What is your cat telling you?
Cats can talk but do people listen?
Yes, Cats can talk.
Cats are particularly good at communicating with people. It's people who are a bit slow on the uptake. I've heard some people say that their dog talks to them. Ha! All cats have a much larger vocabulary than dogs, most of us make over 100 different sounds.
As a regular conversationalist, I make a lot more sounds than that but, I am, after all, not your ordinary common or garden moggy. If your cat is making a noise, and directing that noise right at you - then your cat is talking to you. Concentrate. It shouldn't be too hard to work out what your cat wants.
Understanding what your cat is saying
To understand your cat's vocalisations you have to listen carefully to the pitch, duration, and volume.
As a rule of thumb, or rather a rule of paw, the lower the pitch - the more the sound is meant to be aggressive or threatening. Think tiger! The higher the pitch, the friendlier.
The louder the sound gets, the more urgent the message while softer sounds indicate a more intimate communication between you.
The differences in pitch, intensity, frequency and even the pace and cadence of your cat's voice all leave clues about his feelings. The quicker the meows, for example, the more anxious or even frightened your pet may be. The slower the sounds, the more confident and relaxed he is.
As well as the occasional meow, cats will talk to you through a variety of other behaviours.
Body Language is the secret to understanding
Ears are important
It's dead set easy to know when a cat is annoyed. He will flatten his ears and bend them backward. If they're totally back and flat - you'd better run!
Keep your eye on how your cat holds his tail. Once again, I must repeat that a cat is not a dog. When a dog wags his tail, he's a happy chappie. A cat whose tail is flicking rapidly back and forth is a cross cat.
A puffed up tail is a sign of fear and confusion, and can puff to at least twice the normal size. You'll recognise this signal as soon as you see it.
A cat who is feeling spruce, confident and generally good about himself will hold his tail high.
The Tale of the Cat's Tail
A simple story
If your cat walks up to you with his tail standing tall, he's happy to see you! Take time to return the welcome and indulge yourself in a little cross-species bonding.
If your cat approaches with his tail in "the question mark" position (which is standing tall but slightly bent like a question mark) this means it's time to get out the cat toys.
If your cat's tail is in the "low" position, this is a danger signal and signifies an aggressive mood. Proceed with caution
However, if your cat lashes his tail back and forth rapidly, don't proceed anywhere except in the opposite direction.
Easy to understand?
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Go on, I can understand what you're saying
© 2009 Vladimir
