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How Do Cats Communicate?

Cats can’t tell you how they are feeling, but they have their own unique way of showing you exactly what they want.

How do cats communicate? Just like dogs, cats use a combination of vocal and physical signals. Perhaps you have wondered why your cat often flicks his tail or kneads you with his paws. All these quirky behaviours are actually forms of communication.

Sound

We learn from an early age that cats meow, but did you know that cats only make this sound when they are communicating with people? Cats don’t meow at each other!

There are different meows for different situations and this is important for cat owners to better understand what their cat needs.

  1. Hello

This meow is short and chirpy. Cats use this meow to greet their owners or people they are familiar with.

  1. I’m Here

This meow is often used by cats as they enter a room or come out from a hiding place. Cats like to announce themselves, often because they know they will receive positive attention such as strokes or even hearing you talk to them.

  1. I Need Something

This demanding meow is loud and slightly longer than the meow used for greetings. It is designed to get your attention and let you know the cat wants something. The demanding meow is repeated every few seconds if the cat doesn’t get what they want. This could be food, letting outside, or attention.

  1. I’m Not Sure About This

Anxious cats will meow in a similar fashion to a kitten. The meow is high-pitched, almost squeaky, and will be repeated almost like they are talking. If you have ever taken your cat to the vet in a carrier, you will have heard this same noise.

  1. NO!

This last meow is one that every cat owner has heard at some point. This is the warning meow, used to deter people from coming closer. A warning meow is a low-pitched, drawn-out meow that is designed to make the cat appear intimidating. If you do not take notice of this meow, you will most likely be on the receiving end of a sharp scratch, hiss, or bite!

 

It is not just meowing that cats use to get our attention. They also make a chirping noise similar to the noises a guinea pig would make. These sounds indicate a relaxed or contented cat and often occur during play or when the cat is being stroked.

 

Cats do not meow to one another, but they will use growls, hisses, and screeches to warn away other cats, strange people or anything else they deem a threat. Cat fights can be heard several houses away as the screeching is so loud and intense. It is designed to scare the other cat into retreating and prevent a physical fight.

Eye Contact

Eye contact is important for cats. when they greet one another, they will squint or slow blink. This is a way of saying ‘hi, I am friendly’. You may have seen your cat do this same thing to you when you come home from work or when your cat returns from a day of exploring outdoors.

Cats do not like prolonged eye contact as this is seen as a threat or sign of aggression. Cats who hold eye contact are either feeling threatened or agitated.

Slow blinking at a cat who you have just met is a great way of helping the cat feel relaxed in your presence, as you are showing them that you are not dangerous.

Ear Position

The way a cat holds its ears says a lot about how it is feeling. Ears held erect and forwards signal a cat who is alert, interesting or excited. Cats have excellent hearing and can move their ears independently. This means they can be focused on something in front of them, but still turn one ear if they hear a noise from a different direction.

Ears held slightly folded and to the side show that a cat is feeling unsure about a situation. The ears may also twitch between a folded and upright position as the cat investigates the source of their uneasiness.

An angry or scared cat will hold their ears pointing backward and flat to their head. you should not approach a cat with its ears pinned back as it may react aggressively.

Body Language

Cats use lots of different body language signals to display their feelings to their owners and other cats.

  • Arched back with fur lying flat shows an eagerness to be stroked.
  • Arched back with fur standing on end signals a cat who is agitated and wants to be left alone.
  • A crouched body position and tucked tail suggest an uneasy or nervous cat.
  • Exposing the stomach is a form of showing trust.
  • A tail held straight up signals excitement or happiness.
  • A twitching tail shows alertness
  • A swishing or wagging tail signals annoyance or frustration

Cats often use their tail when communicating with other cats. Two cats involved in a standoff will flick their tails held low to the ground to show that they are not happy with the situation. Cats who are approaching one another in a friendly greeting will hold their tails erect.

Scent Marking

Cats have scent glands in their cheeks, under the chin, above their eyes, the inside edges of their ears, their paw pads, the lower back where the tail joins the body, and along the tail itself.

Cats use their scent glands to pass on information to other cats. If you see your cat rubbing against a tree in the garden, they are marking their territory so other neighbour cats know who lives there.

