Cat Language 101: How Do Cats
Talk to Each Other?
“…Felines communicate with their peers through
vocalizations, physical contact, visual
cues & chemical cues. When communicating,
cats exhibit subtle signaling compared to
dogs due to their smaller features & quicker
movements…
Cat Language: Physical Cues
Pay special attention to the eyes, ears, tail,
& overall body posture. A cat that is feeling
friendly & confident will hold his tail high
in the air, his ears will be turned forward &
his body will be tall.
If your cat is approaching another cat that she
likes, the tip of the tail may be crooked
forward. If your cat is feeling comfortable with
the other cat’s presence, she may roll
over enough to show her belly. This means she
feels comfortable enough to show the
other cat the most vulnerable part of her body…
Eye contact is another way cats communicate with
each other. If your cat looks at another
cat & blinks, she is telling them through
cat body language that she is receptive to their
approach & attention…
…Cats
who are hissing or growling with their backs & tails arched, their ears flattened
against their heads, & their forelimbs close to their hind limbs may be on
the verge of attacking. When agitated, many cats will also lash their tails
from side to side.
Vocalization in Cat Language
Cats may use a meow or trill sound in greeting
each other, but research has shown that
cats tend to meow more when interacting with
humans & do not use it often when they
are interacting with each other. The meow
appears to be a care-soliciting vocalization
when directed towards people.
Purring is produced during inhalation &
exhalation. Cats can purr when they are in
contact with other cats, but also when they are
contact with humans & objects. They
purr when they are kneading blankets or rolling
on the ground or rubbing on items...
Cat Communication Through Physical Contact
Cats
can be very social. They greet each other through nose touches. They show
affection by rubbing their heads against each other & along the sides of
their bodies…
Chemical Signals & Cat Marking
When cats rub on each other & objects, they
deposit pheromones & oils from the
scent glands located on their foreheads, cheeks
& chins. They also exchange scents
when their bodies & tails rub against each
other. Cats will also rub on prominent objects
in the house to leave a scent trail & mark
their territory.
Cats can also spray urine to mark their
territory. It is not uncommon to see this behavior
in cats who live outside or have access to the
outdoors… “
Dr. Wailani Sung, DVM
Oct. 11/2018
petmd.com
Cute Critter Pic:
Weekly Chuckle
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