25 Ways Cats Communicate With Their Humans
While many owners may see their cat as quiet, aloof and mysterious, the reality is felines constantly communicate with humans in their own language.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Cats are actually very communicative, it's just that most humans don't understand their body language or vocalizations
When trying to interpret your kitty's body language, pay special attention to her back, tail, eyes and ears
Cats also have a wide range of vocalizations they use, not really with other cats, but primarily when humans are around
Other feline forms of communication include head bunting, kneading and mutual grooming
To the uninitiated, cats may seem quiet, aloof, and bewildering, but the reality is that felines are constantly communicating — they're just doing it in their own language. And unlike dogs, most cats are much more subtle in their communication style than their canine counterparts.
Feline Body Language 101
When trying to understand your cat's language using physical cues, pay special attention to her back and tail, as well as her eyes and ears.
Cat Talk
Interestingly, research shows cats don't vocalize much when communicating with other cats. Meowing seems to be something they primarily do around humans.1
That said, kitties actually have a rather extensive repertoire of vocalizations. You may know the difference between your cat's dinnertime meow, for example, and the way he sounds when he's annoyed. But many feline sounds and intonations are more subtle and don't fit a particular pattern, which can make them harder to interpret.
Why Cats Rub Up Against Things
When feline friends greet each other, they often do it with a nose touch, so if your cat puts his face very close to yours, he may be hoping to do the same with you.
Another move friendly cats make is rubbing their heads together or along each other's sides. It's called head bunting and it's a form of affection. Cats' heads are loaded with scent glands — under the chin, at the corners of the mouth, the temples, and on the ears.
When they rub their furry little noggins against something, they deposit pheromones and oils from their scent glands. They exchange scents when they rub against each other, and they rub against things in their environment to leave a scent trail and mark their territory. If your kitty rubs up against your leg or bumps heads with you, he's transferring his scent and claiming you as his own.
Another intriguing fact from Dr. Sung: Cats typically avoid rubbing their heads against each other's backs, which may be why many kitties don't appreciate long strokes along their backs.
Kneading and Mutual Grooming
Kneading, also known as "making bread" or "making biscuits," is an instinctive feline behavior that kittens engage in shortly after they're born to stimulate the flow of milk from the mother's mammary glands.
Adult cats who continue the behavior with their people might be showing contentment, calming themselves during periods of stress, or marking their human with the scent from the sweat glands in their paws.
Kneading is also linked to feline mating rituals. Some intact female cats will knead more frequently as they're going into heat, while male cats usually become aggressive after kneading for a while.
The behavior might also have its origins in wild cats who built nesting places with grass and leaves in which to rest or give birth. It does seem the behavior in most cats precedes settling down for a nap.
Mother cats groom their kittens from the moment they're born, so being licked was one of your kitty's very first feelings of being cared for. Siblings who are raised together often groom each other throughout their lives. So if your kitty is licking you, she's showing her love for you.
Healthypets Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.