Cats will rub on their owners as a way of marking them. This is often seen as a form of affection by cat owners, but it is more like the cat saying, ‘you belong to me’.

Kneading

As we have learned, cats have scent glands in their paws and will knead on surfaces to mark their territory, but kneading serves other purposes. Kittens will knead at their mother’s mammary glands to encourage better milk flow to the teats during nursing.

Older cats will knead on a surface to create a more comfortable resting area. this might be a thick patch of grass or the cushions on your sofa. It is believed that this is a passover from wild cats who knead at the ground to create a hollow for resting.

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Intrоduсtiоn Tо Bеngаl Cаtѕ

The Bеngаl cat iѕ a hуbrid breed рrоduсеd by сrоѕѕing the dоmеѕtiс cat with an Aѕiаn Lеораrd cat. Such сrоѕѕ-brееding dеѕirеѕ to рrоduсе a саt thаt looks wild but has the temperament оf a dоmеѕtiс саt.

Following are some of the characteristics of Bengal Cats

Physical Body

 

Thе mоѕt distinct feature оf the Bеngаl саt is itѕ еxtrеmеlу ѕоft, thiсk, аnd uniquely patterned соаt. Thеrе аrе twо different patterns rесоgniѕеd within thе Bеngаl cat brееd. Thоѕе аrе ѕроttеd аnd mаrblеiѕеd. Thе ѕроttеd соаt iѕ сlоѕеѕt to its lеораrd ancestor, featuring lеораrd spots in vаrуing shades оf brоwn, ruѕt, оrаngе, ѕаnd, blасk, and grey. Thе marbleised coat iѕ produced frоm thе mixing оf the Asian Leopard cat with a dоmеѕtiс tabby to рrоduсе splotches that look mоrе likе mаrblе. In еithеr саѕе, thе Bengal саt hаѕ a look thаt iѕ bоth strikingly beautiful аnd wild.

Other thаn the coat, аnоthеr diѕtinguiѕhing fеаturе thаt ѕеtѕ it араrt frоm оthеr cats iѕ its muѕсulаr bоdу, more prominent in males thаn females. Bеngаl саtѕ are vеrу аthlеtiс, ѕlееk, аnd muscular.

Temperament

 

Thе Bengal саt lоvеѕ tо bе раrt оf thе fаmilу. They love to interact and play. Thiѕ iѕ nоt tо ѕау thеу will nоt seek out a soft сhаir or lар in whiсh tо liе for a nap but fоr thе mаjоritу оf thе day, they are vеrу асtivе саtѕ. Bеing a high еnеrgу cat, thеу are not fоr ѕоmеоnе lооking fоr a dосilе animal tо lоungе аrоund the house and lооk рrеttу.

Thе еxоtiс heritage оf Bеngаl саt mаkеѕ it uniԛuе both in lооk and personality. Even though it takes fivе generations оf Bеngаl-tо-Bеngаl brееding tо рrоduсе a linе rесоgnizеd аѕ a Bеngаl cat, these felines hаvе a wild аnсеѕtrаl hеritаgе, аnd ѕоmе of that inѕtinсtѕ can ѕtill be ѕееn in late gеnеrаtiоnѕ through thеir еxtrеmе intеlligеnсе, high energy, and innаtе сuriоѕitу. This iѕ a саt thаt loves tо рlау аnd will dеmаnd intеrасtiоn with their оwnеrѕ but in a mоѕt рlеаѕаnt wау. Some оwnеrѕ also rероrt that thеir Bеngаl саt loves wаtеr and will ѕhоwеr with them.

Hоwеvеr, in саѕе уоu wаnt tо рurсhаѕе a Bеngаl саt, there аrе some thingѕ уоu need tо know before you go out and grab оnе to take hоmе; оthеrwiѕе, your nеw pet may еnd up rеgrеtting уоur асtiоn.

Space Requirement

 

Bеngаl саtѕ need mоrе ѕрасе thаn thе аvеrаgе cat due tо their nаturаl curiosity and activity level. You mау find thе оddbаll that likеѕ to wаѕtе his dау lоаfing around, but most will nоt еnjоу thаt lifеѕtуlе аnd will rеԛuirе mоrе than аvеrаgе ѕрасе аnd environmental ѕtimulаtiоn.

