Tag: Purring

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Do you have a very vocal feline? You might be surprised to learn that cats can make over 100 distinct sounds when they are communicating.

Cat sounds like meows, hisses and purrs are common cat sounds most of us know. But in reality, your kitty has a wide variety of different sounds they can call upon depending on the situation.

Click here if you missed our previous blog post
“Learn How to Understand Your Cat’s Language?”

Golden Eyed Gray Cat Meowing
Gray Shorthair Cat Meowing

So, is your cat trying to talk to you? Most likely yes, and since obeying our cats – and their commands – makes for a happier feline home, learn about the distinct sounds of cat communication below!

Do all Purrs Equal Happiness?

According to Hepper.com, people think a cat’s purr simply means they are happy and content. While that is true, there’s actually more behind the purr.

Research has found that cats also purr when they:

  • Are sick or in pain.
  • Sad or feeling sorrow.
  • Visit the vet or
  • Are around another cat they like.

So, the next time your cat purrs, take it as an emotional sign about their world and reaction at that moment.

Attention Human! THIS Meow is for YOU!

Meowing Cat Laying on Wooden Deck
Meowing Cat Laying on a Wood Deck

Did you know that adult cats only meow in the presence of humans? It’s true and has evolved since the times of ancient Egypt and being domesticated by humans. Depending on what your cat is asking for, tones and durations of meows will change. By paying close attention, you can learn how to decipher the correct request from your kitty.

Cat Sounds: The Angry Cat!

It’s pretty clear when your cat is upset … all the hissing and spitting is a definite sign! Your cat’s ire may be directed at:

  • Humans.
  • Other cats.
  • Dogs or other creatures.

While it can be fun to watch your cat get all hot and bothered, it’s best to step in to address and resolve the situation immediately.

Distress and Kittens

Tiny Crying Kitten Outside
Tiny Kitten Crying Outside

Once you’ve heard this sound, you will never forget it! When in danger, kittens will send out a high-pitched distress call. These particular cries are to alert other cats around the kitten and may sound differently depending on the situation.

Calling All Potential Mates!

The intense mating calls and moans are loud and long as both the males and females let others know they are ready to mate! Male felines may also use these mating noises to warn off other potential suitors! High-pitched screams can also be heard after the mating has finished.

Chattering Excitement!

Cats often “chatter” when watching birds or wildlife outside. This unique sound indicates your cat’s excitement and desire for the prey out of their reach. The sound comes from your cat’s trembling jaw, but is nothing to worry about.

Cat Sounds: Other Fascinating (and Normal) Sounds!

Sleeping Cat Laying on her side next to yellow toy
Sleeping Cat Laying on Her Side
  • Sighing cats may indicate:
    • Relaxation. Often before or after they sleep.
    • Contentment
    • Boredom. This prolonged behavior can lead to destructive actions. Engage your feline with more mental stimulation and play to naturally relieve their boredom.
  • Cats may also imitate human baby sounds to attract their owner’s attention!

Felines also use their ears and scent for additional communication!
Click here for our June blog, “Learn How to Understand Your
Cat’s Language: Ears and Scent”

Tabby Cat and the EquiGroomer Grooming Tool
Tabby Cat and EquiGroomer Tool

Enhance your bond and one-on-one time with your cat using the EquiGroomer!

Did you know that our grooming blade actually mimics a cat’s tongue? We guarantee YOUR cat will love it!

We guarantee your dog, horse, other pets or even livestock will LOVE the EquiGroomer Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or send us an email.

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Your feline expresses itself through more than just
purring or meowing.
Keep reading to learn how to understand your cat!

Cat speak involves vocalizations, body postures (including tail and ear signals) and scent signals. Some cats even love and reciprocate “cat smiles” from their humans! But cat vocalizations or sounds (with feral and domestic felines) can be harder to decipher.

But what do they all mean?

Cat Language: Vocalizations

Chartreux Cat Looking at the Camera
A Large Chartreux Cat with Golden Eyes

Our feline friends love to express themselves through well-known meows and purrs. But not all cats are vocal. For example, the Blue Chartreux and Persian breeds tend to be more quiet than vocal. On the other paw, Siamese cats are known to be very vocal!

So, what are they trying to say?

Excessive meowing may be:

  • Attention-seeking demands like “play with me” or “feed me!” Be careful giving into these demands! If you do, your cat has effectively trained YOU!
  • Due to pain, disease or health issues.
  • Expressed by a deaf cat.
  • Vocalized by an old cat suffering from feline dementia.
  • From stressed cats with separation anxiety (yowls or whining).
  • Territorial or signaling conflict.
  • A genetic characteristic in some breeds.

Some cat vocalizations can be so subtle at a higher frequency that only other cats can hear them!

An angry and crouched low cat hissing
Hissing Cat Crouched Low

It’s also important to understand your cat’s body language to effectively translate all the cues your cat is displaying and help prevent potential problems!

Cat Body Language

Just like their canine friends, felines have a sophisticated system of communication through body language cues. Next, let’s take a closer look at how felines communicate through tail signals.

Refer to Lili Chin’s Cat Language Poster to Learn More!

Cat Language with Tail Signals

Even if you understand a dog’s tail language, cats communicate in a very different way with their tails.

Tabby Cat with Tail High in the Air
A High Cat Tail Indicates Friendliness and Interest

Kitty tail language includes:

  • A tail held straight up is the kitty’s way of saying “hello!” (The opposite with a dog.)
    • They are welcoming attention (the higher the tail the better) and interaction (with the end of the tail tipped over).
    • WARNING: If the tail has bristled and is upright or straight behind the cat, watch out for a potentially aggressive attack!
  • A cat’s tail curved down and back up in a gentle U-shape indicates a relaxed feline.
  • A “wagging” feline tail is signaling to back off (again, the opposite of a wagging dog tail).
  • When the cat’s tip of the tail flicks back and forth, it should be perceived as frustration or heightened excitement, fear or aggression. If ignored, the cat will escalate to:
    • Thumping the ground with her tail or lashing the tail. Kitty is getting ready to attack!
A Hissing Cat with lowered ears
Hissing Cat with Ears Pinned Back

Finally, when a cat tucks their tail between its legs it is from a high level of fear (this is similar to a dog). It will usually be accompanied by lots of hissing, growling and the ears pinned back against the head. If the cat suddenly turns onto her back, do NOT mistake this for “submission;” cats don’t “do” submission. They are getting ready to attack with all paws engaged!

As we mentioned, cats also communicate with their ear and scent signals. These two forms of feline communication will be covered in our next blog, so be sure to subscribe to our bi-monthly blog posts!

Tabby Cat Peeking Around the Corner
A Curious Tabby Cat Peeking around the corner
Black and White Ragdoll cat getting brushed
Brushing a Ragdoll Cat with an EquiGroomer

Does Your Cat Excessively Meow?

They may be stressed or anxious.

Our EquiGroomer tools can help calm the most finicky cat!

We guarantee your dog, cat, horse, other pets or even livestock will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email!

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