Introduction:

I.

II.

III.

Kirstie Bullock

Hook/Expertise
a. I own two adorable kittens, who, admittedly, I have opened an
Instagram account just for them. Some people call me the crazy cat
lady, others think the same way I do and think Im normal. This is all a
matter of opinion. I have taken a few classes to be a veterinary
technician prior to changing my degrees. In one of my classes, we
learned how to evaluate pets body language in order to prevent any
injuries while working with these animals. I feel cats are misunderstood
creatures and once you get to know them and what makes them tick,
they are great pets.
Thesis
a. Cats obviously cant speak our language, but they do have a large
variety of communication strategies so they can deliver their
messages.
Preview:
a. Cats communicate vocally and physically.
b. Cats also communicate similarly to other cats and people.

Body:
I.

Cats cant speak, so they have many different vocalizations, which can
have many different meanings and translations.
a. A cat has many different types of meows.
i. They have different lengths, pitches, volume, rhythm and even
enunciation.
ii. Higher pitched tones can display a happier cat. A dropping
inflection can mean disapproval. A short and snappy meow can
show irritation. These are just a few types of meows.
b. Cats have more than one type of purr.
i. The purr is a soft vibrating sound made by the cat while its
mouth is closed.
ii. Purrs can also have different rhythms, volumes and tones.
iii. Generally purring communicates the cat is happy, but can also
be used to comfort themselves, recovery or anticipation.
c. When the cat growls or hisses,
i. These typically start low in tone with raised intensity.

II.

ii. These are usually for communicating anger, fear, and even
irritation. When its for fear, its used to deter threats. When its
for irritation or anger, its a warning for aggressive behavior.
d. When the cat chatters,
i. The sound of the chatter is the cats teeth or jaw clicking
together.
ii. Its believed that cats chatter to show excitement, and usually
when the cat watches their prey. There are others who believe
it is meant to be a sound for threats or even to demonstrate
frustration for unreachable prey.
Cats generally have comprehensive physical communication styles that
could be misinterpreted.
a. The cats mouth and whiskers.
i. Cats have a reputation for being unreadable because of their
minimal facial expressions. Usually the mouth is kept closed
unless showing aggression or yawning to show stress or an
unpleasant signal.
ii. Whiskers arent just for the cats overall sense of their
environment. They can communicate with them! Pushing them
forward means curiosity or happiness and pushing them back
can show defensiveness to protect them in a fight.
b. The cats tail tells all.
i. A tail tucked low, puffed up or moves in wide arcs can show
fear or aggression.
ii. A tail lifted high shows confidence and happiness.
iii. A more restless tail can signal anxiety or aggression.
iv. A twitching tail can show the cat is in its predatory mode.
c. The cats posture and its coat are also used to communicate.
i. An arched back is triggered by fear and is usually instinctive.
This is for intimidation by making the cat look bigger than the
threat.
ii. A fearful cat that prefers not to fight will lean away from the
threat with claws out to be ready for defense. The cats head
may be tilted to the side with and strong gaze.
iii. An aggressive cat that is dominant does not wait for others.
There are two ways the cat approaches the threat: walk directly
to the threat, eyes fixed and legs straight, or with a tall
sideways walk to appear bigger.

III.

IV.

iv. A bristled, raised coat means something isnt right. The cat is
either scared or angry and meant to make the cat appear
bigger.
Cat to Cat
a. Spraying
i. This is used for marking their territory to let other cats know
that this is now their area.
ii. Spraying should not be confused with urinating. Cats crouch
when urinating, while spraying they may not.
b. Clawing
i. This is another way of leaving a territorial message by releasing
pheromones.
ii. Cats claw through their paws, which is where their scent glands
are located.
c. Affection
i. This is demonstrated by allowing the other cat to sniff beneath
their tail.
ii. They show their affection and trust by sleeping side by side,
sitting close to each other and grooming each other.
iii. They can also greet each other with blinking their eyes or
yawning.
iv. Cats also exchange pheromones by rubbing cheeks.
d. Body language
i. Other properly socialized cats are able to easily read body
language.
e. Litter Box
i. If there are problems between cats, droppings left out is an
unfriendly message to the other cat by marking its territory.
f. Bunting
i. When cats rub against an object with their forehead, cheeks or
chin, they are leaving secretions from the scent glands in their
face.
ii. This is usually to mark their territory.
Cat to People
a. The cat claims their owner as their new mother.
b. They claim their owner by rubbing up against them, now saying
Youre mine.
c. When you bond with your cat, you show the cat that he has nothing to
fear and he will live a more confident life.

d. Let the cat approach you and when the cat is comfortable with you, he
will let you know.
e. Cats mostly vocalize for their owners.
f. They like to sit on our laps to receive the same warmth that their
mothers once gave them.
Conclusion:
I.

II.

Cats use many different communication approaches to convey their

messages.
a. They have different vocalization types and physical indicators.
b. And finally, they communicate with other cats by marking their
territory, including their owner, who is now the new mom.
By understanding my cats more, it is more entertaining to watch them.
We call them our little monsters.