How to speak fluent cat
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Catspeak for beginners
Often, when learning a new language, the lesson plan begins with popular foods and how to order them. This is also true of catspeak. Your cat's views on food may be among the first thoughts they try to express.
When your cat is sitting in front of an empty food bowl meowing at you, it's fairly simple to translate their thoughts. But what if the bowl is not empty? There are a few answers to this question. Cats are creatures of habit, and if you have recently changed to a different flavor, or brand of food, they may protest. I have found that the best way to make a change in food is to mix increasing amounts of the new food into the old. It may take a week or two to make the transition, but there are fewer protests along the way.
Is the food fresh? You may be tempted to take advantage of the value of a twenty pound bag of dry food, but unless you have several cats, you may be throwing away a lot of food. You probably wouldnt think of eating something that has been sitting around for a month or two, and the same is likely true of your cat.
Cats prefer their food to be at room temperature. If you are using canned food, it's fine to keep the unused portion in the refrigerator, but you should warm it a bit before serving.
Windows to the soul
A cat's eyes often seem cold, or analytical. With some breeds, they seem to look straight through you. But if you know what to look for, their eyes are very expressive. Cats speak to each other, and to us with various eye movements. If, for example, your cat enters a room and gives you a couple of quick blinks, it is a friendly greeting. He just saying "HI". If he looks at you and gives you a slow blink, this is generally regarded as a sign of affection. Try blinking at your feline, and he may surprise you with a response. When I first read about this, I thought it was crazy. The first time I got a response, I thought it was a coincidence. The second time it happened, it gave me a little chill to think that I had actually expressed a thought in Cattish. I still give her a slow blink from time to time, and she usually responds. I also return her "hello" blinks.
Once I learned this secret, my cat became much more responsive. She even comes to me when I call her. If you have lived with cats, you know that is not typical. If you don't know this trick, you may consider yourself lucky to get a disinterested glance.
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Body language
As with people, you can tell a lot about what animals are thinking through body language. The classic arched back, puffy tail stance is one that everybody knows.But what else can we learn by watching our cats' body language?
Take note of your cat's ears in different situations. They can tell you much. If their ears are pointed forward, they are very interested in what is happening. If, on the other hand, they are pulled back, or down, they are disinterested, annoyed or angry, depending on the situation. The ears back posture is thought to be the equivalent of a frown in humans.
Kneading is a sure sign of a content cat. Also called milking, this is how kittens coax milk from their mother. This behavior is continued into adulthood to indicate happiness. You may find them kneading your arm or leg, or their favorite sleeping spot. Researchers also believe this brings great pleasure to the cat.
Head rubbing = love. Cats have scent glands on their cheeks. If yours is rubbing his head or face on you, it is a sign of affection. It also serves to mark you as his property.
Other affectionate gestures. Licking is a form of grooming that cats often share with their companions. Also, gentle, playful bites. Purring can be a sign that they are enjoying your company, but not always. More on this, later.
The tell-tale tail. As with dogs, a cat's tail can express many moods. Curling of the tail, similar to a question mark, may mean that he is happy to see you. Flicking or swishing the tail usually shows annoyance. For my own cat, gently swishing just the end of her tail means shes happy. Walking with her tail up, and swishing means shes happy and confident, while walking with her tail down means "Leave me alone".
Sunny side up! When cats flop on their backs, they are not inviting you to rub their belly. Although they may enjoy a nice belly rub, the message they are conveying is submission. They don't submit easily, or because they think they have to. If they choose to submit in this fashion, it is the ultimate sign of trust! You can be content in the knowledge that they have accepted you as their master and companion. It says that they are completely relaxed in your presence.
Vocalizing
It is thought that cats communicate verbally with us, and each other. There are even websites that try to explain the meanings of various vocalizations. Having owned several cats, I believe this to be true, but I tend to think they develop their own language, specific to the people and animals with whom they live and interact.
If you ask a cat if they are hungry, and then feed them, they may not recognize the real world meaning of the words, but they will eventually come to associate them with food. They may answer vocally, or simply go to the food dish and wait for you.
My cat is very familiar with the word "up". Using it as a one word question usually results in a meow, after which she stands up and waits for someone to lift her into their lap.
The silent meow. One thing that seems common to many cats is the silent meow. Usually this is an expression of affection or gratitude.
