Learn about Cat Body Language here!
Learn about Cat Tail Language here!
Cat Vocalizations: An Explanation in Feline Language
Cats surely don't hold back when it comes to expressing their needs or thoughts, from many meow variations to a variety of strange noises. The issue is that it's not always simple to understand what your cat is trying to say. You should at least learn the difference between an irritated meow and a playful one, otherwise with a cat who is not trained to not scratch or bite, you could get attacked.
Here are some examples of the most typical meows: Obviously conveniently translated to human.
Cat Meows Meaning
Short, high-pitched meow: Can simply mean, “hello human”
Several short meows at once: "I'm so glad you're back” or “I miss you”
Soft, pleading meows: "I'm hungry”, and “I’m starrrrving!!!!” “Feed me, feed me!!”
Low or drawn-out meow: "This place's service is terrible. Human servant, you’re getting on my nerves”.
Understanding cat meows is only one aspect of mastering cat communication, though. Felines attempt to communicate by making a variety of noises, including:
Trilling: A sound that falls between a purr and a meow. It's frequently used to greet someone or to get your attention by being adorable. It sure works on us!
Chirping: Your cat is demonstrating their hunting skills by attempting to lure oblivious wildlife.
Yowling: This specific cat sound, which resembles a combination between a yodel and howling, is one of the most annoying sounds you will hear from your cat. Although spayed and neutered cats can yowl as well, yowling is a mating call that is often reserved for cats in heat.
Hissing and growling: The hiss and growl routine is never a positive indicator, and it is usually only used in instances where they are scared or angry. It's generally best to just keep away if you have no reason to believe your cat is hurt or in pain. This usually only occurs when other new animals are near, they should have no reason to hiss and growl at you, if they do, it is recommended that they are trained out of this, so they do not get aggressive with you in the future.
Soundless meowing: Sometimes a meow that is so quiet you can hardly hear it, it is usually an indication of fatigue, hunger, or dehydration. If you have a happy, healthy cat, they may just be trying to tug at your heartstrings with this, especially if you have given in in the past during mealtimes as cats are very good at training their humans to give them what they want.
Purring: Most people know this one, it’s a fine vibrating purr that your pet makes. Although a cat's feelings can be mysterious, hearing a purr is a surefire indication of your kitty's contentment and love.
On occasion, unusual purring can be a sign that your cat is in distress or comforting themselves when they are in pain or in the healing process, so if you find it is unusual for them to purr, take your cat to the vet for a checkup.
How You Can Talk to Your Cats
It’s amazing how much you can understand from your cats, but how do you make them understand you? Cats are not like dogs; they are not really interested in what you have to say. This does not imply that your cat does not comprehend you, a lot of the time they will know what you want but choose to not listen.
Even if your cat acts as though they can't hear you, you should still talk to them. A timid, fearful cat may be persuaded to cuddle with you by your soothing, reassuring voice. Similar to this, a firm, sharp voice can assist you in training your cat to stop undesirable actions like batting or clawing the furniture. They like to act as though they don't understand us or straight up ignore us when we give a command, but they do. At least if you teach them to, they will. It will take a lot of patience, and a lot of work, but in the end, it will pay off when you give them a command and they do exactly as you tell them to, happy or not, you can make them do what you want them to. What we mean to say is to stop them from scratching your furniture, not make them get things for you of course.