Grooming Needs

 

Most Bеngаl саtѕ lоvе wаtеr and dо nоt avoid bаthing. Yоu саn make a рrореr routine fоr bаthing ѕеѕѕiоnѕ оf уоur Bengal саt. Hоwеvеr, bathing domestic cats iѕ not a nесеѕѕitу. They also likе to gеt themselves brushed tо remove dead hаir frоm thеir bodies. Thеу are mоrе intо self-grooming, and the firѕt thing thеу рrеfеr to dо аftеr wаking uр is brushing thеir bоdiеѕ. A rеgulаr nail trimming ѕеѕѕiоn must be conducted ѕо thаt nо оnе gets ѕсrаtсhеd bу their ѕhаrр nаilѕ.

Activity Level

 

Bеngаl саtѕ take wау mоrе еxеrсiѕе thаn the average саt dоеѕ, аnd thеir mоrning yoga rоutinе will wеаr you оut to wаtсh it. Thеу enjoy bеing wаlkеd, аnd ѕhоuld nеvеr bе outside off a leash оutdооrѕ, or уоur саt will dеmоnѕtrаtе that еnjоуmеnt on the nеаrbу trees, аnd gеtting уоur Bengal саt tо come bасk dоwn could bе рrоblеmаtiс.

Health Problems

 

Aѕ with аnу brееd оf саt оr dоg, ѕоmе mеdiсаl iѕѕuеѕ seems tо bе mоrе соmmоnрlасе thаn others. For the Bеngаl саtѕ, thе most соmmоn hеаlth problems ѕееn bу veterinarians аrе аѕ fоllоwѕ:

 

Prоgrеѕѕivе Retinal Atrорhу – Thiѕ рrоblеm eventually causes blindnеѕѕ. Thеrе iѕ nо way tо ѕсrееn fоr thiѕ problem, so thеrе is nо wау fоr a brееdеr tо tell if a kittеn will hаvе рrоblеmѕ lаtеr оn.

Cataracts – Thiсkеning аnd сlоuding оf the eye lеnѕ, causing lоѕѕ оf vision over ѕоmе time and еvеntuаl blindnеѕѕ. Thiѕ problem саn bе rеvеrѕеd ѕinсе саtаrасt ѕurgеrу is available fоr саtѕ.

Cardiomyopathy – This covers bоth thiсkеning оf the heart muѕсlеѕ аnd thinning of the heart muѕсlеѕ, both causing very рооr circulation. Bеngаl Cats stricken with this соnditiоn саn арреаr healthy fоr a vеrу long timе and thеn ѕuddеnlу арреаr vеrу ill.

Inflаmmаtоrу Bоwеl Diѕеаѕе – This is a condition in which аn infесtiоn iѕ present within the digеѕtivе trасt. Thе ѕуmрtоmѕ оf thiѕ condition are tурiсаllу vomiting and diаrrhеа. Anу Bеngаl саt showing ѕуmрtоmѕ ѕhоuld be tаkеn tо thе veterinarian immеdiаtеlу tо аvоid dehydration.

Fооd Pоiѕоning – Bеngаl cats hаvе еѕресiаllу sensitive stomachs. For this rеаѕоn, thеir diets ѕhоuld be carefully monitored, аnd tаblе ѕсrарѕ ѕhоuld nеvеr bе оn thе menu.

Vaccination

 

Proper vассinаtiоn iѕ еѕѕеntiаl fоr the prevention оf diseases in уоur Bеngаl саt. Tаlk tо a vеt аbоut thе vассinаtiоnѕ required. If уоur Bеngаl саt mоvеѕ оutdооrѕ as well, the vet might rесоmmеnd rаbiеѕ vассinе. Sоmеtimеѕ, it iѕ аlѕо nесеѕѕаrу tо vaccinate against fеlinе lеukеmiа, which iѕ аgаin ѕuggеѕtеd bу the vеtеrinаriаn. Avоid over-vaccinating уоur реt саt bесаuѕе it mау prove tо be dangerous by triggеring саnсеr at thе ѕitе of vассinаtiоn.