Purring. This may not mean what you think. Purring has been found to mean different things, depending on the situation. Basically, purring shows extremes of emotions. It can mean happiness, annoyance, fear, even pain.
Creat your own dialect
Once you realize that your kitty is trying to talk to you, you can learn a lot by simply watching and listening. If you respond with actions or words (or sounds), eventually you will have some form of understanding between you. You will have created your own personal dialect of Catspeak. You may not engage in long, philosophical discussions, but you will know the mood, feeling or desire he/she is trying to get across. And, perhaps, your cat will be appreciative that you have decided to elevate yourself to her level by learning the language.
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Comments
I'm more of a dog person, but this is a good hub all the same. Great for kitty lovers!
WOW! You guys are fast! Thanks for the comments. I wish you luck with your cat marisuewrites.I know how frustrating it is when you cannot identify the problem.
Sakari, dogs have their own language, as well. Having owned more cats than dogs, I'm just not as familiar with it.
I really appreciated reading this and it confirmed a few things and gave me a few other bits of info I hadn't known about. My girl cat Tiggy spends loads of time on her back and wants me to smooth her tummy. She also winks at me. Sometomes she nips me on the arm usually but never hard. My Old Lad likes to lie on my lap and rub his head on it.
Bard, these are all signs that you are doing things right, in her eyes. Congratulations!
This was so interesting! We have three cats presently and all of them have such different personalities. I will have to try the blinking trick. Two of our cats nip playfully all of the time. It's the first time I've known cats that do it so often.
rmr! Great hub. Cats just seem to have such strong personalities. I sure love that top picture. I have to send it to my granddaughter...she will just love it.
regards Zsuzsy
Great hub for us cat people :)
Love it! So cute. I will be trying out the "blinking" with my kitty. :)
Zsuzsy, send her the whole hub, if you like! Spread the kitty love!
Uninvited Writer, thanks for reading. You always have an open invitation, here. Is it just me, or does "cat people" kind of sound like a sci-fi movie?
Hi Amy Jane! Glad you liked it! The blinking thing takes time, and patience. You're probably aware that cats only do what they want, when they want.
Great tips and knowledge!
I know people who say that "cats always stare at me!!" yes!! because your staring at them lol.. i always use the blink techniques and definitely work..
I have had cat for over 10 years and i have learned something here!!
Thumbs up and bookmarked!!
ty:)
My two cats and I have a very simple conversation every day. They tell me how their day went, using vocalizations and movement. I think of them somewhat the same I think of a honeybee - using movement and dance to express their view on things.Michi is our rag-doll cat, and she lays on my lap like a towel, is very loving and expressive. Tiger (aka Chicken) is our large tabby, and when she jumps up on my lap I feel as if I have been tackled! But she is also a loving cat, although her comments are few and far between, yet when she speaks, I listen, and I learn great things about the world. Most of all to stay away from the front door, because a large dog dwells across the street, and she does not like dogs.I have often thought of writing a book based upon something like J.R.R. Tolkien’s homage to cats:
The fat cat on the mat
may seem to dream of nice mice that suffice for him,
or cream;
but he free, maybe, walks in thought
unbowed, proud, where loud roared and fought his kin, lean and slim, or deep in den in the East
feasted on beasts and tender men.
The giant lion with iron claw in paw,
and huge ruthless tooth in gory jaw;
the pard dark-starred,
fleet upon feet,
that oft soft from aloft
leaps upon his meat
where woods loom in gloom --
far now they be,
fierce and free,
and tamed is he;
but fat cat on the mat kept as a pet
he does not forget. -- J. R. R. Tolkien
rmr--really love your hub! I'm going to try the blinking with my BabyKitty--a chocolate sealpoint Siamese Munchkin. He does the kneading thing with me--glad to know he's happy but after 5 minutes or so it can get to be a little much.
We've taught him to fetch, stand and sit. He knows "cheese" means food of some kind and he knows what "up" means. When we tell him "Let's go to bed" in the evening he usually beats us there.
Right now we're trying to teach him to talk. His first "word" is "Hello". He's almost there! Patience and rewards does the trick!!
Thanks for a very informative Hub! I really enjoyed it!
Very funny and informative! I don't have a cat because it might eat my bird, but this was fun to read about all the same. Maybe you could write about 'bird speak' or 'budgie talk' sometime? :)
I can hardly wait till Blackieandwhiteyspootle gets home to try the blinking thing. Don't blame me on the name. He was named by a 4 yr old.
