Have you ever wondered what your feline friend is talking (meowing) about when you arrive home? Or, did you actually think you understood your cat but thought you might be going crazy (lol). Well, I am here today to confirm, yes, you are crazy (ha ha, just kidding) and yes, you can understand what your cat is telling you if you know how to listen. In this blog, I will share with you some of our fantastic feline communication so you can hear what your cat is telling you.

What are your feline’s different meows telling you?

1. A Short meow: “Hi, how are you?”
2. Multiple meows: “I am so happy to see you, where have you been?” I do this a lot. My humans talk right back to me, but I have no clue what they are saying!
3. Mid-pitch meow: “I’m hungry or I want to go outside.”
4. Drawn-out mrrraaaaaoooow: “Did you forget to feed me, seriously?” I meow like this every morning. My human Leo is definitely getting trained (lol).
5. Low pitched mraaooww: “Really, this is what I get for dinner,” or similar complaint.
6. High-pitch RRRROWW!: “OUCH!!”
7. Purr: Usually a sign of happiness, but can also be a sign of fear or pain. My human loves when I purr. She gets this pretty smile on her face and starts to pet me. Purring is magic.
8. Hiss: “Keep away, I am angry right now.”
9. Clicking or chirping: Cats who are watching prey will make this sound. I live in the rainforest of Costa Rica, and I love watching the parrots and toucans from my window. I know my chirping is bringing the birds closer. I can’t go outside, but sometimes I sure want too.

What about that tail of ours, is it telling you humans something? Yes!!

1. Tail straight up in the air. Confidence and Contentment.
2. Tail is straight up with a curl at the end: Happy to see you. Time for Fun.
3. Tail swishing side to side: Excited, watching her prey.
4. Tail wrapped around you or another animal. Similar to a human wrapping his arm around you. Love.
5. Straight in the air and shakes/vibrates. Excited for you and or food (always!).
6. Puffy tail. Frightened.
7. Tail held low and tucked: Frightened, uneasy.

Eyes. Have you ever noticed that us cats don’t have eyebrows? Whereas humans do (of course) and so do those smelly dogs. Just call your dog’s name, well, you may have to call it a few times for him to actually look at you (ha ha) but when he does, do you see his eyebrows? Do the same to us cats, and yep, no eyebrows. But, we do have very telling pupils. Read on.

1. Dilated (large) Pupils. Excited and maybe fear.
2. Constricted Pupils, which means eyes are big and round and their pupils are the size of pinpricks. We are preparing to attack!
3. Squinted or half-closed eyes. Affection, relaxation, and possibly that we are just going to fall asleep.
4. Blink at your cat. When your cat is staring at you (which she will), try blinking at her. If she blinks back, she trusts and loves you. These are called cat kisses, they are lovely (for us cats too).

Head. What is going on with our ears, and all those mysterious things we do with our head?

1. If our ears are pinned back, your cat is frightened or anxious.
2. Rubbing head against human or animal. Your cat is staking ownership or just saying hello.
3. Head-butting. This is a sign of affection and friendship.
4. Wet nose kiss. Affection
5. Licking. The best sign of affection, or you forgot to clean up after dinner.

Now that you know our secret communications, you can watch and listen to what your favorite feline is saying to you. In my next blog, I will share with you how you can speak Cat too!

Cheers,

Norman

“Oh no! I overslept! I’m late! For my nap.
– Garfield“

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Ollie from the El Refugio Shelter Costa Ballena Costa Rica

• 

Hi, my name is Ollie. I am a very young cat, and full of fun and sass. My nickname is “Socks” because I have white socks on my feet. I can purr, and I can make you giggle and laugh. Come meet me at El Refugio in Costa Ballena. Hugs Ollie