Page 45 - DoggieRescue E-Magazine August 2015_Neat

AUGUST 2015 DOGGIERESCUE.COM MAGAZINE 45

Kittycat-tidbit:cat talks – are you really listening?

MEOOOOW…
FEED ME!

Imp.3089: PEANUT
1-2yrs Tabby/Torti Female

Do you recognise your cat’s different vocalisations and do you notice if your cat does repeat the
same string of “meows” for certain needs?

How many different forms (pitch, cat-words/vowels in patterns, and intensity) do you notice?

And to whom is it directed?

Most people will be familiar with a cat’s standard meows/calls to humans for welcoming, seeking attention or food,
growls of discouragement etc. There is a range of other possible vocalisations, and we still have lots to learn,
though the most famous study which still holds true was by Mildred Moelk in the 1940s. With my own and friends’
cats I have noticed the following:

• The different greetings to me on arriving home – one of my cats has a convoluted 7 vowel/word
sentence when I have been late home from work or a long social engagement, I am guessing this
includes being reprimanded by her ;)

• The breath type of vocalisation rather than a meow-call, the cat pushing its breath through the mouth –
I am sure this is one of my cat’s ways of trying to get as close as possible to human communication, as
it can also meow when it chooses, and has been noticed by family and neighbours

• Short warning meows/calls to other cats – usually as in “get out of my way, coming through!” and
also a different call distinctly a warning when something dangerous is approaching – observed both
in female and male cats to our “tribe”

• Short and quiet, one or two vowel meows to birds – I have noticed several cats performing this
funny little welcoming but also warning to birds

• Baby-like-cries by one of my cats when he is about to be fed – he was rescued from a shelter/pound
so times must have been tough for him and still 2 years later he is so excited yet still anxious about
being fed
What have you heard that has been repeated by your cat?