NOT FOUND: talking cat.jpgCats may not be able to speak English, but they do have many other ways they can “talk”. As we discussed in the previous issue, cats have many physical signals for you to discern his or her feelings and thoughts. But did you know that cats can make over 100 different vocal sounds (dogs can only make 10). These sounds encompass a variety of meows, purrs, gurgles, and epees which occur in a variety of tones and octaves. All these sounds can mean a plethora of things. The more you talk to your cat, the more your cat will talk back and extend his/her “vocabulary”. As a good owner, you can learn what your cat means by each vocal sound by listening to your cat and responding. Eventually, you and your cat can start to “talk” back and forth to each other with understanding. This will help the bond between you and your cat grow and entice your cat to become even more expressive.
PURRING
It is still not known why cats purr. Some theories on the origin of purring include:
1) the possession of false vocal cords
2) the contraction of laryngeal muscles,
3) blood flow that is amplified by the diaphragm. Whatever the cause of purring, a cat purrs when he or she is generally happy – although, some cats are known to only purr when they are ill. Most cat owners will attest to the fact that their cats only purr when they are content or happy.
GROWLING/HISSING
Growling and or hissing means only one thing – your cat means business and wants you to back off. If your cat growls or hisses at you, don’t push the issue, or you will be attacked.
EYES
Your cats’ eyes can also tell you a lot about what Kitty is thinking:
• Wide open eyes – your cat is awake and ready to go
• Wide open eyes with a little sparkle – your cat is feeling a little mischievous
• Half closed eyes – your kitty is relaxed and ready for a cat nap! This can also mean your cat is ill if the eyes are like this on a consistent basis, even when awake.
• Winking/Blinking – A long slow blink means that your cat is content and relaxed.
OTHER BEHAVIORS
• Rolling on his/her back and exposing the belly – your cat is letting you know that he/she totally trusts you as he/she is exposing the most vulnerable part of the body. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your cat wants a belly rub, just that he/she is totally comfortable with you.
• Kneading- this stems from “milk threading” that kittens do. Kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk production. In doing this to you, your cat is not only expressing his/her love for you as a mother-figure but also remembering the happy feelings that used to occur when the mother was kneaded.
• Sniffing - cats sniff each other in the wild to say hello and get to know each other. If your cat sniffs your face, consider it a greeting and a way of showing that your cat trusts and likes you. Many owners even get down on the floor (face level with their cats) and touch noses when they greet.
Take the time to get to know your cat’s language. You will be suprised how your cat will notice and appreciate your effort!
Connie Leanord can be reached at the at VCA Highlands Animal Hospital at 3451 Elkhorn Boulevard North Highlands, CA 95660 or by telephone at 916-332-2845.