Q: Do cats really only meow to communicate with people? How do they communicate with other cats?
A: Kittens meow to communicate their needs, or when they’re in distress, and this is purely directed at their mother. As kittens mature and become independent, this form of communication diminishes in importance.
An adult cat relies on other forms of communication. This may be indirect, in the form of visual or scent marking – including scratching, which leaves both visual and pheromone traces – and urine marking. More direct communication is largely via body language.
A cat’s entire body from the whiskers to the tip of the tail can be used to communicate a massive variety of emotions, intentions, wants and needs.
Vocalisation in the form of hissing, spitting or yowling is largely a last resort when other communicative attempts have failed in a conflict situation.
Yowling may also be heard during mating seasons, or when male cats announce their presence.
The typical meow is generally reserved for us though, the simple reason being that it is effective. Cats quickly learn that a meow is the route to affection, food or other needs. And being a talkative species ourselves, we respond more easily to their vocalisations than to their body language.
There are rare exceptions, such as the Siamese, a breed that seems to relish meowing just for the sake of it!
Take note of your own cat’s meowing pattern, and should it change in any way, make sure to have her checked by your vet – increased or decreased meowing could indicate a health issue.
Katherine Brown, behaviourist
