Interpreting Cat Language
Your cat purrs or hisses, arches its back, rubs its head against your leg, rolls on the floor, or blinks at you lazily: these are sounds and behaviors that belong to every cat's repertoire, often seen and heard throughout the day. New cat owners often wonder what their cat is actually trying to communicate. Our practical tips will help you interpret feline language.
The Different Languages of Cats
The cat says "meow"—this is the first thing children learn about a cat's sound. But soon, one discovers that cats can produce a whole range of tones. Meowing, purring, hissing, yowling: these are the sounds cats use to communicate. And this is just part of the communication because, like humans, animals also express themselves using facial expressions and body language. Eye positioning, head movement, posture, and, not least, tail movement clearly signal a cat's precise mood. To answer the question, "What is my cat saying?" one should recognize and interpret all these ways of communicating.
Feline Language: The Cat's Voice
Meowing is a characteristic sound of feline language, but in a strict sense, it’s not unique. The tone and duration of the sound provide clues to the meaning of the meow.
- Short sound: Greeting and recognition
- Repeated: Joyful, excited greeting
- Short and murmuring: Friendly and relaxed chatter
- Prolonged: A request
- Medium tone: Request for water or food (a more intense tone signals urgency)
- Low tone: Complaint or aggression
Other sounds to understand feline language include:
- Purring: A guttural sound that sometimes vibrates through the cat’s entire body and is music to the ears of cat lovers. Most often, it means the cat is comfortable, relaxed, and enjoying the current interaction, such as being petted.
- Hissing: This sound communicates aggression and clearly signals the cat's readiness to fight, whether it is the aggressor or feeling threatened.
- Growling and whining: Cats can emit sounds resembling growls and whines. These signal agitation and often accompany hissing when the animal feels scared or threatened, preparing for self-defense.
Communicating Through Body Language
Cats don’t just have their "language"; their mood also shows in their face and especially their eyes. A cat's gaze is an important indicator of its current mood. Wide-open eyes with thin pupils (under sufficient lighting) indicate that the cat feels comfortable and relaxed. In contrast, dilated pupils despite daylight suggest the cat feels threatened or scared. Direct eye contact signals trust, and a slow blink is comparable to a human wink, expressing affection and closeness. Additionally, during play, a cat will show its excitement and anticipation through a direct, expectant gaze.
Carefully observing head movements also helps interpret feline behavior. A friendly headbutt accompanied by forward-facing whiskers is a welcoming gesture. Ear movements are particularly revealing in hunting or play situations. Upright, forward-facing ears indicate high concentration. Flattened ears signal fear or aggression. If the cat lifts its head and tilts it slightly backward, it demonstrates recognition and friendly greeting. Licking you reflects deep trust, considering you a family member it lovingly cares for.
The cat's tail is a key mood indicator, acting like a barometer. An upright tail signals joy and happiness. The lower the tail, the more uncomfortable the cat feels; a fully tucked tail under the abdomen is a clear sign of fear. A raised tail with a twitching tip indicates excitement, which could range from irritation to joyful anticipation. If the entire tail moves like a whip, it unmistakably signals aggression and readiness to attack. Additionally, a puffed-up tail shows the cat feels threatened. In this state, it’s best to leave the cat alone to calm down.
Finally, posture is crucial for understanding a cat's behavior. A classic example is when a cat arches its back. This posture is adopted when cats are frightened or feel highly threatened. Arching their back makes them appear larger and more imposing, a tactic to intimidate potential aggressors. When a cat lies on its back or side with outstretched paws, it conveys total relaxation, great trust, and readiness for affectionate interaction. If it rubs its side against your leg upon your return home, it warmly welcomes you, expressing its joy.
More: Cat News