Donna
Thanks compu-smart. I don't think I've ever been bookmarked before!
Chef Jeff, I wonder what made you think I would relate to a Tollkein quote. Did my avatar give me away? Thanks for reading!
Ruthie17, I know what you mean about the kneading. Our "Snickers" actually leaves bruises sometimes.
donna, I think that's an adorable name for a cat. I'd be more concerned if it was your 4 yr old's name. Thanks for stopping by.
evemurphy, our cat doesn't bother our bird at all. Animals seem to be able to adapt to living peacefully with other species. Our bird once escaped, and landed on the cat's back. "Snickers" just gave him the hello blink, and went back to sleep!
I am an avid fan of Tolkien, and I remember reading that work in school. People snikered at the time because where I came from a dog was considered a proper pet for a boy. I also had a dog, and she and my cat were the best of friends.
When my cat died, my dog went into mourning and died shortly there after. No one can tell me that the animals that choose to share their lives with us are without feelings!
rmr - I really loved this Hub. My first love was my cat Stripey, whom I named at the age of 5. He lived until I was 21. We had many conversations, the two of us. As he was part Siamese, he was fairly "talkative" anyway. When I went away to college, he walked all over the house looking for me, meowing. Still breaks my heart...
great article ,and thank you for your comment,my kitty squirt has many verbal vocalizations he calls out to me in the middle of the night and i respond back to him he and i have our own uneak way of communicating to one another.i have 3 cats and they are all quite different,and they do not respond the same as squirt does to me ,maybe it is because he has been with me since day one.
Hello rmr: I really enjoyed reading your article. I have owned cats all my life and feel that I've been able to communicate pretty well with them. One thing that I did learn from your article was that cats have scent glands on their cheeks. I had no idea! Have you ever had a cat that slobbers when you pet it? My two black cats, Bentley and Joe Black, slobber when they get lots of petting. Joe Black is the youngest and I've never seen a cat slobber so much. He slobbers so much when you pet him that he makes this slurping sound like he's trying to slurp the slobber back into his mouth so he doesn't get me all wet. It doesn't really work too well though because he's one slobbering cat, but I guess that just goes to show how cats show their affection in different ways. I just wish I didn't have to get so wet! He likes to get right up in your face when he's getting petted, so his slobber leaks out onto your face. I just love my cats even if they do slobber. I'm going to try the blinking back at them when I get home today. Interesting article! Thanks!
rmr,
Very informative and thoroughly enjoyable hub. I too am a cat person, with 3 cats.
You are right too about the bird, we also have a small parrot (sun conure) that our cats don't bother. That was a fear I had when my daughter said she was bringing a bird home, that I'd come home and find feathers everywhere. As it turned out, we kept the bird in my daughter's room, so the cats could hear the chirping. They would go to the door and try to figure out what it was. After about a week, we opened the door, and let the cats come in. The two older ones just kinda looked, weren't impressed, and just sat on the floor. One day my daughter yells, Mom, come look! and I thought oh God, what happened? well it seems the kitten was liking what she saw and jumped onto the dresser and right into the cage. The bird lives outside her cage and just goes in to eat, that is what her previous owner did so we left it that way. So there was the bird outside on top, and the kitten laying inside her cage, it was tooooo funny. Of course we took a picture of it :)
Patty
This is a very sweet hub. Thanks for sharing.
This is great! I use blinking with my girl kitty and depending on her mood, it sometimes works. But often she just looks away as if to say 'stupid human, you're too dumb to speak Cat!'.
What does it mean when a cat drools on you? Mine always dribble whenever they're purring and treading.
What a great read, thumbs up.It's so good to know I am not crazy - lol
I never had a cat until I moved out of home & I doubt I will ever have a dog again.
Great hub! My own cat Twizzle often does the blinking thing (and I sometime blink back), and she often comes to me on my bed and rubs her face all over mine. She shows her annoyance at our 4 and a half month old terrier pup by mewing at her and flicking her tail, and after a few crafty swipes the pup usually gets the message (but is often very vocal back to her!) Our cat rules the house and the dog; I'm sure that most do. I've yet to meet one that doesn't.
my cat definitely talks..
My new favorite hub :)
Thanks guys! I wouldn't have dreamed that this would be my most popular hub.
Adorable hub with great information!
I never knew blinking could mean something!!!I got a response from my Senior cat!
