How do cats call cats? - briefly
Cats primarily communicate with each other through a combination of vocalizations and body language. Meowing is less common among adult cats, while purring, hissing, and chirping are more prevalent methods of feline communication.
How do cats call cats? - in detail
Cats communicate with each other using a complex system of vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. When it comes to vocal communication, cats have a wide repertoire of sounds they use to convey different messages. Here’s a detailed look at how cats call to each other:
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Meows: The most common sound associated with cats is the meow. Interestingly, adult cats rarely meow at each other; this vocalization is more often used to communicate with humans. Kittens meow to signal hunger or distress, and mothers respond with meows to locate their kittens.
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Chirps: This sound resembles a bird’s chirp and is often used by cats to greet each other or to solicit attention from humans. It's a friendly and casual way for cats to acknowledge one another.
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Purring: Purring is not just a sign of contentment but also a form of communication between cats. Mothers purr to comfort their kittens, and adult cats may purr to signal that they are not a threat when meeting other cats.
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Hissing: A hiss is an aggressive warning signal, often accompanied by an arched back and fluffed tail. Cats hiss at each other to warn of impending aggression or to express fear.
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Growling: Similar to hissing, a growl is a threatening vocalization. It’s used to warn off intruders or signal that the cat is not in a friendly mood. Growls are often accompanied by body language cues like dilated pupils and ear flattening.
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Trills: A trill is a rolling, continuous sound that cats make to express contentment or as a friendly greeting. It’s similar to a chirp but longer in duration.
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Yowling: This is a loud, drawn-out meow, often used when a cat is in heat or feeling distressed. Female cats yowl to attract male cats during the mating season.
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Screeches: Screeches are high-pitched, urgent vocalizations that cats use to express fear or aggression. They are commonly heard during fights or when a cat feels threatened.
In addition to vocal communication, cats rely heavily on body language and scent marking to convey messages. For example, rubbing against objects or other cats is a way of leaving their scent, while tail movements and ear positions provide crucial information about the cat’s mood and intentions. Understanding these various forms of communication allows cats to maintain complex social structures and effectively interact with one another in their environments.