Practical feline behaviour understanding cat behaviour and improving welfare

Feline Communication 23

Strained intensity sounds

Produced with an open mouth. These are sounds that are most often used in offensive
or defensive interactions, such as:

● Growl.
● Yowl.
● Shriek.
● Hiss.
● Spit.

The meow

The meow is the vocalization most commonly associated with the domestic cat; how-
ever, it is not a single distinct sound but a combination and selection of different
sounds that can vary greatly between individuals and different breeds. It can also vary
depending on the context and message that the cat intends to convey.
The meow is rarely used by feral or wildcats but is commonly used by pet cats
in human-directed communication. It is therefore thought to be a product of
domestication and socialization with people. It is certainly different to comparative
vocalizations produced by wild or feral cats. A pet cat’s meow tends to be shorter
and higher pitched than similar sounds produced by feral cats (Nicastro, 2004;
Yeon et al., 2011). Nicastro (2004) also found that the sounds produced by pet cats
are more pleasing to the human ear than similar vocalizations produced by their
wildcat relatives.
When directed towards people, a meow is used most often as a greeting and as
a form of attention or food soliciting. Research has shown that most people can

Table 3.1. Methods of communication.

Method of communication Advantages Disadvantages

Visual signals
(body language)

Clear and explicit

Can be started, stopped or

altered quickly

Intended recipient needs to

be in close enough range

to see the signaller clearly

Auditory signals
(vocalizations)

The signaller does not have

to be seen by the intended

recipient

Sounds can be effective over

a long distance

Can be started, stopped or

altered quickly

The sound may be heard and

exploited by an unintended

receiver, e.g. an enemy or

predator

Sounds may become distorted

by distance or overpowered

by other sounds

Olfactory (scent) signals Long lasting – information
can be deposited by the
signaller and read by the
recipient when the signaller
is no longer in the area.
Ideal for solitary species, or
animals at risk of predation

Information cannot be altered

or retracted

Contamination by

microorganisms may alter

the intended information