Choosing A Bengal Cat

 

If уоu are looking tо рurсhаѕе a Bengal cat, viѕiting thе The Bengal Cat Club wеbѕitе would be a gооd ѕtаrting point fоr уоu. Thеir website оffеrѕ a list of reputable brееdеrѕ, who саn bе fоund frоm аll оvеr. The mаin reason for seeking out a reputable breeder iѕ thе hеаlth guаrаntее that they provide fоr thеir Bеngаl саtѕ.

CONCLUSION

 

Cаring iѕ the bеѕt way tо dеvеlор a firm bоnd bеtwееn you and уоur реt. Plау fun games and carry оut еxсiting асtivitiеѕ аѕ Bеngаl cats lоvе tо еngаgе in fun асtivitiеѕ. Prореr feeding, саring, love аnd аffесtiоn аrе аll thаt уоu nееd tо kеер уоur Bengal cat happy and hеаlthу!

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How To Safely Introduce Cats

Cats are inquisitive and intelligent animals so you might think they would enjoy a feline friend for company. Before you jump straight into finding a new kitty companion, consider your current cat’s needs and personality. Unlike dogs, cats are territorial, so introducing a new cat into your home should be done with plenty of patience.

Choosing The Right Cat

Much like we humans like to play matchmaker for our friends, you should do the same for your cat if you are considering adding another cat to your home. Cats have individual personalities so it is important that the new cat is a good fit.

If your cat is playful and active, they should get on well with a confident kitten, but they may struggle to accept a nervous cat. Likewise, if your cat is quiet and laid back, they will not tolerate a rambunctious new roommate who wants to play all day.

Plan Ahead

Before bringing your new cat home, you should prepare your current cat and your home so everyone is ready for the new arrival. A sudden or unplanned introduction will likely cause both cats to become defensive and hostile towards one another. This is not a good start to a new relationship and it is difficult to recover from this. Here are some top tips to ensuring the introduction goes smoothly:

  • Start by preparing a safe space for the newcomer which is separate from the current cat. This could be a spare bedroom, the conservatory, or the laundry room. This will provide the new cat a quiet area to settle into before they meet the resident cat. If cats do not feel safe, they will be in a constant state of anxiety and any introduction will be ruined.
  • Introduce the cats to each other’s scents before they meet. Before you bring your new cat home, you should introduce their scent to your resident cat and vice versa. This can be done very easily using a cotton pad or something each cat has come into contacts with, such as a blanket or a cuddly toy.
  • Allow each cat to find these items naturally and gradually move them around the house so that your current cat gets used to the new cat’s scent. Ask the owner of your new cat to do the same in the days before you bring them home.
  • On the day you bring your new cat home, do not allow either cat to see the other, but do allow them to sniff one another through a solid barrier such as a door or a doorway divider. Each cat can sniff the other through the gap under the door and they should be familiar with the other cat’s scent if the previous step was done successfully.
  • For the first few days, you should place food and water bowls away from the divider. You can then slowly move the bowls closer to the door until both cats are comfortably eating together on either side of the partition.
  • When your cats appear settled with one another, you can then introduce them by sight. Fit transparent door divider or baby gate so the cats can see each other but they cannot touch. If the gaps between the bars of your baby gate are too wide, you can cover the gate with cling film or clear sheeting.
  • It is important that they cannot touch each other yet in case they are not friendly during this first meeting. The two cats should be left to greet one another without any interference. Do not push the cats together or try to encourage them close together. They should greet one another on their own terms to avoid any hostility.
  • After 2 or 3 days of visual greetings, your cats should now be comfortable with each other. Once you get to a point where both cats are actively seeking out the other and lying together on either side of the divider, you can introduce them to the same room. Again, it is vital that you do not force the introduction.
  • Open the divider and allow the cats to find each other themselves. keep the meeting short, even if it is a positive one. Don’t worry if they seem nervous at first or if one cat hides. This is normal while they get used to each other and establish themselves. growling and hissing are ok provided one or both cats back off. If neither do and they are physically aggressive, separate them immediately and repeat the meetings with the door divider for a while longer.
  • Successful meetings can be gradually extended until both cats are comfortable. Ensure both cats have separate places they can go when they want some privacy. If your current cat likes to snuggle on the sofa, only allow your new cat to join in if the resident cat is comfortable with this. Remember, your older cat is used to having you and the house to themselves. They are learning to share which can take time.

