22 © T. Atkinson, 2018. Practical Feline Behaviour (T. Atkinson)
3. Feline Communication
Communication is the transfer of information from one individual to another. It can be
intra-specific, meaning between members of the same species, or inter-specific, from one
species to another. Human language is a highly complex form of intra-specific commu-
nication that enables us to exchange a wide range of information about ourselves and
knowledge that we have gathered from experience or received from others. But com-
munication between members of other species, including the cat, is generally limited to
defensive or offensive warnings, greetings, care or food soliciting and basic information
about the individual such as sexual status and fitness. To convey these signals a variety
of different methods are used, including auditory (vocalizing), visual (body ‘language’
and facial expressions) and olfactory (scent). There are advantages and disadvantages
in the use of each of these (Table 3.1), and a combination of methods may be employed.
The method used can also depend on the intended signal and/or recipient.
The ancestor of the domestic cat, the African wildcat (Felis s. lybica) is a solitary ani-
mal, so the signalling repertoire between adults is primarily territorial. But domestica-
tion has resulted in a number of social and behavioural changes, including the ability to
live in social groups and with other species. So, although the domestic cat has retained its
ancestor’s territorial signals and means of communication most suited for a solitary species,
it has also developed its communication skills to suit its needs as a more social species.
Vocalizations
The sounds made by cats can be separated into three groups.
Vowel sounds
These are produced by the cat opening and closing its mouth and include:
● The meow.
● The sexual vocalizations: the female call when in oestrus and the male mowl.
● The yowl, howl or anger wail.
● The chatter (or chitter).
Murmur sounds
Produced with a closed mouth:
● The purr.
● Trills and chirrups.
