Cat Communications

Ask most non-cat owners what sound cats make and they'll say "meow". That's true to a point, but it's kind of like saying that the sound dogs make is "bow wow". "Meow" is just one of many sounds that make up feline vocalizations.

One of the most important keys to understanding cat vocalizations is evaluating pitch, duration, and volume. Generally speaking, the lower the pitch the more the sound is meant to be aggressive or threatening (think in terms of lion impersonation) and the higher the pitch, the more likely it is that the vocalization is friendly. Loud, prolonged vocalizations mean the cat is feeling urgent about getting her point across, and short, soft sounds generally indicate a more intimate communication.

Like people, cats vary a great deal in how "talkative" they are. Some cats always seem to have something to say, while others vocalize relatively rarely. Most cat owners find that "conversing" with their cats - listening carefully to the cat's sounds and answering them - is a great bonding factor that can really enhance the relationship and help both the cat and the person understand each other.

Here are some of the most standard cat vocalizations and their meanings:

Meow - the classic all-purpose cat vocalization; can mean anything from "Hi, How are ya?" to "I want your attention" to "I'm bored". Interpreting a meow depends on both the situation and the sound itself - is it cheery and chipper, whiny, demanding, etc.? Cat voices can be remarkably expressive and the inflection of the sounds they make is crucial to understanding them.

Mrrrrrrp - a lovely sound, sort of a cross between a purr and a meow, which is almost always friendly, confiding, and happy. Sometimes used as a greeting, but often just a contented commentary.

Mewp! - a short, emphatic sound, sort of an abbreviated meow, which is often kind of the cat equivalent of "hey!", as in, "Hey! Hurry up with the food!" or "Hey! Don't stop petting me!"

Me-yooooooo - sort of a cross between a cajole and a whine, and generally means "I want something and I want it now". Often heard while dishing out the catfood.

Grrrrrrrr - low and ominous, this is the domestic feline version of the growling tiger or lion. In a multi-cat household this often means something along the lines of "knock it off or you're gonna get it!", though it can also be a hunting-related sound, in which case it means "this catnip mouse is gonna get it!"

Me-YOWWWWWWWWWWL!!! - Harsh, high-pitched, and often surprisingly loud, this is one that usually erupts during a cat conflict. Signifies aggression, alarm, and impending retribution.

Hisssssssss - A warning signal, usually to another cat, which means "You're getting on my nerves and I'm not gonna put up with it - continue at your own peril!"

eh-eh-eh-eh - Difficult to transliterate, this is that funny semi-clucking noise that cats often make when they spot a bird, squirrel, or other potential prey in the vicinity.

yow-yow-yow - a low pitched, weird, yodeling-type noise of distress that many cats make when acutely ill or about to vomit.

Though the feline tail is primarily a balance mechanism, it's also a key part of cat communication. How your cat is holding and moving his tail can tell you a great deal about what he's thinking and feeling. Here are some standard tail communications:

Tail held upright: this is usually a sign of a happy, alert, contented cat

Tail upright and quivering: this can be a greeting - a real "glad to see you!"

Tail upright and curved over back: anticipation. Look for this at food time, etc.

Tail upright with the end twitching: can be an indication of curiosity.

Tail upright but curved to one side (almost like a question mark): often seen when a cat is feeling playful, but may also indicate that the cat isn't exactly alarmed, but it being cautious

Tail upright, very stiff, and very puffy (hairs bristling) : not a good sign; usually indicates anger or aggression.

Tail straight out from body, fairly relaxed: a fairly neutral posture; cat is feeling basically friendly, non-agressive, and not defensive

Tail lowered: often seen when a cat is being approached; indicates that the cat isn't exactly frightened or alarmed but is unsure about the intentions of the person or cat coming toward him

Tail lowered, sweeping slowly back and forth: shows the cat is focusing on something

Tail low and sweeping rapidly back and forth: not a good sign - generally indicates alarm or aggression.

Tail low, with just the tip twitching: the cat is in predator mode; that catnip mouse better watch out.

Tail low, straight out from the body but with tip half hanging limply: generally a defensive posture, basically saying "don't mess with me!"

Tail tucked: submission, fear, defensiveness

Tail movement when the cat is sitting or lying down: slow movement can indicate lazy indecision; "do I want to go look out the window, or keep lying here?" Faster and larger movement are signs that something may be about to happen - they show that the cat is becoming more alert. NOTE: some cats indicate extreme pleasure with sweeping or even thumping tail movements (while being brushed or petted, for example).

Tail wrapped around something (like the owner's arm or leg, or perhaps the tail of another cat): usually an affectionate nudge for attention, affection, play, or food.

This one isn't exactly a classic form of cat communication, but it tells you something important nonetheless: if you notice that your cat's tail isn't clean or has bits of litter sticking to it, that's an important sign that you need to take a close look at your cat's litter box. If the box itself isn't clean, it will be extremely difficult for your cat to stay clean .... and staying clean is super-important to most cats. If you love your cat but hate litter box duty, you might want to consider a self cleaning litter box like the Roll'n Clean Self Cleaning Litter Box by Omegapaw. It really works ... and cats love it!