Communication is a must for the survival of every species on earth, and cats are no exception to this fact. They convey messages to each other using different means of communication. A mixture of their senses, instincts and t sign language can send signals to other even when a cat is silent. You will learn more about the various methods of how do cats communicate with each other to convey many emotions.
How Do Cats Communicate With Each Other?
Unlike humans that are primarily dependent upon vocal cues, Cats communicate with one another in many ways other than basic meowing or growling. The various methods of what cat says include:
Body Language and Gestures
Body language is a distinctive form of inter-feline communication. A careful observation of the different gestures displayed by a cat will promote gauging the kitty’s mood. These non-verbal cues can become puzzling at times.
The Nose Bump
Cats have a unique way of developing friendships and trust with other cats. Each cat has a distinctive scent signature that can tell others what other group they belong to and where they’ve been. The nose bump is one of those distinct modes of identifying other cats using the facial scent glands present on their lips, chin and cheeks to spread their fragrance.
So, Cats tend to greet each other with a nose bump. Even though this gesture may render them vulnerable to being attacked possibly, this expression indicates the initiation of a friendship based on trust.
If a cat notices an unfamiliar face in its surroundings, it will mark its territory by rubbing the nose on the other cat’s head during the nose bump. Since the sense of smell is a cat’s strongest instinct, it is also their first form of communication.
The Story Behind a Cat’s Tail
Like dogs, the movement of a Cat’s Tail displays its different moods. The tail signages in cats are the most communicative in the animal kingdom. Cats use their bodily features more than the vocal cords to communicate with each other. If a cat’s tail is upright, it signifies that the kitty is calm and relaxed at the moment.
While approaching other cats that they like, kitties bend their tail upright forward in the direction of the approaching cat. If tail-wagging is accompanied by shrieking, it signals the cat’s enraged emotions. If the tail is puffed up, it signifies that the kitty is frightened and spooked over something.
By puffing up their tail, cats display a larger-than-life attitude and signal the enemies that it is scary to deal with them. It is a defensive technique used by these furry creatures at times. Moreover, if the cat tucks its tail between legs, this is a clear sign of submission and anxiety. Running with tail in-between its legs has always been an idiom to express submission.
The Eye Contact
Like humans, our feline friends also display certain emotions using their eyes. For instance, if a cat stares with intervals of slow blinking, it is a safe sign meaning that it adores the counterpart. However, if the eye contact involves slit and constricted pupils, it indicates that cat is angry and frustrated.
This is a clear sign before an attack if a cat makes a hissing sound after eye contact. But, if the cat stares with dilated pupils, it implies that the kitty is excited and playful. Furthermore, if the kitty blinks move away while crouching with flattened ears, this is a sign that displays fear and anxiety.
Vocal Methods of Communication
Ever wondered cat noises and what they mean? can dogs communicate with each otherCats have different ways of vocalizing their feelings. If all cats sound similar to you, then the chances are that you’ve probably not paid much attention to these sounds.
Short High-Pitched Meows
These short high-pitched meows most often communicate a friendly gesture or greeting. Unlike dogs sniffing other dogs, cats let out a series of short-high pitched meows to send a clear message that they are happy to see the other kitties.
Low or drawn-out Meows
These are clear indicators of a lack of interest or dissatisfaction in a particular play or place. It means that kitties let out lower-pitched meows when they are not happy or interested in the presence of another cat.
Yowling
Yowling sounds are the most irritating ones. Cats make these sounds when they are in heat and would like to mate. These are clear calls for Mating.
Hissing and Growling
These sounds serve the sole purpose of displaying emotions such as irritation or fear. Cats tend to make these sounds when they are frightened of enemies and have no option but to deter a possible attack.
Scent Signature and Chemical Cues
Cats develop their strong sense of smell at a tender age, even when they are Blind-Newborns. The scent is a significant cue that helps the cats to determine their territory and the presence of unfamiliar cats. To do this task efficiently, cats leave pheromones everywhere they go by rubbing things to their scent glands.
Cats have more than two hundred million Odor sensors in their noses. This is an instinct they inherited from their relatives living in the wild. It is seen that tomcats often spray urine to demarcate their territory in outer surroundings. The scent is most powerful method of communication used by cats to send clear signals to others about their presence and identity. Don’t have to worry about all that mess, you can opt for the best enzyme cleaner for cat urine, to make space odor free, there is plenty of option available in Amazon.
FAQ’s
It is evident that cats and dogs have categorically different personalities. Yes, both cats and dogs can communicate through their body language and gestures. They can display aggressive, playful and friendly emotions using non-verbal cues, that is the body language.
No, Cats have peculiar ways of interacting with other cats instead of humans. Cats display affection, trust and confidence towards humans through vocal expressions. They tend to adjust the pitch in their meows to send signals to their master. But, in the case of other kitties, any cat would prioritize conveying messages through their body language and gestures.
Yes, Cats can easily understand each other’s meows. The intensity and pitch in their voice signal the other cats about possible danger or threats. Moreover, vocalization also helps them trace each other when they are lost.
Conclusion
It is essential to get a hold of the cues of communication discussed above. Suppose you have explicit knowledge of the different ways in which cats react. In that case, you will be in a comfortable position to deal with any unexpected situation with ease and comfort. Unlike humans, several non-verbal cues can be hard to interpret. These inter-feline modes of communication can be subtle and hard to notice if you don’t devote adequate attention to the small details.