Verbal communication is not unique to humans: both birds and animals have their own “language” for transmitting information messages. But with pets the situation is a little more complicated: they are forced to establish contact not only with their relatives, but also with humans. And the voice is the best option for this. This is where the popular idea that cats meow only for people originated, but in fact this theory is wrong.
Why do domestic cats “talk”?
By making certain sounds, animals want to tell you some information about their desires. One of the main reasons why you hear a cat meowing is because it wants to get its owner's attention. But these are not all the reasons why pets make certain sounds. Sometimes, a cat's meow speaks of her desires, sometimes of worries and fears, and in some cases it can indicate a disease. Therefore, it is important to figure it out in time and understand what the cat’s meow “tells” you.
Night conversations
Probably the most annoying cat ringtone is the cat's night meow. Breeders claim that their nocturnal activity is completely natural. Many pets, not being able to realize their hunting instinct, still try to feel like masters of the territory. They can run around the apartment, play, and, of course, scream loudly and make other “hunting” sounds. Then they prefer to sleep during the day.
And it is precisely at this time that the domestic “hunter” wants her owner to pay more attention to her. At night she is brave and resilient. She really wants to show these qualities to her breadwinner. You can calm a cat's meowing simply by petting your pet or answering it with kind words. Most often, if your cat's meowing is caused by a lack of daytime attention, after you answer her, she will become silent.
Another cause of cat meowing at night is stress. Moving or the appearance of a child in the family, i.e., any changes in the life of an animal, causes stress. When experiencing stress, the pet walks and meows pitifully at night, because then she experiences greater anxiety and an acute lack of attention.
The nightly meowing of a cat in the spring is also a common occurrence. Males attract females with their loud voices, and cats communicate their needs with long meows. Castration or sterilization usually helps to get rid of constant “talks” of this kind.
However, if the above reasons are not present, and your pet still constantly and restlessly turns on his night ringtone, and does not sleep well during the day, this may indicate that he is sick. In this case, the cat's meowing will be strange, it will be sounds such as yapping, wheezing and meowing with an intonation that is not typical for it. In this case, it is best to take your pet to the veterinarian.
Postpartum meowing in cats
After giving birth, a healthy mother will not simply waste her voice on you. After all, all her attention is now focused on the cubs. Therefore, pay special attention to the cat’s constant meowing after giving birth.
If the kittens are with their mother and she is acting restless, she may not be getting enough food or drink. But if the tray with food and water is full, or you just recently fed her, then you should check why she has cause for concern.
A mother's concern is usually about the illness of one of her babies or her own health. Check how the kittens look and feel. How long do they sleep, and does mom get enough rest? If they are okay, pay attention to the mother. The cat's unreasonable meowing and whining, combined with trembling, frequent urination, rapid breathing and other behavior that is unnatural for her, signals to you that the former mother has postpartum complications. Don't guess what to do, she urgently needs to be shown to a veterinarian!
Iridescent purring and squeaking
Sounds similar to the chirping of birds are acquired by kittens from early childhood.
This is a much more insistent demand than meowing. The mother cat uses them to let her kittens know that they should look at her or follow her. As an adult, the cat will squeak and purr loudly, forcing you to pay attention to something extremely important to her. Squeaks and iridescent purrs may also indicate that your cat is excited.
The kitchen hasn't been renovated since the 70s: we decided to transform it (the result is gorgeous)
The kitchen hasn't been renovated since the 70s: we decided to transform it (the result is gorgeous)
The kitchen hasn't been renovated since the 70s: we decided to transform it (the result is gorgeous)
The girl stylishly repainted the black table: photos before and after the transformation
Woman got up at 3:30 am to get her hair done at the salon after self-isolation
The sounds a cat makes and their meaning
Let's look at how pets "talk" and what it most likely means.
- “Moor-meow” pronounced briefly. If you heard these sounds when you appeared in the apartment, it means your pet greeted you like that. But if you have been sitting at home for a long time, and the animal does not need to greet you, but it still makes such sounds, this means disappointment, because there is no opportunity to get any prey.
- The pet will announce a lack of attention on my part by meowing pitifully and by following me around the house.
- A loud "rattling" sound means your pet is demanding food or other attention. When the animal demands food, it will also make a loud, clear “meow” at the top of its voice.
- A short, single, sometimes quiet, “meow” indicates that the pet cannot contain its emotions. In this way he is similar to people, when something happens in between, we unconsciously say something like “oh my God!”
- The meowing of kittens is usually plaintive, drawn out and loud. With this ringtone, kittens are looking for their mother. This cannot be confused with anything.
- A cat's meow in spring is more like a scream. This is how a cat looks for a sexual partner. The same thing can mean the prolonged meow of a cat in the spring.
