1. Features of communication between cats
  2. Olfactory communication in cats
  3. How can you understand the language of cats?
  4. Conclusions

Every creature in the world needs to communicate, both in the exchange of information and as a way of self-expression. Our pets never cease to amaze with their achievements in this sphere and cats are no exception. These intellectually advanced creatures constantly demonstrate a complex system of signs that they use for acquaintance, affection, care, dissatisfaction or aggression.

Features of communication between cats

We, humans, are accustomed to communicating predominantly by verbal means. As for cats, their sign system is much wider, as they use a number of other ways of information exchange besides sounds to communicate.

Types of cat communication:

– Facial expressions, movements, body postures. This type refers to visual types of communication. Through their body and muscles, cats try to convey their mood or intentions. If you pay attention to the cat’s body position, you can figure out what it wants to say. To convey information visually, cats use their tail, eyes, ears, whiskers, paws, and body postures.

– Sounds. Sound communication has many different manifestations, which can also tell the “interlocutor” a lot of interesting things. In particular, to the sounds that cats reproduce can be attributed: meowing, purring, hissing, growling, howling and the like.

– Odors. Quite an interesting way of communication in animals, including cats – the release of pheromones. In the animal world, this is a very common variant of communication. Through odors, you can get important facts about other cats. They can also use their olfactory abilities to sniff feces or urine to find out important information.

These are the three main types of communication in cats, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Olfactory communication in cats.

Olfactory communication among animals is very common and important for receiving and giving information to each other. It also has a special place in cats.

Olfactory from the Latin olfactus – olfactory, that is olfactory, related to everything that concerns the perception of odors. It is possible to divide this type of communication into two types according to the “tools” with which the acquaintance with another animal is carried out:

– Stool, urine. Stool and urine can provide a lot of information about another cat or cats, in particular the readiness to mate and the presence of diseases. Cats often mark territory in this way, claiming territory for themselves. Also, cats often develop a similar odor when they form groups, which can distinguish their group from another group of cats.

– Glands. Glands are located on the cheeks, chin, around the eyes, near the anus, and between the fingers. Each gland secretes its own special pheromones that the human sense of smell cannot catch, but cats read them perfectly. These odors have their own meaning, for example, the glands near the anus and tail are used to identify the cat, so to say, his “passport”, between the finger glands cats mark the territory as their property. If we talk about the glands on the muzzle of the animal, they leave friendly marks, the cat simply rubs against a companion and leaves this odor of friendliness and affection.

How can you understand the language of cats?

It is important to note that all types of communication should be evaluated in a complex, as their meaning can be different, if you take into account the circumstances and other accompanying gestures and sounds, for example, if a cat wags its tail it does not always mean excitement, sometimes it can speak of aggression, so in this case you need to take into account the position of the ears and body to properly understand the intentions of Tails, as well as the sounds he makes.

How can we understand the language and intentions of cats? Let’s consider several basic states of the cat and describe how Tails behaves during them.

Calm state

Let’s start with a neutral calm state of the cat, which does not promise any negative consequences. In the resting state, the cat’s behavior will accordingly also be calm, and the body parts will be relaxed. The resting position of the body is always habitual for the cat, the body is flat and not inclined to the ground. In this case, the cat will not make sudden movements, on the contrary, they will be smooth and relaxed. It is worth considering and the position of individual organs, which usually signal certain information, in particular on the position of the ears, which should be slightly separated or straight, but not pressed to the head, the eyes look straight, but the look is soft. The head is in a natural position, the tail is lowered but slightly curved at the tip, and it is in a fixed position.

As for sound communication, usually in a calm state the cat rarely gives out any sound signals, sometimes meows, but without hysterical notes in the voice and not very loudly. Also in a resting state the cat often shows affection, can rub his head on another cat or owner and as a rule they purr.

Playful

A cat in a playful mood will not cause anxiety as all of its movements, facial expressions and sounds will be relaxed and positive. In this mood, the cat will be quite active but relaxed. Often, when the cat wants to play, can gently and lightly beat his mate with his paw, so he is trying to show his benevolent attitude and desire to start or continue the game, which is already going on. The game will certainly be accompanied by wagging of the tail, which shows the excitement of the cat.

During the game, the cat does not too often reproduce sharp and loud sounds, usually it is a quiet -nyav-, trills or purring. These sounds may also differ from the context of the game, for example, if it is not a very active game, it will be accompanied by light purring or purring, if it is an active game or courtship, the sounds will be louder and sharper, even similar to shouting.

Anxious, frightened or agitated state, but without aggression

Behavior in a state of excitement is radically different from the way the cat behaves at rest. Most often, the kitty begins to scream, continuously meow, seeks protection, begins to stare back from the “opponent”. The ears are flattened to the head, and the body is tilted to the ground, the body is tense, the tail is clamped between the hind legs, the eyes are frightened and wide open.

A long and low meow also complements the visual signs that indicate problem, fear, frustration and discomfort. Sometimes in a state of stress the cat begins to purr, but this is not a sign of calmness, but an attempt to calm himself, that is, in this case, purring does not mean relaxation, but on the contrary, anxiety.

Aggression

If your cat is aggressive, it will behave as follows. Regarding movements, the cat will start wagging its tail, which is a sign of not the slightest irritation, together with the position of its ears, they are usually spread apart or pressed back. Thus the cat demonstrates readiness to attack. Also a characteristic sign of this state – a bent back and hair smoke. This indicates Tails’ intention to look bigger/taller than the opponent. Dilated pupils and a frowning or tense expression on the face are also a sign of excitement.

Speaking of sound signals during aggression, cats are characterized by hissing or squealing, which is a loud, extended meow with wheezing. These are the most common sound signals, by which the cat warns of his negative mood and the intention to attack, if the competitor does not stop certain activities. You can also often hear growling in a stressed state.

Most often aggression is not a way to cause trouble to another animal, but simply an attempt to protect themselves, but there are other cases when the cat has mental problems, or some other diseases. If such behavior is not caused by specific or visible factors, it is worth contacting a specialist.

Conclusions

So, we considered the ways of communication of cats, realized that they are diverse and have their own features. The sign system of animals is very developed, so it is important for us to learn to understand and read it. This will help when communicating with them to protect them and help them avoid conflicts with each other. Always be aware of your cat’s facial expressions, movements, sounds, and body position, and consider the context of the behavior. Remember to evaluate not individual elements of behavior, but analyze them as a whole.

If you have any misunderstandings about your cat’s behavior, you can always contact us with your questions and for advice. Our V.O.G. DOG SALON is open to communication and is always happy to help you.