Experts think cat language (with their humans) actually does exist. That’s what all that meowing is really about.
When you think about it, cats don’t really communicate verbally with each other (unless you can call that annoying yowling sound in the middle of the night communicating) And that is usually a couple of tom cats one-upping each other. Or possibly a couple of kitties in love letting the world in on their affair.
But the standard cat-to-cat communication consists of fur licking, gum rubbing, tail draping and so on. You can observe this in any group of cat friends. They are not really very verbal.
However, kitty talks to us humans in a variety of meows. I had a cat once that distinctly said “blink” when she was hankering for a pet. And when it came to demands for dinner, this same Molly the Tabby cat could make some impressively loud meows as she attempted to lead me to the refrigerator.
I think cats figured out a long time ago that people responded to sounds. In order to get a scratch, a bowl of milk or a bite to eat they had to make themselves heard.
Purring is another interesting kitty sound, one that doesn’t necessarily mean “I’m happy.” After all, a cat in pain will also purr. John Bradshaw, an anthrozoologist (one who studies the interaction between people and animals) says that purring has more to do with asking for help or care. A purr to vocal translation might be something like “Don’t go anywhere, please.” Makes sense. A cat who is injured wants you to be nearby.
Another kitty communication is that leg rubbing they do when you get home after work. It may not just be a way to get your attention fixated on the can opener; it could very well be a sort of “cat hug.” Feral cats do something similar after they’ve returned from hunting. They tend to spend a little while rubbing up and down against each other, wrapping their tails over each others’ backs in an expression of mutual affection.
It’s an “I missed you, and I’m so happy you’re back” physical expression.
And what about the slow blink? Cat lovers know this look. I always thought it was one of pure love. Veterinarian Gary Weitzman is an author of How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language.”
He says the slow blink it an acceptance gesture; something they express not only with humans, but with other cats as well.
And not all meows are equal. It seems that each cat has his or own code with its owner, one that outsiders wouldn’t particularly recognize.
People have known that dogs communicate with their owners for ages, but cats (who apparently even have subtle facial expressions!) have a cat language as well. It’s good to know!