The cat's meow is her way of communicating with people. Cats meow for many reasons—to say hello, to ask for things, and to tell us when something's wrong. Meowing is an interesting vocalization in that adult cats don't actually meow at each other, just at people.
The Purrrfect Greeting
Cats have scent glands on their head and around their ears, and they often rub their heads against people and inanimate objects that they value. They want to rub their scent and get to know your scent, too.
The standard meow is mid-length in duration and mid-pitched in tone and is the “asking for something” sound. The mewl, a short high-pitched meow, usually means “hello,” and can be accompanied by rubbing against your legs. A long, drawn-out meow usually means that your furry friend wants something specific, like dinner.
This behaviour is unfortunately very common, particularly in older cats. Usually the cat just wants attention and reassurance that her humans are still around and she has not been left on her own. Cats often meow during the day as well, but the night call can seem much louder and more demanding!
According to certified cat behavior consultant Dilara Göksel Parry, it's perfectly normal for a cat to meow back to you when you talk to them, and that meow can mean any number of things. "Domestic cats are social animals, and for many cats, meowing is one of the ways they communicate with us," she says.
Sorry to break it to you, but human meows mean nothing to cats. At most, you can get your cat's attention and they may even appreciate your attempts to communicate by purring or even meowing back.
As well as being a method of communication, staring is also a sign of a close bond between you and your cat, as they are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don't like or trust.
Most cats prefer a greeting where they can gradually assess a person and accept friendship at their own pace. Here are some ways you can help a cat feel safe and comfortable when you greet him: Let the cat decide if he wants to say hi.
They Are Asking for Your Attention
Your cat depends on you for your love and attention. You should aim to give them what they need every day. If you do not give your cat enough attention, they will most likely feel neglected and meow more. This attention-seeking could lead to behavioral issues in your cat.
Cats release friendly pheromones from glands in their cheeks and chin, so when your favorite feline is rubbing its face on you, it usually means they are marking you as a friend. “It's an affectionate gesture that can also be used as a form of greeting,” Dr. Jill E.
Cats lack the cognitive skills to interpret human language, but they recognize when you talk to them. To put it another way, cats comprehend human language in the same way that we understand meowing. It's similar to how you interpret your cat's language by "reading" how they arch their back or swish their tail.
According to a study1 published in 2019 in the journal Scientific Reports, cats do, in fact, recognize their own names. The lead author of the study is a behavioral scientist named Atsuko Saito from Sophia University in Tokyo, whose prior research2 demonstrated that cats can recognize their owners' voices.
Cats only make eye contact with people they like and are even known to make 'eye kisses'! This is when a cat will stare with half closed eyelids and slowly blink, repeatedly. It's a gesture that can be reciprocated, so if you notice your cat giving you a 'kiss', why not give them one in return?
Changes in body language, including ears held back, tucked tail, and hairs standing on end. Meowing more or less than usual or making low-pitched, mournful meows. Lack of energy or a decrease in activity level. Retreating from humans or other family pets.
Positive signs of a contented cat include purring, slow-blinking, paw-kneading, head-rubbing, meowing and tail-flicking – but never smiling! Read more: Why do cats like small spaces?
Yes, you read that right: A recent study revealed that getting your pet's attention is as simple as speaking with a high-pitched tone and extended vowels, just like how you'd communicate with a human baby. Additionally, the study suggested that your cat can actually tell you apart from strangers.
Knowing When It's Time to Say Goodbye
Your cat is no longer eating, or eats very little. Your cat has lost a significant amount of weight. Your cat is increasingly lethargic or has lost interest in favorite activities. Your cat is no longer using the litter box.
When your cat nibbles you playfully, she's really offering her affection. This is much different from a fearful or defensive bite that's meant to cause harm, and the feelings behind it are different as well. Love nibbles are a ticklish, funny little quirk of lovable cats.
It probably feels like your four-legged fur baby has got it in for you, but these perceived acts of aggression are actually an indicator of affection. That can be quite difficult to fathom, right? But it's true; they're actually “love bites” rather than a defense mechanism.
Rather than relying on facial recognition, cats actually identify us by the sound of our voice, our scent, and the way we physically feel to them. The strange part of all of this is that cats actually view people as fellow cats.
Do Cats Like Hugs? The truth is, many cats HATE to be hugged. They don't like being held against their will, and especially not in a firm fashion. If you've witnessed the average cat being hugged, you've probably seen squirming, meowing, panting, and eventually, claws.
Cats form attachments to their owners that are similar to those that dogs and babies form with their caregivers. You really are more than just a source of food to your cat: A study published Monday finds that cats see their owners as a source of comfort and security, too.