- Hissing and snorting indicate that your pet is irritated. And during a fight he will sort of howl. It is better not to approach him at this time.
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Hisses
This sound is often (and not unreasonably) compared to the menacing hiss of a snake. A sound that, as soon as you hear it, makes you want to retreat and move away. A cat's hiss is formed by a continuous stream of air exhaled by an animal. Hissing is almost always accompanied by body signs: the cat has an arched back, ears pinned back, etc. An unambiguous signal is sent to the enemy: if he does not disappear this very second, then in a couple of moments he will be torn to shreds. Cats commonly hiss at other cats, dogs, and even people. Cat lovers should remember: the cat hisses threateningly - it is better to move away and not irritate it.
The cat growls. Those who have a lot of contact with furry pets are well familiar with this “uterine” sound. It is somewhat similar in nature to hissing, but is more reminiscent of a growl. The sound usually indicates a cat is seriously irritated. In “real” life, you can hear this warning sound if you begin to manipulate the bowl during a meal. The cat will immediately cut you off sharply and “tell” you that this should never be done.
Do you constantly hear a growl as soon as you touch a certain part of the animal's body? Then go see your veterinarian and share your concerns with him. Perhaps the cat needs help.
If your cat won't stop meowing
As discussed above, when a cat meows, it is not a simple ringtone. This is how the animal asks you for something. But it happens that you have already done everything that she could want, and the cat’s meowing does not stop. There are two diametrically opposed reasons why this happens.
You could have spoiled her. Every time your pet gave a voice, you stroked her or picked her up. And she is accustomed to the fact that this is the only way she can get your affection. In this case, it is better to teach her what to do is bad (for example, splash water on her when she screams). And start petting only after the cat’s meowing stops.
The second reason why a cat can be heard meowing may be hidden in its restless state due to its own ill health. As discussed above, this will be an uncharacteristic meow, combined with other signs of illness. If your animal behaves this way, do not delay going to the veterinary clinic.
Hiss
It’s simply impossible not to understand a cat when it hisses. “Don't come near! I’ll kill you!” - this is what the frightened little predator, ready to fight for his life, is trying to convey to you. The source of stress can be a large annoying dog or, even more likely, a small child. Often the cat does not just hiss, but arches his back, raises his fur and bares his fangs, demonstrating how dangerous he is. If your cat hisses, leave him alone and try to eliminate the source of irritation and threat.
Hissing is very individual. Each cat has its own understanding of personal boundaries and comfort zone. Some friendly and sociable cats almost never hiss, while there are also withdrawn, shy and even socially phobic cats who almost always drive away sources of irritation from themselves by hissing. Cats that are most likely to hiss are those that were once either rejected by a person, grew up in a shelter, or were abused.
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Video "Cat's reaction when she sees a bird outside the window"
Cat ringtones are quite varied. And although when cats meow the video is not always successful, in this video you will still hear the cat meowing and see how it behaves when it sees a bird outside the window without being able to catch it.
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FIRST METHOD: MUSIC
Cats may not have an ear for music, but they can hear perfectly well. But they perceive music differently than we do. Scientists from the Department of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin, together with musicians from the Conservatory at the University of Maryland, experimentally found out what kind of music cats like (the full text of the study is here). In short: the frequency range of sounds and the tempo of the music should correspond to the sounds and tempo of natural communication of cats.
This very “natural communication” of cats can be different. They may scream, hiss, or beg for food. Or they can rumble, purr and even snore. It follows that music similar to hissing and screaming will excite them. And similar to rumbling and purring - calming. At the same time, young cats react to music more strongly than older ones.
Low-frequency vibration, rumbling sounds, chirping birds, chirping insects and a slowly flowing melody - this is the recipe for building music for cats. When you go to work, go to the veterinarian, or go on vacation and leave your cat with a friend, play music for him so that he doesn’t worry so much.
Where can I find music for cats? You can Google it, or you can turn on Internet radio and listen to it on endless repeat. Here are the most successful examples of cat music:
— David Thea’s famous album “Music for Cats,” which we already wrote about: listen here.
— nine (!) albums of music and relaxing sounds from “Cat Music” at once: listen here.
But remember that cats' musical tastes may vary. For example, one of our cats remained indifferent to the scientific approach of David Thea, but liked the simple new age from “Cat Music”.
Prevention
Experienced breeders and veterinarians recommend that owners take the following preventive measures:
Keeping your pet in a clean and ventilated area. Regular wet cleaning, the use of air humidifiers, and the absence of tobacco smoke reduce the risk of developing a reflex cough in pets.
Prevention of hypothermia - keep in a warm room, without drafts.
