There are different forms of communication that cats do. These forms of communication are intended to express how cats feel, their mood, and attitude.

Let’s explore how cats communicate with each other and with you, as a pet owner, through different types of communication

Do cats communicate with each other by meowing?

Have you ever wondered do cats communicate with each other by meowing? Well. Meowing is one of the ways that cats can communicate with one another but it isn’t the only way.

In fact, cats meow at humans more than they do with each other. As they become adults, they communicate with one another through body language, scent marking, and vocalizations.

Types of cat communication

Vocal communication

Meowing

As mentioned above, cats meow to humans more than they do among themselves. Cats learned to meow as a means of communicating with human friends. 

Different meows express needs and desires such as hunger, attention, and affection.

Cats also meow at each other in confrontations but there is a reason for why do cats meow at each other before fighting.

They do so to establish dominance or feel stressful from a situation. 

Yowling and Screeching

Even though cats don’t meow at each other that much, they do communicate vocally in other forms of communication such as yowling and screeching to defend themselves and their territory.

These sounds serve as warnings or threats that signal aggression or discomfort.

Hissing and Growling

If cats feel a threat from other cats, they will communicate as a warning before attacking through hissing and growling.

When hissing is accompanied by bared teeth and flattened ears, it is very effective in establishing boundaries and avoiding physical conflict.

Purring

Cats will use purring as a form of friendliness interaction with one another or with their human companions.

It is a big sign of contentment and relaxation among cats, indicating a sense of security and comfort within their social group.

Also, if you have cats who are friends with each other, they will exchange their scents with head bumps signaling their friendship with one another.

Body language communication

Body language is the most used way for cats to communicate to one another. 

Nose-to-Nose Greetings

Cats say hello to one another through touching noses. They also display friendliness by rubbing against each other with their faces. 

Ear and Eye Movements

A cat with erect ears shows attentiveness and curiosity. Slow blinking is another way that cats show their openness to cats and people.

However, cats show aggression and fear by flattening their ears or tuning them back.

Dilated pupils and eye contact signal alertness while averted gaze or half closed eyes shows relaxation and trust.

Tail Position

A cat's tail indicates their mood and intentions. A relaxed and upright tail with a slight curve at the tip of the tail reveals a friendly demeanor.

When their tails are puffed or tucked between their legs , cats are displaying fear, aggression, or submission.

Other signs of aggressiveness are bristling fur and an arched back or tail.

Looking into these signs, pet owners can understand what cat’s emotional state they are in and if they are ready to interact or not.

Chemical cues and scent Marking

Face rubbing

Communicating through chemical cues happens when cats rub their face against each other, cat owners, and objects. When they do so, they leave pheromones.

So, these pheromones release a scent that makes it easier for cats to recognize other cats and their cat parents.

Leaving their scent on objects is a way of marking their territory. Another way for marking territory is by spraying urine. This happens as a response to stress such as moving into a new home and introduction of new cats.

Play

Cats play with one another and human companions as a form of bonding and communication. They display playfulness by chasing each other to catch one another.

Conclusion

Cat communication is really simple and straightforward. All of these signs and forms of communication will help you know when your cat is happy, sad, aggressive, or relaxed. 

There communication also lets you know how cats interact whether as a single cat living in your house or in a multi-cat household.