Understand how cats communicate with you and other pets without using words, just with sounds and body language
Even though I don’t know how to use words, cats are super communicative animals, as any tutor can attest. They they meow, purr, growl and use body language, all to convey a message to another feline or human being. However, sometimes interpreting the meaning of each of these actions can be a little more complicated.
Starting from vocalizations, they can mean different things. Meows, for example, express different feelings and needs such as hunger, discomfort or attracting the attention of other cats or their owners, according to veterinarian Nathalia Xavier.
“The purr is often associated with a feeling of happiness. But it can also be a resource that the animal uses to calm down in the face of a stressful situation. The growl can often be a warning that precedes an aggressive event”, explains she, who teaches the Veterinary Medicine course at the Centro Universitário de Jaguariúna (UniFAJ).
Another more behavioral form of communication is the act of rubbing against others or objects to imprint one’s individual scent and delimit the territory, due to the presence of scent glands present on the head and whiskers.
“We can also mention body posture, such as arching the back to appear larger and more intimidating, or curling up to demonstrate submission. Ears forward or back, tail position and facial expressions are also important in feline communication and for interpreting pain,” says the expert.
All of these communication tactics are used by cats both with other animals and with their owners. Furthermore, silence can also mean something. “Among felines it can be seen as companionship and comfort, from the moment they sit and remain silent next to their owner,” says Nathalia.
How to communicate with your kitten
It is very important to know how to communicate with your kitten, as these animals are very sensitive to stress. So, very aggressive communication, for example, can affect you a lot. It is essential, in fact, to respect your pet’s limits and not to force an interaction when he seems uncomfortable.
“The tone of voice is a crucial point, as felines respond better to soft and calming tones of voice. Whenever there are moments of positive interaction, it is encouraged to use the “Positive Reinforcement” technique. In this, snacks or affection serve to reward the cat’s desired behavior”, comments Nathalia.
This way you can create and strengthen an excellent bond with your kitten.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