Love this hub! I had cats all my life until about 5 years ago. The blink method does work. I also noticed that when you're in emotional distress, they are there for you. When my beloved grandma died, I was devastated and the cat we had at the time just laid on me for days....couldn't pry him off. He was bound and bent he was going comfort me no matter what.
By the way, the first video was very nearly Canadian, put an Eyyy? at the end, I think they meant, Ehhh? The other vid was funny in a creepy sort of way.
Great job, RMR. Stumbling it.
Thanks Shirley! I should have written something about the emotional distress thing. Every cat we've ever had has done that. Even if I just have a cold, I can count on the cat to comfort me.
rmr - I had to pop back in and say thanks. I have been adopting some of the tips you suggested that I didn't know before & my relationship with both my cats is so much better. The other night I wouldn't let our mommy cat out after dark and I turned to her and said "sorry baby, but it's dark now" would you believe she growled at me?! It wasn't nasty or threatening in any way - she just had to tell me what she thought of me. This is the first time she has ever spoken verbally back at me like that (other than meow or hiss) - great stuff so again, thanks
Heh, just found this hub. That picture on the top is hilarious. I'm going to try that blinking thing on our two kittens, see if they respond. Fun to think about anyway. I know I'm late the party for this hub, but, still, very nice read.
Loved this hub. My cats definetly talk to me. And I know exactly what they are saying. They even have little rituals they do when they want to express something. Like in the morning when it is time for wet food, one of my cats knocks things off the nights tables to get my attention to get up and feed her. The other has short little meows and walk in circles. Cats definetly have a catspeak. Enjoyed your hub very much.
Nice Hub RMR!
I have 3 cats from the same liter that I rescued from my backyard last year. They are wonderful cats and the only male shows his affection to me when I get home by rolling around on the floor and showing his belly. He is also the most vocal in the morning when he wants me to get up and feed him and his sisters. I now truly believe that I haven't trained my cats rather they have trained me, lol.
Oops! I haven't been back here, in a while. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments! In dealing with people, it's been my experience, that there is no middle ground, where cats are concerned. Most people either love them, or hate them. From the response to this hub, I see there many cat-loving hubbers, here. I'm glad it has helped some of you to better understand your feline family members!
My housemate has had two cats, one female and one male and both have been Siamese. They never met each other (the first one died and was "replaced"). Each of these cats did, or do, walk up to me, sit down on haunches and SMILE.
What does it mean?
Sorry, Patty. I'm afraid I can't help you with smiling cats. I'll have to look ito this one, and get back to you.
... don't even get me started on how good social skills cats can have. It's pretty cool to have one or two to learn from...
Wow!I walked into the room where my cats were and blibked 3 times, and you were right!It really does work.Thanks!
VERY well written detailed hub about cats - you really know your stuff here! Down South we call the kneading action "making biscuits" as it is so much like the kneading action of making bread by hand.
The slow blink we call "Sweet Eyes" as it really is about expressing affection toward their person they know they own, and, oh, so completely. You sure made me grin, thanks!
Thanks for stopping in here, Denny. Those terms are new to me. They both seem to capture the idea nicely.
Hello RMR,
It is really funny how a person can get to read an animal really well when you pay attention. I know what you mean about the eye blinking (even though it seems weird).
Animals don't need to have much expression in order for you to be able to read them either. I had a parakeet that was loaded with personality despite the lack of any facial expression - you could easily tell his moods, likes and dislikes.
That's a fact, lori. You should see my sparrow. That little guy has attitude to spare.
Cats Rule! I love cats. Dogs are stupid!
Wow! I love all that info and reading it made me learn a lot more about my cat, one question: What do I have to do to make my cat like my dog ? I got the dog from the pound and he was an abuse case, the cat bosses him around all they long and even being a big dog he is very scared of him .... I have no idea what to do ...
LP, one thing that I have learned, is that you can't always expect cats and dogs to get along. But sometimes it's helpful to keep them in separate rooms, and introduce them slowly. It has been my experience that they usually get used to sharing their home, although the cat may not like sharing your attention.
Best of luck!
Absolutely, excellent, yes! You sure know cats. You've got the eye blinks and the purring right on. Great into and so fun to read through.
omg love cats got to try these tips thanx..
Wow - great Hub. I thought I spoke fairly fluent 'cat', but was most inpressed by the blinking behavior.
