How do cats communicate? A comprehensive guide

Have you ever wondered what your cat is trying to tell you when it meows or purrs?
Cat communication can often be enigmatic and difficult to understand.

Cats communicate through a combination of vocalizations such as meowing, purring and hissing, body language, chemical signals, and eye and tail movements.
In this blog you will learn all about the different forms of communication of cats, from the typical sounds to the subtle signals of their body language and the invisible pheromones.

Meowing: Understanding the Language of Cats

Meowing is one of the most common vocalizations of cats and can have different meanings depending on the situation. When a cat meows, it can express its joy, for example when greeting its owner, or it can ask for attention because it wants to play or be petted. Meowing is therefore an important means of communication between cats and their owners.

Each cat has its own "meow dialect" characterized by different tones and intensities. These individual differences allow cats to express their needs and feelings very specifically. It is important to pay attention to the nuances in your cat's meow in order to better understand what it is trying to tell us.

Purring: More than just contentment

Purring is one of the most well-known vocalizations of cats and is often associated with well-being. But purring can signal more than just contentment; it can also occur in situations of pain or stress. Cats therefore use purring as a form of self-soothing or even to relieve pain.

Interestingly, cats can purr and meow at the same time, which shows how complex their communication skills are. Purring can also be contagious: when one cat in a group starts purring, other cats often follow suit. This underlines the social function of purring in cat communication.

Hissing: A warning signal among cats

Hissing is a clear warning signal among cats that shows they feel threatened. This sound is often associated with a defensive posture, such as an arched back, raised fur, and ears laid back. Hissing is used to warn other cats or people to keep their distance.

In situations where a cat sees no way to escape, hissing can become more intense and even lead to an attack. It is important to take the warning signs of a hissing cat seriously and give them space to avoid escalation. Hissing can also occur when cats are in pain or are in an unfamiliar or stressful environment.

Body Language: Silent Signals of Cats

Cat body language is a fascinating and complex form of communication that allows them to express their feelings and intentions without words. Cats use a variety of body postures, tail movements and ear positions to interact with their environment. These nonverbal signals can vary from subtle to very obvious and are often combined with other forms of communication such as vocalizations or the use of pheromones.

It's important to understand that a cat's body language is often context-dependent. A certain posture or movement can have different meanings in different situations. Recognizing and interpreting these silent signals can help you better understand your cat's behavior and build a stronger bond with him. Pay attention to the combination of different body signals to get a more accurate idea of ​​your cat's feelings and needs.

The Eyes Speak: Looks in Cat Communication

Cats' eyes are very expressive and can communicate a variety of emotions. Wide-open eyes and large pupils can signal curiosity or excitement, while constricted pupils often mean aggression or fear. The direct eye contact that people often seek, however, is perceived by cats as threatening and can lead to stress.

A particularly interesting form of communication is the slow blink, which is often interpreted as a sign of affection between cats and humans. When your cat slowly blinks at you, you can return the look to show her that you are not a threat and that you want to return her affection. This can help build trust and a bond with your cat.

Ear Movements: Listening and Expressing

A cat's ears are highly sensitive organs that are used not only for hearing but also for communication. A cat that points its ears forward is usually relaxed and interested. Ears that are laid flat back, on the other hand, signal fear or aggression. The ability to move their ears independently of one another allows cats to communicate their feelings very precisely.

It is helpful to see the movements of the ears in the context of other body signals:

• Ears forward : attention and interest
• Ears flat back : fear or defensive posture
• Ears that twitch or rotate quickly : nervousness or insecurity

Observe these signals to better understand your cat's emotional state.

Tail Signals: Cats' Mood Barometers

A cat's tail is a versatile communication tool that can express a wide range of emotions. A loosely waving tail often indicates relaxation and well-being, while a stiffly raised tail can signal excitement or alarm. If the tail is tucked close to the body or between the legs, it is a clear sign of fear or submission.

Tail movements can reveal subtle nuances in a cat’s emotional state:

• Slight twitch at the end of the tail : concentration, often when observing prey
• Rapid tail thumping : irritation or discomfort
• Puffed up tail : fear or defensive posture

Recognizing these signals will help you better assess your cat's mood and respond accordingly.

Pheromones: Invisible Communication in Cats

Cats are not only visual and acoustic communicators, but also use pheromones to interact with their environment. These chemical signals are released by glands, especially on the cheeks and paw pads. When a cat rubs its face against objects or people, it not only leaves a friendly greeting, but also marks its territory. These invisible scent marks are imperceptible to us humans, but play a crucial role in the social structure and territorial demands of cats.

The function of pheromones is diverse and includes:

• Territorial marking : They signal to other cats which territory is already claimed.
• Social interactions : They help cats recognize social hierarchies and affiliations.
• Reproductive signals : They can convey information about willingness to mate.

By understanding this silent but powerful form of communication, we can better understand how cats perceive and manage their world.

Communicate better with your cat thanks to Flappie

Flappie is not just a simple cat flap, but an intelligent system that helps you better understand your cat's communication and behavior. The flap has a camera and artificial intelligence that can detect if your cat brings something home. This way you can ensure that no unwanted "gifts" such as mice or birds end up in your home. This allows you to control your cat's behavior. The Flappie app also gives you the ability to control the cat flap remotely and offers you:

• Push notifications about your cat's behavior
• Videos and photos that show you what your cat does when it is outside
• The ability to adjust settings to influence your cat's behavior

The Flappie app is an integral part of the Flappie system and offers you unique insights into your cat's life. Through the app's constant monitoring and interactive features, you can not only improve your cat's well-being, but also build a deeper bond with them. The benefits of the Flappie app include:

• Direct control over the entrances to your home, increasing security and comfort
• Receive important notifications about your cat's activities, helping you better respond to their needs
• Insights into your cat's behavioral patterns that allow you to better understand their habits and preferences

Visit Flappie at https://flappie.ch and discover how you can improve your relationship with your cat through technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats understand what we say?

Cats do not specifically understand human language, but they can respond to people's tone of voice and body language. They are very good at recognizing their humans' emotions and intentions, primarily through observation and listening.

How do cats talk to us?

Cats communicate with us through a combination of vocalizations such as meowing, purring and hissing, body language, chemical signals, and eye and tail movements. Meowing, for example, can express joy or a desire for attention, while purring often signals contentment or self-soothing.

How does a cat greet a human?

A cat can greet its owner by meowing, which often expresses joy, especially when the owner comes home. Cats can also rub their faces against people, which is not only a friendly greeting but also a way of marking their territory with pheromones.