Cat Secret Talk: The Communication of Cats

Have you ever wanted to become a "cat whisperer"? Learning what your cat is saying can be a useful way to figure out what he wants, and what to do about it. Of course, if you haven't been around these animals much, cats' secret talk is like code. That doesn't mean that careful observation can't tell you a lot, though.

Cats meow, of course, and you can often tell from the tone of the meow what they're trying to say. Particularly vocal breeds, like Siamese cats, are very good at letting their owners know what's going on, for instance.

Some Siamese cats play hide and seek, and let their owners know where to find them by meowing in a certain tone. Others sound almost human – which can be pretty spooky in the middle of the night. Some Siamese even sound like a crying baby.

Even though Siamese cats are the most vocal, all of them use their voices at some point. There are several different ways that your cat will try to let you know what they want, though this secret cat talk. A difference in frequency, pitch, cadence, pace, or intensity can make a meow mean something entirely different than another. For instance, faster meows usually indicate anxiety, whereas slower ones are for confident, relaxed kitties. However, meows aren't the only way you'll see a cat trying to talk.

Most people know that the purr, which is unique to certain felines, is a way of communicating. Cats are known to purr when content, and when they're feel in the mood to socialize.

That's not the only time your cat might purr, however. Cats who are nervous, very stressed, or in a lot of pain will also purr. Some people thing that this is a method that cats use to comfort themselves – like humans who are meditating use mantras.

A cat that trusts you a lot will eventually roll onto his back and show his stomach. In cat secret talk, this is a form of submission, telling you that you're the boss. While some cats are fine with belly rubs, this position doesn't necessarily signal this. Take care if you decide to try – you could be raked by claws instead!

If you want to be a cat secret talk whisperer, check out how your pet holds his tail. A cat whose tail is twitching is annoyed, confused, or ready to pounce, unlike dogs, who show happiness by wagging their tails. An elevated tail can indicate interest, and a puffy one is for anger, fear, or mocking those emotions in play.

Cats who are afraid or fighting with other cats will have tails puffed up to around twice the size they normally are. Some cats do this more easily than others, and can look like little hedgehogs just because they've seen something new.

In addition to tail positions, another factor of cat secret talk is the third eyelid. This is a layer of skin around your cat's eye that you may sometimes see. Sleepy and content felines will show this, but so will those that are very ill.

How do you tell if your cat is happy or sick? Check for other unusual behavior, like lethargy, a ruffled coat, or low appetite. If you see these secret cat signs for more than a few days, it's time to go to the vet. Remember that cats tend to hide illness, because a sick cat is more vulnerable in the wild. Cats that are merely sleepy will show other signs of contentment, and be otherwise normal.

Your cat might also head butt you. It's the standard greeting of affection among most cats. Try giving him a gentle head butt back, and see how he responds. Many cats find it a bonding experience. If a cat could talk, the head butt would be a way of saying "I love you".

Cats also lick you to show their affection. This is because of associations with their mothers cleaning them as kittens. So, when your cat licks your skin with his rough tongue, don't jerk away. He's just trying to show you how much he likes you.

Remember that cats are smart – some people even think they operate on about the level of a two year old. Patience and attentiveness will give you the keys you need to understand your pet's behavior and understand cat talk.

Obviously everything cannot be covered in one article so for an in depth look at cat talk or for cat care and training in general, I highly recommend the ebook “Cat Care Secrets: A Complete Caring And Training Guide For Cat Owners.”It goes into great detail. Just click the blue text above and get your copy today.