Cats essentially know one word: meow. But that doesn’t stop your feline friend from communicating with you, other people, and other animals. Cats will find various ways of communicating  their point, which may include vocal interaction, body language, eye contact, and scent. Some cats are more vocal than others, but all cats communicate in one way or another.  How can you differentiate your pet’s “talk” and behavior? Let’s explore the most common forms of feline communication and what it means.

Vocal Communication: Cats get creative with their “meows” and send certain messages with different tones and pitches. How felines communicate with their owners is quite interesting because many cat owners will tell you that their pet uses vocal ability for the main source of communication. Like I mentioned earlier, some cats are more vocal than others, so even if your pet doesn’t “speak” much to you, it’s probably nothing to worry about. Remember that the best way of knowing your pet is to bond with him.

Body Communicaton: Paying attention to your cat’s body language will give you clues about how your pet is feeling. Does she rub her head against your feet or legs? This affectionate gesture shows that kitty feels appreciative. Does he sit with his head straight and ears tilted slightly? This probably means your cat is feeling satisfied. Does her tail stick straight up in the air? She’s a proud kitty. You’ll also want to pay attention to how your cat reacts around other cats to get a glimpse of their personality. Sometimes cats (particularly un-neutered males) get into dangerous fights, which is something you’ll want to prevent. The best ways for your cat to avoid any conflict is to get him fixed and keep him indoors.

Scent: From the time they are little kittens, cats use scent to recognize almost everything. Each feline has her own “scent” that is produced by scent glands on her face and tail. When a cat rubs her head on you, other cats, or even everyday objects, she is communicating a sense of ownership.