The language in which cats can express their emotions and desires consists not only of vocal signals (meows, purrs, rumblings and growls of different types), but also of various postures and movements of the cat's body.
The verbal language of cats
The meowing of a cat is the first thing to listen to. In general, animals use the usual feline "meow" only in communication with humans, expressing requests and complaints. A long drawn-out meow indicates that the cat expresses its displeasure (perhaps there are factors that bring it unpleasant sensations - a dirty tray, lack of fresh water in a bowl). A short, soft meow, repeated several times, can be a tactful hint that the cat wants attention or food.
Of the other frequent sounds that a cat makes, purr can be distinguished. Cats purr, experiencing positive emotions - welcoming the owner, showing pleasure from any action, beckoning kittens and other cats. The vocal range of cats is wider than that of cats, which tend to be more silent.
In case of negative sensations, cats may have deep rumbling sounds. Usually, such sounds are not addressed to people, but to hostile cats and dogs, but sometimes they can indicate that the cat is ready to defend itself from a person (for example, when a stranger comes too close to kittens). In the case of a low uterine rumbling directed at a person, it is best to gently step back slowly. A cat's hiss can be a sign of aggression and fear.
Loud cat screams characterize either the breeding season, during which the cat and the cat may have "cat concerts", or precede a close fight for territory or food. In such cases, it is better to separate the animals beforehand.
Cat body language
A cat's non-verbal tongue consists of tail position, paw and ear movements. As a rule, trampling movements of the paws on the owner's body show the highest degree of confidence and openness of the cat, since this gesture is first used by kittens in order to stimulate the appearance of milk in the mother. The tail raised high with a pipe is a sign of the owner's greeting. Another sign of trusting can be lying on its back: lying like this, the cat substitutes a sensitive belly. On the contrary, you should not touch your pet if you notice a nervous tapping of the tail on the floor and pressed ears - most likely, the cat has noticed some kind of "prey" and is sitting in ambush.