Encourage Playtime

Once your cats are accepting of one another’s company, you can help to strengthen their relationship through play. Cat toys such as balls with rattles or teaser wands are a great way to get your cats engaged.

Your resident cat may be territorial of their toys, so try to have some new toys that are neutral to both cats. keep the play sessions short and end them on a positive note. This will help the cats to associate each other with fun and excitement.

If your cats are not particularly playful, you can try using interactive games like puzzle mats instead. You can also use an old cardboard box with holes cut out and place some treats inside. Your cats then have to use their paws to retrieve the treats.

Final tips

The key to any successful introduction is time and patience. An introduction should take at least 2 weeks before the cats meet without a barrier.

Watch both cats closely and look for signs of contentment. This includes lying close to one another, giving casual glances to the other cat, purring, and rubbing their bodies against the barrier.

Never force 2 cats together if they are showing signs of anxiety such as pinned ears, raised hackles, and hissing.

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Common Cat Behaviour Problems

We are a nation of cat lovers, with an estimated population of almost 11 million pet cats. While we adore or furry felines, they have their fair share of behavioural quirks that can cause serious problems if not addressed.

Today, we will take a look at the most common cat behaviour problems and how to correct them so you can give your cat the best life possible.

Why Certain Behaviours Need Correcting

When it comes to pets, we must remember that domesticated animals still retain a lot of their wild instincts and behaviours. What may seem strange to us, is completely normal for them.

The key to preventing further episodes of problematic behaviour is to find the trigger. Scolding the bad behaviour will not stop it from occurring again if the situation that causes the behaviour is not removed.

Litter Training

For cats, this is not a problem as they will toilet instinctively in a place they feel safe and comfortable. Without any litter training, this means your cat is likely to toilet behind the sofa or under the dining table.

This is an easily preventable issue by providing gentle and positive reinforcement when your cat toilets in an appropriate place.

First, you must provide a suitable litter tray. Confident cats will have no problem learning to use a simple tray, but nervous cats will be more comfortable with a covered litter tray.

Every time you see your cat getting ready to toilet (circling, sniffing, squatting) gently pick them up and carry them to the litter tray. If they do their business in the tray, give them a small treat and lots of fuss.

Don’t worry if they jump straight out, just be consistent. Eventually, they will start to connect the litter tray with toileting. It is important to clean out the litter tray regularly or your cat will stop using it. Nobody wants a dirty toilet!

Scratching Furniture

Clawing and scratching at furniture is one of the most commonly reported problems to veterinarians and animal behaviour experts. For us, it is frustrating to see our cat tearing shreds out of a brand new sofa, but for cats, this is normal and necessary behavior.

There are 3 reasons a cat will scratch:

  • Shedding claw sheaths
  • Frustration/lack of exercise
  • Communication

Cats shed their outer claw sheaths every 3 months or so and scratching helps to remove those shed sheaths. Cats also scratch to alleviate boredom and frustration caused by a lack of exercise. In households with multiple cats, scratching is a form of communication or territory marking.

The best solution to furniture scratching is to provide your cat with a more suitable scratching option. 

Scratching posts and towers are ideal as they are specifically designed for cats to scratch. A simple post with a solid base is fine, as it provides both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces.

For cats with a more adventurous personality, a cat tower is a great option. These towers look like the cat version of a playground, complete with posts, tunnels, hammocks, and swinging toys.

To protect your furniture, try draping a blanket over the armrests of your sofa or armchair to dissuade your cat from scratching. They do not like to scratch on soft blankets as they are likely to get their claws stuck.

Furry Alarm Clocks

Cats are early risers, which do not bode well if you want a lie-in. If your cat shares your bedroom at night you will have learned to expect an early morning wake-up call, which includes loud yowling, face-licking, and patting.

Nobody wants a cat batting their nose at 5 am! So, how do you stop this behaviour? Your cat is waking you because they are hungry, so addressing this will prevent the unwanted wake-up call.

There are two options here. First, if your cat eats dry food, try switching to an automated feeding bowl. You fill the container with your cat’s food and program the times you want food to be dispensed.

