Understanding Your Cat

Cats are very good at communicating. Taking time to understand exactly
what your cat is saying will make your relationship stronger.
A bristling tail held straight up, or one that thrashes back and forth are
warnings. If a cat is feeling defensive, the tail is usually arched.
Hissing and backing away with ears flat against the head are other
defensive poses. You can tell a lot about a cat's state of being from its
eyes. Wide, dilated eyes communicate anger or fear. A contented cat slowly
blinks its eyes, or keeps them half-closed.
When it comes to sound, cats say more than meow. Did You know there are at
least nineteen different types of "meow"? Their vocalizations fall into
three groups, murmurs, open/closed mouth and intensity sounds. Murmured
sounds include the low sound cats make when treats are coming, as well as
the famous purr. Purring is usually interpreted as a sound of contentment,
but it is really more a vocalization of intense emotion. In fact, an
injured cat, or one being handled by a stranger - like a vet - often purr.
Open/closed mouth vocalizations include all the variations and intonations
of "meow" that a cat uses to greet you, or ask for food, or otherwise
demand attention. Intensity vocalizations are created when the cat holds
her mouth open the entire time she is making sound. These are the highly
emotional vocalization of fear, anger, and extreme pain.
Some cats are more talkative than others. Many owners notice a difference
in the types of noises their cats make for them as opposed to strangers or
other cats. The more time you spend with your cat, the more she'll
communicate with you and the better you will understand what she is saying.
It is well worth the time to learn.