Not sure what your pet is saying? Nicola Scott offers some translation...
Does talking to your cat mean you’re in the crazy cat lady club? Vince (my 15-year-old moggy, pictured below) answers back, gives attitude when I’ve been away, responds to questions and tells me when he does (or doesn’t) want something. He’s vocal to the point of being ‘almost human’ according to my mother-in-law. I thought he was unique, but all cats want to communicate – some more than others – and the cat owners I spoke to are more than happy to engage in a deep and meaningful with their feline friends. But, if you really want to know what your cat is saying, here’s a translation:
1. Purring
Cats purr when they’re happy and relaxed; they even purr when they’re eating. Purring, however, can also be a sign of distress. “Purring can be a comfort to the cat when it’s in pain or feeling anxious,” says Anita Kelsey, Cat Behaviourist and author of Claws: Confessions Of A Professional Cat Groomer. “When the purr is given in these circumstances the cat is using the vibrations and sound as a self-soothing mechanism.”
2. Meow
In cat-speak meow covers pretty much everything: “Hello”, “Where’s my dinner?” “Touch me at your own risk”, “Here’s your mouse, hope you like it...”
3. Chirps and trills
Used by a queen to guide her kittens, so aimed at you it probably means the same – usually to the food bowl. In multi-cat households, you’ll often hear them chat with each other this way.
4. Chattering
Wondered why cats chatter when they watch birds outside the window? Suggestions are: mimicking the killer bite if they had the chance to pounce, the frustration they can’t get to their prey or just plain excitement. Whatever it means, it’s funny to watch.
5. The tell-tale tail
Learn to read the tail and you’ll be totally in tune with your cat. Straight up means friendly, swishing equals irritated, tucked in shows he’s worried, down is a sign of caution, and if he turns his back and flashes his butt he’s saying hello.
6. The slow blink of trust
Lying down and looking directly at you, your cat will close his eyelids, pause for a moment then open them again. He’s saying he trusts you. Mimic the blink and you’ve taken one step closer to your buddy.
7. The joker look
His mouth’s open and he curls his lips up in a semi-smile. Called the flehmen response, your cat is using his extra smell-sensing organ (Jacobson’s organ) in the roof of his mouth to gain information.
8. The upside down cat
The ultimate display of trust, although not the green light for a belly rub. While there are cats that don’t mind you stroking this vulnerable area (Vince is one of them) most do not and will bite or scratch if you try.
9. Rubbing
Cats rub their face and body on many things to mark their territory: chairs, sofas, toys, table legs, and most importantly, you. They’re telling everyone that this is their stuff – you, too.
10. Nuzzling
Cat food ads may make it look like all cats love it when you shove your face right in front of theirs, but they don’t. Keep your distance and wait for them to nuzzle you.
11. Kneading
Sometimes called ‘making biscuits’, it’s a holdover from kittenhood when a nursing kitten massaged their mother’s teats to make milk flow. Cats do this when they’re seriously happy.
12. Saying I love you
Whether you have a vocal or quiet cat, the mere fact he’s standing right next to you says it all. As Anita says, “Cats choose to be with us rather than us owning them so it should always be seen as an honour when a cat stays within our presence and looks relaxed.”
Contact Anita on m: 07956 640194; catbehaviourist.com
