Feline Communication: A Guide to Understanding the Secret Language of Cats

Wondering why your cat meows at you? Or perplexed by their purring?

Cats make a wide variety of vocalisations and movements, understanding each quirk can help you understand how your feline is feeling. So, strap in and get ready to learn all about the secret language of cats.

Why is my cat meowing?

Meowing is typically used to get their humans’ attention. Cats have evolved as a solitary species, so they rarely meow (in the conventional sense) to each other.Cats are clever and over the thousands of years alongside us have discovered the best way to get what they want is to shout.

Owners are often guilty of encouraging their cats to meow. By responding to their noises with attention or in some cases food, they effectively learn to be loud. Some cats will even adapt their meow to achieve different results. The longest wail tends to get the strongest reaction from us, so they save this for when they really want attention.

Most owners find this behaviour endearing. However, if your cat is being very demanding it might be worth ignoring their cries to try and train the behaviour out of them. Some breeds like Siamese and Oriental Shorthairs are known for being vocal, so if you are after a quiet life, these aren’t the cats for you.

If your cat is suddenly being very vocal and they weren’t previously it is worth checking if there is something wrong. A cat becoming over-demanding can be a sign of stress or illness. Remember to take steps to ensure your cat is happy and pop them to the vet for a check-up.

Why is my cat purring?

There is nothing like the gentle rumble of a purring cat. This sound is most often associated with relaxation and contentment. For the most part, you will see this behaviour when cats are curled up somewhere or being stroked by their favourite human.

However, it is a myth that purring is always positive.

Cats can purr to self-soothe or heal, so their purring can be down to an injury or pain. The trick is keeping a close eye on their body language, if their ears are back, and their body tense, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

Discover more myths about cats.

Why does my cat rub against me?

This adorable display of affection is known as ‘bunting’. Cats have glands across their face and body, by rubbing against objects they can leave behind a pheromone message.

Pheromones are chemical messages that animals will use to communicate with themselves and others of the same species. Effectively cats leave little post-it notes all around their territory. When cats rub their face or body against you, they are marking you as safe and secure. So, take it as a huge compliment that your cat trusts you!

Did you know synthetic pheromones can help reduce cat stress? The Cat Comfort Plug-in and Spray uses a copy of the F3 Feline Facial Pheromone. This is the message cats leave around their territory to indicate they are safe.

Why is my cat growling?

Growling, hissing, and snarling are typically defensive noises. Cats reserve these sounds for when they feel threatened by something, be that a person, another pet, or an animal.

When faced with these alarming noises, keep your distance from your cat as chances are you will be bitten or scratched. Keep a lookout for anything that could be causing stress and triggering your cat to react negatively. Sudden changes in behaviour could be down to illness or injury, so if concerned contact a vet.

Why does my cat make noises at birds?

This quirky and cute vocalisation is known as chattering. Cats make this sound through their teeth, and will generally do it when they spot prey (like birds!) that they can’t reach.

There are some debates on why cats make this noise, but the most accepted reason is this conveys their annoyance at not being able to get to their prey. Spotting lots of tempting prey can be very frustrating for our felines.

Playing with your cat properly, by going through the stages of the hunt, can help them achieve those natural hunting endorphins. This will lead to a happy cat and a much happier owner.

Watch our video for advice on playing with your cat.

Why does my cat’s tail change shape?

Our moggies have mastered the art of Tail Talk. They show us so much through the way they position and use their tail.

A high and proud tail is a happy tail! This is typically reserved for when cats feel contented and comfortable. If the tail is shaped a little more like a question mark (with a downward curve at the end) then it is likely your kitty is looking for some interaction from you. Give them a stroke or if they deserve it a little treat.

A swishing tail typically occurs during play or hunting. A slow swish is a sure sign your cat is becoming interested in attacking something. If your cat’s tail whips back and forth quickly, get out of the way as an attack is imminent!

Why do cats knead?

Kneading is often referred to as 'making biscuits'. Our cats become star bakers when they are feeling contented and happy. Kittens knead on their mothers’ bellies to stimulate the flow of milk.

This behaviour continues into adulthood and especially if paired with purring is a sign of their contentment with you.

Sure, their nails might be sharp, but those tiny daggers are showing you nothing but love. So, the best advice is to just accept this sign of their happiness and invest in a thick claw-proof blanket.

For more help understanding your feline, discover our other cat blogs.