How Do Cats Communicate With Each Other?

We may have advanced communication skills. But I’d argue that cats are high on that list, too. They use a wide range of visual, vocal, touch, and scent cues to communicate. 

If we take the time to learn a bit about their fascinating language, we have an incredible opportunity to understand and support our cats through whatever they’re experiencing.

Understanding feline communication

Cat chat can be broken into a few categories. Behaviors from each of those categories can communicate a ton of information on their own. They also work together, creating a complex and unique feline vocabulary.  

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Body language

Cats use their entire bodies to communicate, from ears to tail and everything in between.

Tail movements 

The tail is probably the most expressive part of your cat’s body. It can float, flick, and swish; be straight or curved; point up or down. Every position and movement can tell you something about how your cat is feeling. 

• A tail pointed up, possibly with a curve at the tip or even quivering, is a sign of friendliness and excitement.

• If the tail is horizontal to the ground, your cat is probably feeling interested and inquisitive.

• A horizontal tail with a big swish is usually a loving, happy kitty. 

• If that tail is pointing down to the ground, your cat is probably a bit worried.

• A low or horizontal tail that is twitching or moving in an agitated way is a good sign your cat is starting to get upset about something they’re experiencing. 

• A puffy tail, whether it’s pointing up, horizontal, or low to the ground, is generally a sign of fear or aggression, though sometimes playful cats will puff their tail during a good play session.

Ear positions 

Ears that are forward and perked up are a good sign that your cat is happy. 

On the other hand, when those ears start to turn to the side, it can be a sign of anger or frustration. During petting or play, this can be a cue that your cat may be feeling overstimulated and could use a break. 

And flat ears, also called airplane ears, mean your cat is likely feeling some pretty intense fear. Do what you can to remove whatever might be triggering them. Keep context in mind when looking at those ears. Some cats may turn their ears a bit when they’re playing, getting ready to pounce on a toy or buddy, or even fine-tuning their hearing. 

Eye contact

Cat eyes can be quite expressive. Big, bright eyes are usually a sign of happiness, while a content kitty’s eyes will be soft. You may even see a slow blink. 

Dilated pupils (saucer eyes) are often a sign that things are getting intense. This could be a fear or anxiety response, ranging from mild to extreme. Cats can also get big pupils and stare intensely if they’re stalking something. 

On the other end of the spectrum, narrow pupils can be a sign of aggression. 

Watch those eyes for important clues about how your cat is feeling.  

Body postures 

As if the shape and movement of their ears, eyes, and tails weren’t enough, your cat’s entire body is part of the communication process. A happy, content cat may be stretching long, rolling over, wrapping around the target of their affection, head bunting, and even kneading with their paws. This is all part of a relaxed, friendly body posture.

A fearful or aggressive cat can go to extreme ends of the scale. You might see their fur standing on end, like the stereotypical Halloween cat. This is called piloerection. They may also arch their back or stand and hop sideways. It’s an attempt to look larger and intimidating. 

On the other hand, you may see your cat trying to look as small as possible. They may tuck their tail, crouch down, and try to avoid eye contact. 

Many people assume that an exposed belly is a sign that a cat wants a belly rub and is feeling good about the situation. While that’s true in some cases, lying on the back with all four legs up is also a great defensive posture. It puts all of your cat’s weapons (claws and teeth) on display and ready for action. Use caution around the belly if you don’t know this particular kitty.  

Vocalizations

Body language isn’t the only way cats communicate. They can also use vocalizations. These are just a few of the many sounds cats make to communicate with other animals and people. 

Meowing 

Interestingly, adult cats don’t often meow to each other. Mother cats and kittens do. It’s an important part of that relationship. But they grow out of it. The meowing we hear from our adult cats is more often directed at people. Cats learned quickly that we responded to their sounds, so they customized some of them just for us. 

Purring 

Purring is a universal source of instant relaxation when people hear it. It’s the sign of a peaceful, content kitty — most of the time. 

You may be surprised to learn that cats will also purr when they’re scared or stressed. It can be comforting. 

They also often purr when they’re in pain, not only for the soothing benefits, but as a tool for healing. It’s scientifically proven that certain frequencies, like that of a purr, can have a healing effect on the body. 

Hissing

Hissing falls into the same category as things like yowling, growling, and other intense vocalizations. It’s a warning. Cats make these sounds to try and put distance between themselves and whatever they’re worried about or scared of. 

Olfactory signals

Did you think we were done? Nope. Cats also use scent to communicate. Those noses are far too strong to go to waste. Scent is vital to communication, both up close and from a distance. 

Scent marking

Your cat’s body has many scent glands that release pheromones, a substance even more complex than scent, giving information about who a cat is, where they are, their reproductive status, and how they’re feeling. 

These scent glands are found on the face, head, feet, base of the tail, and the less appealing anus (which we’ll get to in a moment). Cats rub these areas on and around people, places, and things to leave scent messages.  

Urine spraying 

Spraying (also called “marking”) is one of the more frustrating scent-spreading options for people, because the scent is so strong and hard to remove. Most often, cats will back up to an area, raise their tail, and spray a combination of urine and pheromones (via an oily secretion from the anal glands). The pungent smell is a clear way to communicate with other cats and critters. 

Cats can also pee and even poop to deposit scent. Pooping for the purposes of scent marking is called middening. 

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Tactile communication

The last big category of cat chat is touch. 

Grooming 

Grooming is a common sign of affection. It starts as mothers groom their kittens and often continues as adult cats groom other cats, pets, and even people. Not only is it a loving behavior, but it also helps create a shared group scent. 

Head bumping 

Cats love to bump their head against each other, and really anything they want to smell like them. Remember, they have scent glands on their faces, including their foreheads. They may rub or headbutt (officially known as “bunting”) to spread those special pheromones and a loving touch. They’ll even rub their flanks on people, pets, and objects to share the love and the scent. 

Play-fighting 

As long as both cats are enjoying it, a playful fight can be a bonding opportunity. Kittens do this with their littermates and mother. As they get older, the family dog may be unwittingly pulled into a loving play fight. 

Bottom line

Cats use a lot more than just their voices to communicate. The ears, tail, eyes, fur, body position, scent, and more are vital to the communication process. These messaging tools are easily understood cat-to-cat, whether they’re sharing their location, signs of stress, or their readiness to mate. 

But other animals, and even people, can also get important information from a cat’s behavior, like when to keep your distance or give a loving chin scratch.