Cats may only understand 25 to 35 words, but they can make about 100 different vocalizations.
The head bump. It's their way of saying hello, by using the oil glands in front of their ears to greet you as if you're a cat and leave their scent on you. They see you as one of their clan, so bump them right back.
Purr-ty = Pretty
An attractive cat; beautiful or handsome.
Cat vocalizations are wide and flexible in their parameters. Cats can produce very loud sounds such as the meow, but also very quiet ones such as the chirp [8,30].
Purring is usually a sign of contentment. Cats purr whenever they're happy, even while they're eating. Sometimes, however, a cat may purr when they're anxious or sick, using their purr to comfort themselves, like a child sucking their thumb.
A yowl, or howl, is a long, drawn-out meow that almost sounds like moaning; it's your cat's way of telling you they're worried or distressed, or that they need you. They might have gotten locked in a closet, can't find you anywhere or, heaven forbid, have discovered their food bowl is empty.
Purring: When cats are deeply relaxed and content they tend to purr to self soothe. But when a cat rubs against you and purrs it is synonymous with saying “I love you.” Slow Blinks: When cats close their eyes in the presence of another animal or human it is a sign of trust, which is a fundamental aspect of love.
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?
From a young age a cat's mother would not only lick them as a way of grooming them, but also to show affection. Cats then replicate this behaviour with you as a way of showing their own affection – it simply comes naturally. This licking behaviour is not just exclusive between pet and owner.
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.
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.
Cats cannot distinguish their owners by staring at them because their faces appear identical when they are at rest. Instead, cats distinguish between humans using sound and smell. Cats learn to identify their owner's voice, and regardless of whether they're wearing cologne, their skin emits a distinct aroma.
“Technically, cats can't understand human words because their cognitive skills are not advanced enough,” Glover told The Dodo. Cats understand language the same way that we understand what they're trying to say when they meow. They know that we're talking to them, but they don't know exactly what we're saying.
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. But to most cats, human meows sound like human language.
Cuddles and Kisses. When your cat is snuggling up to you, it's pretty obvious she's displaying her thanks for all that you do. Kisses, in the form of gentle licks or full-on grooming, are that extra special way she shows you thanks. In a cat's world, to groom is to be grateful.
One simple way to know if your cat trusts you is if her tail stands straight up, especially when she sees you or walks toward you. Some cat experts consider it to be a “thumbs up” in cat lingo. If the tail quivers slightly, it's even more indication that the cat has positive feelings toward you.
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.
Most cats don't understand that kisses from humans are a sign of affection. A cat will surely let you know if they enjoy being kissed or not. The best ways to show your cat that you love them are to give them toys, treats, and plenty of one-on-one time.
Cats pick their favorite people for pretty easy-to-empathize-with reasons—they prefer to be around those who understand what they're communicating and make an effort to meet their feline needs.
Most often, the vibrating sensation that cats display is called purring. Scientists aren't sure whether purring is voluntary or involuntary in cats, but it usually signals that the cat is enjoying its current circumstances.
Research in the USA also suggested that cats may dream about things that have happened that day or in the distant or recent past, similar to the way that dogs dream. Cats might dream about snuggling with you on the sofa, hunting a bird or mouse or may be dreaming about an incident that occurred with another cat or dog.
Cats enjoy social contact with people, and some will be quite vocal in their requests for attention. The cat may want to be stroked, played with or simply talked to. Cats who are left alone for long periods of time each day may be more likely to meow for attention.