Regular treatment of the animal against helminths. Excluding raw meat and fish from your pet’s diet.
Vaccination against viral infections such as rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis, etc.
Strengthening the pet's immunity: feeding with nutritious food, vitamin and mineral prophylaxis.
The owner of a furry couch potato should not ignore a cough. The cause of the reflex act can be serious diseases of the upper respiratory tract, lungs and even the heart. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate your pet. The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on correct and timely diagnosis.
How does purring occur?
For a long time, the purring of cats remained a mystery to humans. And even now it is not fully studied.
Initially, scientists tried to find a separate organ that is responsible for producing vibrating sound. But nothing suitable was found. Then they decided that the sound was coming from the cats' stomachs! But they quickly rejected this misconception.
The modern official version is that purring occurs due to the contraction and vibration of muscles that are located near the vocal cords. This is caused by the arrival of certain impulses from the animal’s brain.
A number of systems are used to create such a unique sound:
- nose;
- mouth;
- hyoid bones;
- ligaments
Sound and vibration originate between the base of the skull and the tongue, and then spread throughout the body.
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What are the varieties?
Devices for repelling cats are indoor, portable (hand-held) and stationary, which are installed on the facade of the house. The devices are powered via an adapter or batteries. There are models with a motion sensor that automatically detect the presence of cats in the area. The most common models are:
- Manual. These include NY-0027 with a laser beam or Ximeite, which produces sounds that are unpleasant to the animal's ear. They do not cause pain and are harmless.
- Rooms. The JF-0902 electronic device can scare a cat. It operates in a range of 9 m. It has an infrared sensor, thanks to which an ultrasonic frequency is triggered, which animals do not like. It works for no more than 10 seconds.
- Street. These include EcoSniper, Citytek Pegasus, LS-937CD. Such repellent devices are designed for a large local area and are mounted on the wall. There is also a Garden Protector device, which runs on solar panels and is installed on the ground. Scares cats, dogs, moles, and is unpleasant for mice.
Repellers at home
If scary sounds at high frequencies frighten your cat, and you are afraid to use chemicals, you can make a cat repeller with your own hands. You can use natural remedies against an unruly pet - juice or peel of citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit), rosemary, cinnamon, garlic, onion. It should be remembered that animals have a powerful sense of smell, so the odors affecting the animal’s nose should be moderate. It is recommended to dilute the juice or seasoning with water and sprinkle it where the pet is not supposed to be. A cat frightened by the smell will be weaned off. There is also an Android app that produces ultrasound that only cats can hear.
What do cat trills mean?
Cats make much more sounds than dogs. Under certain conditions, they can even imitate a dog's bark. Not to mention other sounds. Among which, the rumbling and already mentioned “trills” are of particular interest.
Rumbling is a special way of breathing that allows you to receive additional information from the air, forcing it through particularly sensitive cells and forcing the air to circulate there. So cats purr when they feel good and want to better understand why this is so.
As for trills, these are special high-frequency sounds that cats use when communicating with their kittens. The fact is that kittens' ears are better adapted to perceive very high-pitched sounds. And the vocal apparatus is to produce these sounds. We can say that some kittens squeak under ultrasound, so people simply don’t hear them. And cats can even hear very well.
Source – gallery.world
And if a cat trills to its owner or mistress, then this is a classic example of imprinting - the transfer of an emotional attitude from one object to another, which is not always suitable for this. Cats with a clear conscience consider us to be something like big strange kittens that need to be licked periodically and taught to hunt. That’s why they communicate with us in the same way as with kittens – in the language of trills.
In general, a significant part of cat vocalizations is aimed specifically at interaction with people. For example, unsocialized cats almost never meow. They know how, but they don’t have such a habit. And all because a cat’s meow is a special form of telling a person that the animal needs something. They get along well with each other by hissing and growling. Unfortunately, these techniques do not work with a person - he needs to be “forced”. And cats easily solved this problem by making sounds at the frequency at which human children usually cry. It is to this that people react most actively. However, cats have to learn this art again every time, except for those who managed to learn it from their furry parents.
Source - goodfon
We also think you might benefit from knowing that a cat's purr contains vibrations that can help heal injuries. And to enhance cellular regeneration in people.
The cause of coughing and wheezing can be either a bone stuck in the throat or helminths
There are several reasons why a cat coughs and wheezes as if choking: foreign bodies, parasites, inflammatory processes of various origins. The owner can rarely help the pet on his own. It is necessary to show the animal to a veterinarian, who will determine the problem and how to solve it. You cannot put off visiting a doctor. A choking cough is a symptom of conditions that are dangerous to the life and health of a cat.
