Understand the Language of Cats

BY | June 09 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY
Understand the Language of Cats

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Your new cat is like a baby. Figuring out what he wants can be a challenge, especially if you are a new pet owner. Cats are extremely vocal animals. Understanding the cues your cat gives can help you connect with him.

Itโ€™s all in the purr

Ahโ€ฆthe purr. This deep, throaty vocalization that a happy cat makes can have you transfixed. While purring is one of the most common sounds that your cat makes, it isnโ€™t the only one. The moment you get home after a long day at work, you are greeted with a meow by your furry friend. Meowing is a positive vocalization that cats use as a way to communicate with people. Another positive vocalization is the chirp. When your cat is excited and happy, you are most likely to hear chirps and trills.Your cat will even vocalize during times of stress. When threatened, he may hiss. This is indicative of the agitated frame of mind he is in. Your cat may even yowl. While meowing is used to talk to people, yowls are used to communicate with other cats. Growls and snarls are other common defensive vocalizations and are usually used when your cat faces a territorial threat. Cats have other distinct vocalizations that they use in select cases. Your feline may chatter when in a predatory state. You may notice this when he is chasing after birds and other small animals. Your female cat may caterwaul when in heat and screams are common during mating.

Watch that body

Cats have very varied non-verbal behaviors when compared to dogs. Pet owners should avoid applying canine knowledge on their felines, as it could lead to problems. While a cat loves having his tummy rubbed, you need to be aware when exactly to rub his tummy. If he has his claws out, better avoid this altogether. Bared teeth and claws out are signs that your cat is feeling aggressive. Another similar sign is when he has his tail up in the air and the bristles of his tail are spread out and sharp.One way to put your cat at ease is to blink at him slowly. Blinking is a sign of trust in the feline world. Do not stare at him without blinking; as your cat can construe this as a threatening gesture. You can even speak to him in a low tone to show that you mean no harm.Cats have myriad ways in which they communicate with their humans. With experience you will be able to understand what they are trying to say. With a bit of practice you can soon become a master in the language of cats.

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