular for their mysterious nature and majestic attitude. While cats are known to be introverted, in reality, our feline friends can be extremely expressive.
Intelligent as they are, it should not come as a surprise that cats can use multiple forms of communication. Apart from tail gestures, cats language also includes vocal sounds. And as cat parents, being able to recognize and interpret these cat sounds and learning how to communicate with cats will bring you closer to your furry munchkin.
Meaning of different types of cat sounds
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Meowing
Cats are popularly known for their distinctive meow sound which makes up the majority of cats language. Although it might be the signature sound made by cats, they particularly use the meow sound while communicating with humans only. Kittens meow to draw the attention of their mothers but gradually lose the ability as they grow older. However, in the human household, adult cats meow while communicating with humans because they relate to the humans as their mothers during kittenhood.
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Purring
Though it might sound mysterious, purring is also often considered a signature sound made by cats. And most commonly, purring is associated with positive emotions, such as happiness, as well as feelings of relaxation and contentment. Mother cats usually use the purring sound while they are with their kittens, allowing them to feel more secure and relaxed. In addition to showing how happy they are, cats also purr to relieve themselves during ailments or stressful moments.
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Chattering
Chattering is another common sound in cats language. As a hunting skill, cats can rapidly vibrate their lower jaw to create a chattering noise that mimics a bird's chirp, luring them closer to hunt them. In the feline community, it can also be considered a sign of frustration. Cats are also able to produce a sharp trilling noise, which often resembles a chirp, to greet their favourite humans.
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Hissing
Cat sounds such as meowing and purring are gladly appreciated by cat parents, but hissing is often a sound that cat parents do not wish to hear. While irritated or stressed, cats are known to use a coarse hissing noise to ward off threats, which is a sound generally understood as a warning of impending aggression. Cats often hiss when they feel threatened and it might be a good idea to give it some alone time or approach it with caution.
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Yowling/Crying
Furry felines cry or yowl when they are in distress or pain. While the sound of a crying cat often resembles a human baby’s cry, yowling is a long, drawn-out sound made by a cat. While a cat’s cry can mean it is under stress or afraid, yowling has a more particular meaning. Usually, cats yowl when they are in physical pain or discomfort. Yowling for a long time can be a cry for immediate attention.
How to communicate with your cat?
Knowing how to communicate with cats is going to be a useful skill when you're adopting a new cat or trying to grow a precious bond with your kitty. Being able to interpret various cat sounds can help you understand your furry munchkin better and respond to them. Learning how to communicate with cats will also allow you to develop a deeper bond that will last a lifetime.
Understanding cats language through various cat sounds will allow you to grasp what they are going through at any point in time. Usually petting them is a positive response to meows, but since cats also rely on non-verbal gestures, it is important to understand those as well. Communication meow cat language through non-verbal gestures like slow blinking of eyes, showing of belly, and holding the tail high cats communicate their friendliness and affection, and you can reward them with some cuddles or their favourite yummy Temptations™ treats.
How to comfort a distressed/crying cat?
If your furry is making unusual noises, such as crying or yowling for long periods, it might be looking for some help and is trying its best to grab your attention. It is normal for a cat to yowl or cries when it is under stress or anxiety. In addition to crying, you can look out for other signs that indicate distress, such as the tail curled up between the rear legs, and ears pressed down. Learning to communicate with cats can help you attend to your kitty when it needs.
You can help your cat alleviate this stress by showering it with some extra love and care. However, if your cat shows any signs of aggression, remember to back away and avoid cuddling it. Cats value their private space, so leave your cat by itself till it has calmed down. While your furry is overcoming its anxiety, make sure to shift it somewhere away from loud noises, making sure it has easy access to food and water.
The best way to communicate with cats in any mood is by offering them delicious and premium cat treats from Temptations™. Temptations™ treats is a language understood and loved by all cats!
Cat Sounds FAQs
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Why is my cat making strange noises?
If your cat is making strange noises, it can mean it wants some attention from you. Cats often make strange noises when they are anxious or stressed, and offering them some extra love can help your kitty to feel better.
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What does a cat chirrup mean?
A cat chirrup is a distinct, trilling noise made by cats which often resembles a bird's chirp. Cats are predatory creatures that often hunt birds for sustenance. A chirrup is a hunting sound that helps cats to lure birds closer.
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What does a cat in distress sound like?
A cat in distress often makes a long-drawn-out sound, also known as yowling. Though it is rare for cats to yowl, if your kitty is yowling for a long time, it might indicate distress or physical pain, requiring professional attention.
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Is it possible to understand what a cat meows?
While it is not possible to interpret what each particular meowing sound means, it is mostly understood as a friendly gesture. So, if your fur baby is meowing at you it can be considered the feline equivalent of saying hello!
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What does it mean if a cat licks you?
Cats prefer licking themselves clean. Mother cats often groom their kittens by licking them and it is believed to be an affectionate gesture. If a cat licks you, it means that it loves you like a mother and wants to groom you by licking you clean.