My kitty (inherited) is named Sarge, and for good reasons, she sounds like a drill sargent almost every time she opens her mouth. She is a dainty 4 1/2 lb tri-color tabby, but the Siamese heritage that blessed her with her lovely rich coloration has also blessed her with a voice that can be heard for blocks, and an attitude the size of Mt. Everest. She is also almost 23 yrs old and growing a bit deaf, so no help there.
Thanks for the great insights.
Looks like I'm way behind in answering comments! RedElf, I've always thought "Sarge" was a great name for a cat. Most of them seem to think they run the house, and they're right!
Kitty Lover, try them, they work! But only when your cat chooses to acknowledge you.
Frieda, so sorry I missed you comment! Thanks for the compliment, it means a lot coming from you!
Dear Rmr,
I wanted to thank you for writing this article.I learned alot about how cats talk,how to talk to cats,and why they do some things.Im going to try the blinking method on my cats!Ihave tried a bit and i get a reaction most of the time (5-6).
Although I do have a question,are there real "cat words" or just the blinks and rubs and stuff like that?I'll check for a answer in a few days.
I am my new cat's property...how nice! Must warn husband!
Excellent Cat Speak hub! My kitties have always come when called... and the neighborhood cats respond to me also. I have always known all of your tips, and you are quite correct with them. My cats have told me that I am part cat... Meow!
Cat Lover- I think the cat's "words" are interpreted by the tone. You can tell by the tone of their voice whether they want attention, are in pain, or want to be left alone.
Ellandriel- Cats can be very jealous. Warning your husband might be a wise move LOL!
Sparkle-,you've had far more luck than me! Mine usually looks at me as if to say: "No, YOU come HERE."
Thanks! I have just gotten my first kitty he's about 7 months old now and a giant LOL!
Your hub has made alot of the stuff i was asuming a reality into what my kitty is thinking.
I know the kneading is a good sign, but my Frankenstein (Born on halloween and all black) comes in every morning at exactly the same time and kneads my hair to wake me from my slumber for his breakfast, i know i should change feeding time but it's just so cute!!
Thanks for confirming my asumptions and can't wait to spend many more years with my Frankie :)
I like your hubb.
the one thing my cat likes to do is give me TON of affection. he loves sleeping with me when i allow him, or sometimes he even sneaks under the covers. But it made me laugh when you mention cattish, because i have also developed talk with my cat too. The one we mostly do is when he cant find me and will meow till i resond head towards my direction then meow again and this repeats until he can find me
Also i just tried the blinking, so far everytime i do it he instintly starts purring and rubbing his face against mine
Great article! I tried the blinking thing with my cat and she meowed at me!
Sounds like fun, I'll try some cat language with my man next time I see him ;-)
This is a lovely hub and I'm going to take on board some of the info imparted here. I'm going to start with the blinking. I've got lots of cats to practice on. Thankyou.
i did this to my fat fluffy cat. FINALLY HE LISTENS TO ME
Oh I love this hub! I definatly have been speaking cat my whole life. For as long as I can remember I've had cats in my life. My current cat Scamp, who I've raised from a kitten and who has just turned 4 this year is totally submissive. I swear he spends more time with his belly up than not!
Funny you didn't mention what they sound like when they're not pleased with you. My cat can be a bit of a bully when it comes to wanting my husband and I to go to bed. He'll arch up and growl (we're not afraid of him though)and run through the house like his tail's on fire, then make sort of a weird barking noise! He used to get his own way but now we ignore him when he acts up and he eventually settles down and waits patiently for us. He's really a big baby though and has never hurt either of us in his fits of anger.
I see I'm behind in answering my comments. Thanks to everyone for coming by! I'm glad you found this helpful.
K.Robertson, our cat never barked. But she was known to growl and hiss if she wasn't happy. Every cat seems to have its own way of letting you know who is the boss.
I love it!!!
Huge amount of cat fans! Did you know that people who have cats blink less and slower? Obivously the cats are training us well :D
Great info. I always wondered why my 2 cats loved chin runbs, but didn't realize that scent marking was also involved.
marisuewrites says:
2 years ago
Adorable!! I have spoken cat all my life. This was so cute and very true as any cat lover knows. I hada siamese who lived 27 years; and now I have one who is 17 and aging...energetic, but losing weight. Not sure why. I'm trying everything. She eats well, and eliminates well. Throws up everyday, no matter the food. Some days she does ok...
The jury is still out, the vet is this weeks step. thanks for this HUB!!