Learning to understand your cat's method of communication can lead to a more enjoyable relationship.
As an early cat owner, I used to be jealous of my friends with dogs. Dogs seemed more apt to listen and respond to their owners and they seemed to be easier to communicate with. My cats, on the other hand, never really listened to anything I said. To boot, one second they'd be ready to play and the next they'd be ready to take my hand off with their razor sharp claws.
Then I learned to understand cat speak, both verbal and nonverbal communication. Here are a few helpful tips:
Verbal Communication- pitch matters
- Brisk Meow: a casual, friendly hello. "What's up!"
- Purr: sign of pleasure and gratitude, "I love it when you scratch me there!"
- Rapid-fire Meows: often to get your attention when the cat is excited. "Look ma', I brought home a lizard!"
- Southern Drawl Meow: a request or plea. "I beseech thee, give me a morsel of chicken!"
- Bird Meow: like a purr mixed with a bird chirping, to signal excitement or agitation "Come on, already, where are the treats?"
- Drawl Meow, with Lowering Tones: a warning before the claws come out "You're beginning to piss me off."
- Hiss: it's too late. "You're about to get b*tch slapped!"
Non-verbal Communication- tacit talk
- Candy Cane: straight tail or tail with a curl means a happy cat.
- Bushy Ziz Zag: the more angles the tail has, the angrier it is (not literally).
- Christian Bale: slicked back to the head, these ears mean anger and aggression.
- Backward Rotation: the ears are rotated backward but not pressed down, signifying alertness or curiosity.
- Twitching or Vibrating: a tail that flits back and forth signals excitement or anticipation.
- Hiding Tail: when the tail is tucked between the legs, the cat is full of fear or dread.
- Head Bunt- nudging you with the nose or knocking you with the head is an awkward sign of affection.
- Olive Oil's Tail- If the tail sticks straight out from behind the body like Olive Oil's ponytail from Popeye, the cat is scared or uncertain.