 

Not only does your cat learn to anticipate when he will be fed, but he also no longer needs to wake you up.

The second option is to adjust his feeding schedule. Start by setting an alarm for 5 minutes before your cat normally wakes you and immediately feed him. Every day, add an extra couple of minutes until you get to a time that you want to wake up yourself.

This method creates an association for your cat between the sound of your alarm and him being fed. He will no longer try to wake you because he will be waiting for the alarm.

Excessive Meowing

It might surprise you to know that meowing is not a natural cat sound. They have learned over thousands of years to meow as a way of getting our attention. Cats never meow at other cats.

When your cat meows at you and follows you around the house, he is trying to get your attention. If he has already been fed, the likely reason is that he is seeking some company.

Try playing with your cat for 5 minutes, either will a lure toy or a cat ball. This is a two-fold solution. Your cat gets to spend some quality time with you and also gets to release his pent-up energy.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, try installing a cat flap so he can come and go as he pleases, instead of having to pester you to be let out. You will notice that he leaves and comes back at the same time each day.

This is because outdoor cats have a schedule. Outdoor cats have a territory, which is typically a small area around their own house, such as the houses on either side or perhaps two houses on either side. The size of a cat’s territory depends on the availability of food. If they get plenty of food at home their range will be small.

Tomcats (males) have a larger territory than females and will spray around the edges of their territory to keep away other tomcats.

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Understanding Cat Behaviour

Cats are expressive creatures and are always telling their owners how they feel, but sometimes, their behaviour intrigues can be frustrating. Understanding their behaviour is the way to speak their language, and the following insights into their mind and behaviour can help you bond faster with them.

Peeing on personal belongings

It may seem disgusting that your cat urinated over some of your belongings, but that’s a way cats mark their territory. Cats transfer their scent to objects in the house by peeing on them so they can relieve anxiety. If this bothers you, be very tidy with your belongings to reduce the chances of further reoccurrence.

Rubbing

When a cat rubs their cheeks against your hand, the doorway, or furniture, it’s more than just an act that shows affection or says hello. That behavior is referred to as “bunting” and usually involves the release of pheromones, which is primarily another way to show pride in that you’re his and that space belongs to him.

Sniffing

By now, you must have realized that cats rely heavily on their sense of smell. When a cat sniffs your face or other parts of your body, they’re trying to commit your scent to memory so they can build trust which relieves anxiety and fear.

Kneading

Kneading refers to the activity where your cat alternately pushes out and pulls in their front paws into you or any soft object like a bed or blanket. Cats do this prior to relaxation as it’s a sign that they’re happy or trying to alleviate stress.

Chattering

It’s not uncommon for cats to emit a fast and intense tooth chattering when watching a bird through the window. Behaviourists speculate that chattering indicates their frustration at not being to hunt or catch the bird they are watching. They also may be excited or slightly aggravated.

Swishy tail

Cats can get anxious easily, and it helps to provide a place they can retreat to in such situations, so they don’t become aggressive. You can tell that your cat is becoming uncomfortable and is ready to pounce by its swishy tail. In such instances, it’s always best to distract them by directing their energy onto appropriate toys.

Eating non-food items

If you notice your cat is chewing on non-edible items, it’s time to take a trip to the vet. Eating non-food items is often a sign of Pica which is often attributed to mineral deficiencies. A visit to the vet for a full examination can help rule out any underlying problems.

Surprise gifts

Although domestic cats don’t need to do anything to feed, their hunting skills are still top-notch. It’s not unusual for cats to bring the remains of a dead (or live) rodent or bird to their owners, and while this may seem gross to you, behaviourists believe cats do this to thank you for taking care of them.

Cat eyes

Cats communicate a lot through their eyes; for instance, if your cat slowly blinks at you from afar, it’s a sign that they are comfortable with you and enjoy your company. Behaviourists call this act “cat kisses,” and you can return the gesture by slowly shutting your eyes and opening them. But if you notice that your cat won’t look at you no matter how hard you try, it could be a sign that they need some time alone.

Conclusion

Since cats can’t speak to communicate with their human owners, it’s imperative to understand their behaviour, so you can give them appropriate care. The above tips can help you understand their needs and personality better.

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