Page 226 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

224 C ARE AND BEHA VIOR

CAT COMMUNICATION

You can always tell when a dog is happy or sad—its emotions are
written all over its face. You will find your cat more inscrutable when
it comes to facial expressions, so it may be difficult to know what your
cat is trying to tell you. Cats do, however, have a whole range of other
behaviors and signals that you can learn to interpret, which will make
Learn to understand
for much easier interaction between you and your cat. your cat

How to speak cat cats produce long wails known as caterwauls. Purring is
Wild cats are solitary, predatory animals that patrol a territory usually a sound of contentment, but cats also purr as a way
they regard as exclusively theirs. Consequently, most cat of comforting themselves when they are in pain or anxious.
communications are designed to ward off intruders. Learning
what your cat’s body language, and the noises he makes, Body language
mean will help you understand what he is trying to tell you. Your cat will give you signals using his ears, tail, whiskers, and
Chief among cat noises are hissing, growling, meowing, eyes. Ears and whiskers usually work together. Normally the
and purring. Hisses and growls—sometimes accompanied by ears are erect and facing forward and the whiskers are to the
a flash of teeth or show of claws—are warnings to strangers front or sides, showing that your cat is alert and interested.
trespassing on the cat’s territory or to humans who get too When his ears are rotated back and flat and his whiskers are
close. Meows—rarely used between adult cats—are mainly a forward, he is feeling aggressive. Ears out to the sides and
way for kittens to signal to their mother. Domestically, your whiskers flat against the cheeks mean that your cat is scared.
cat will use meowing to announce his presence. Short and Cats don’t like eye contact, which is why your cat will often
high-pitched chirps and squeaks usually signal excitement or approach anyone in the room who ignores him: to him, this is
a plea for something, but drawn-out and low-pitched sounds friendly behavior. Once your cat is used to those around him,
express displeasure or a demand. Rapid, intense, and loud, he will find eye contact less threatening. Dilated pupils can
repeated sounds often signify anxiety. Long, drawn-out cries mean he is interested and excited or fearful and aggressive,
and shrieks indicate that the cat is in pain or fighting. Mating so always try to read the other signals he is giving out too.

INTIMIDATING EYE CONTACT
Cats use eye contact as a form of intimidation
to avoid a fight. Staring is perceived as a threat,
and two cats will try to outstare each other
until one looks away or slinks off.

TOP TIPS
Speak cat, not human.
If you hiss or make a
spitting noise when you
say “no” to unacceptable
behavior, your cat will
understand that it is
doing something wrong.
This will prove much
more effective than
yelling at him.