How Do You Meow: Understanding Your Cat’s Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues

Every “crazy cat person” out there will tell you that cats are great conversationalists. And it’s completely true: cats have a lot to tell you. Fortunately, understanding how to communicate with your cat is as easy as learning to read cat body language and translate those adorable meows to words.

If you’re a bit rusty when it comes to feline communication, this article will help you finally understand what your kitty is trying to tell you.

Cat Body Language: Ears and Eyes

When it comes to deciphering cat body language, it’s not all written on their face. In reality, their faces and facial gestures can reveal just a small fraction of their thoughts.

Ears

Slightly forward: Your kitty is feeling curious and playful, so this gesture can often be spotted while they’re checking out a new toy!

Straight and upright: Something got your cat’s attention, that’s for sure. Cats have super-powered hearing, and when their ears are straight and up, it means something alerted them.

Pinned back, flat: You have a very, VERY angry kitty on your hands. This gesture is often accompanied by hissing or growling, and it indicates that your cat is either furious (probably at you) or frightened.

Eyes

Slowly blinking: Slow blinks are the air kisses of the feline world! If you notice your cat slowly blinking at you, there is no need to be perplexed by this strange cat behavior. It simply means that your cat adores you.

Dilated pupils: Someone is definitely excited! Whether they’re playing or preparing to viciously attack a toy, dilated pupils are a sure sign of feline excitement. However, if combined with defensive or aggressive gestures or sounds, big, wide pupils can mean your cat is scared.

Slit (constricted) pupils: A look of annoyance, often noticed in the absence of treats or your cat’s favorite kibble in the bowl. You’re definitely not living up to your kitty’s standards!

Tell-Tail Signs

Cats communicate with their whole body (more on that below), but one body part, in particular, tells it all. You’ve guessed it—the tail! Unlike dogs, whose tail wagging simply means joy, when it comes to cat tail language, the matters are much more complex. If you have wondered why cats wag their tails or if cats’ control over their tails tells us something, this comprehensive chart will clear any confusion!

Cat wagging tail: Oh-oh. Your kitty is seriously frustrated with you. If you’re wondering why cats flick their tail when you’re trying to pet them, watch out, because otherwise, it might take a few scratches to clear things up.

Cat tail twitching: A milder version of wagging, twitching often means that the cat is only flicking the tip of their tail and it indicates a playful mood. If you see a cat chasing its tail, you can be sure that they started twitching it first!

Puffed up tail: Although it looks hilarious and adorable at the same time, a fluffy, puffed-up tail is not one of the positive cat tail signs. It means that your kitty is terrified of something, or, if accompanied by hissing, preparing to attack.

Tucked away: If your cat has their tail between its legs, it’s a sign of anxiety and submission. When something makes your cat nervous, like a new environment or a new family member, they’ll tuck away their tail.

Curved tail: When a cat curves their tail in a shape similar to a question mark, it means that they’re ready to explore and play! If you’ve been waiting to introduce them to that new toy you got them, now is the perfect time.

Embracing tail: A cat that curves its tail all around them, creating a cute, fluffy embrace is a happy, satisfied one. Cats can even embrace other cats with their tails, giving them a warm, feline hug.

Understanding the Body Language of Your Cat

When I say understanding a cat’s body language, I mean what they’re saying when they use their WHOLE BODY to communicate. Because it’s not enough for kitties to tell us what they think by using their tails, ears or a variety of sounds. They need another way of communicating what’s on their feline minds.

Lying on their back, belly exposed: This means your cat completely trusts you and feels comfortable enough to reveal their most vulnerable area to you. On the other hand, there is a 99% percent chance you’ll get your hand scratched if you dare go for a belly rub. I know, it’s a trap that few people can resist.

Special combination: If your cat growls while lying on its back, they’re agitated and ready to strike.

Arched back: Get ready for cuddles! If a cat gets near you and arches its back, it’s trying to tell you to pet it (scratches behind the ear are also welcomed).

Special combination Arched back in combination with bristled hair (think Halloween classics) means your cat is frightened or angry.

Rubbing against you: Even though most people think this means their kitty is feeling affectionate, the real reason for rubbing is a bit more complex. Cats rub against things (or people) to mark their territory. This is especially true when they rub their cheeks at something, because of the glands located there that release special (territorial) pheromones. But hey, at least your kitty is claiming you!

Kneading: Every time a cat “makes biscuits”, it’s a remnant of their kittenhood memories. Cats knead only special people, and only when they’re particularly happy and content. Be proud if a kitty wants to knead on your lap!

Butt wiggling: Nope, your kitty is probably not the biggest fan of an artist that has the word Dogg in their name. The funny and cute butt wiggling is a precursor to pouncing and it’s one of the many cat body language signs connected to stalking prey.

Licking you: If you deserved a special grooming session from your cat – it means a lot. Now you’re a special “cat”. Cats show great affection when they start licking your skin, hair, earlobes or even nibbling on your clothes, considering you as an important part of the family group. They do it in the same way as you show affection to your cat by petting it.

Speaking Feline: Cat Vocalizations Explained

From different variations of meow to a variety of weird sounds, cats definitely don’t hesitate to vocalize their demands or opinions. The problem is, understanding cats is not always easy. If you can’t tell the difference between an irritated meow and a playful one, you’re bound to get scratched!

However, recognizing the meaning of a meow is just part of learning cat language. Felines make a number of different sounds when trying to communicate, such as:

Trilling: A sound somewhere in between a meow and a purr. It’s often used as a greeting or a way to get your attention by being completely adorable. It doesn’t get cuter than that!

Chirping: Your kitty is proving their hunting skills by trying to attract unassuming wildlife. Try not to scare off their prey by gushing over them and giggling at the cute sound they make.

Yowling: Sounding like a cross between a yodel and howling, this particular feline sound is one of the most irritating. Although yowling is a mating call that’s usually reserved for cats in heat, spayed and neutered cats can yowl too.

Hissing and growling: Reserved for situations when they’re frightened or furious, the hiss and growl routine is never a good sign. If you don’t suspect that your cat is in pain or injured, this probably means it’s best to just stay away.

Soundless meowing: A meow so silent you barely hear can sometimes be a sign of exhaustion or hunger and dehydration. Of course, if you have a healthy, content kitty, this might just be their way to play on your heartstrings.

Purring: What does it mean when a cat purrs? Is it a sign that your cat loves you? Rest assured. The velvety, vibrating sound of the purr is one of the best sounds you can hear from your furball! A cat’s emotions can be a mystery, but hearing a purr is a definite sign of your kitty’s happiness and affection.

However, in some cases, abnormal purring can be a sign your cat is in pain, so if you notice their purring is out of the ordinary, take them to a vet for a checkup.

How To Communicate With Your Cats

Understanding your cat is amazing, but how can you get them to understand you? Dogs respond to commands and your voice, but cats are not that interested in what you have to say. However, this does not mean that your cat doesn’t understand you.

Even if your kitty pretends not to hear you, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t communicate with them. A soothing, reassuring voice can help encourage a shy, frightful cat or motivate them to cuddle with you. In the same manner, a firm, sharp voice can help you teach your cat about unwanted behaviors, such as batting or scratching the furniture. (In theory of course, in reality, cats will do as they please).