Cat Communication

Hey all you cats and kittens!  This is Pearl with the Pearl Report.  Today's topic is cat communication.

Being a good communicator is super important.  Thankfully, I'm very good at expressing myself.  I talk to other cats, my dog, and most importantly, my Mommy, also known as my human.  I use the same tools to talk to Mommy that I do to talk to other felines and other species.  Humans are much slower to catch on though, so I will give you other felines and humans out there some tips.

The first thing I use to communicate with is my tail.  When my tail is in the straight up position, it means that I am comfortable and happy.  I'm also ready to interact with my human or my dog.  If my tail waves slightly while in the up position, it means I'm excited as well.  If my tail is down then I'm hunting or feeling apprehensive.  If my tail slashes back and forth, I am ready to play or I'm becoming annoyed.  Mommy has a hard time with understanding the differences in tail slashing.  Sometimes, I have to make my fierce face before she realizes I'm not playing.  

Another way I talk to Mommy is by rubbing on her, head butting her, and purring.  When I do all three, it means "I love, love, love you, and get me some food."  A quick head butt is just a little show of affection and making sure that Mommy is paying attention.  Also, I do this when other humans are present so they know that Mommy belongs to me.  Purring is to show I feel happy and comfortable or it is self soothing for me, if I've had a bad day.  Sometimes I purr just for Mommy if she has had a bad day.  I purr for Mommy when she's sick too.  There is a rumor that a cat's purring is very healing for humans.  I believe that this is true, because Mommy always gets well quick when I purr for her.  I take very good care of my Mommy.

The most important tool to communicate with Mommy is my voice.  I make many sounds that tell Mommy how I feel and what I want.  I had to be very vocal and consistent for my human.  I think it is probably that way with all humans.  I'm able to vary my meows and chirps to say things like:

What are you doing?

Why isn't my water fountain working?

Look at this!

I found a bug!

Where is my toy?

For emergencies or important moments I combine my facial expressions, my tail, and my voice to warn humans that I'm getting mad, something bad is happening, or don't touch.  Facial expressions are always combined with something else.  Blinking, squinting, and purring go together very well and mean I'm happy and content.  Intensive staring and slashing tail mean something entirely different.  Sometimes, I stick my butt in Mommy's face so she knows I trust her and that I have good intentions and want to be her friend.  I don't do this very often because Mommy doesn't seem to understand what I'm saying.  Apparently, this is not something humans do.

I like to communicate by doing things too.  I rattle a door when I want it opened.  I scratch at furniture when my toy is stuck under it.  I search Mommy's purse to make sure she is not smuggling out treats for that dog that stayed here once.  I have posted a picture of me checking Mommy's purse.  Mommy knows that I don't like for her to give treats to other animals, felines or dogs.  She can give treats to my dog, because he's my dog.  Here is a picture of me communicating.  Can you tell what I'm saying?

So fellow felines and friendly humans, work on your communication.  Being able to talk to your human is rewarding and fun! 

Keep scratching, until next time.

Pearl