Should every family own a cat? Scientists reveal how to communicate with your feline
Over the years, cats have gained quite a reputation. Many people see them as aloof and mysterious, and difficult to communicate with or train, much unlike their canine counterparts. But, according to experts, cats can actually make a great family pet.
Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, told Yahoo: “If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, a cat could be a great addition. Cats are often considered to be distant and aloof, but it is by no means the case that cats are unfriendly, uninterested in people, or do not love their owners.
“Cats are highly independent and like to do things on their own terms, but they are highly affectionate animals as well and often bond very deeply with the people that they love. If you’re considering getting a cat, take time to make sure you choose the right breed for your family.”
And, scientists have now even found a way to communicate with cats. Kitty owners were delighted to discover that there are different ways their cat communicates with them - and how they can communicate back.
A new study, which was published in the journal Current Biology, has uncovered the method to our murmuring moggies. Cats are able to produce purrs that typically have a frequency of around 20 to 30 hertz, a pitch that usually comes from animals much bigger than little Fluffy, such as elephants.
Now, scientists have suggested that cats are able to produce their purrs in the same way humans produce something known as a vocal fry, which is the lowest tone human voices can produce. When emitted, it sounds like a croaky, husky voice.
Watch: Four Reasons Why Your Cat Purrs
With the permission of pet owners whose cats are deceased, scientists conducted experiments using the voice boxes of eight domestic cats. By pinching the vocal cords and pumping humid air through them, they were able to produce purring at 25 to 30 hertz from each voice box.
The researchers suggested that purring is a “passive mechanical system” that happens automatically after a cat’s brain creates the initial signal to purr. This could mean that cats don’t have to actively think about purring to signal their contentment, but the phenomenon happens automatically.
Read more: Scientists have finally worked out how cats produce purring sounds (The Independent, 2-min read)
How else do cats communicate with humans?
Aside from purring, cats have displayed a number of ways they use to send signals to their owners.
According to insight from experts at Pets4Homes, the UK’s largest pet rehoming site, these include:
Putting their bottom in the air
If, while stroking your cat, their bottom raises towards the air, it indicates that your cat is comfortable and in a good mood. When your cat does this, it means they’re comfortable with you - keep petting the cat to build your bond.
Face rubbing
You’ll often see a cat rubbing their face against something; be it your legs, the sofa, the wall - anything really! Cats do this to mark their territory, as they have scent glands in their cheeks. To respond, you can offer your cat your hand to rub against.
Eyes half-closed
If your cat looks at you with half-closed eyes, it means they’re content and feeling safe. What they want from you here is lots of fuss with pets and tickles, so give them plenty of attention if you’re looking to show your love.
Slow blink
If your cat blinks slowly at you, this means that they trust you and they feel comfortable in your presence. In turn, you can blink slowly back at them to show your love and trust.
Swishing tail
A cat swishing their tail fast means they’re annoyed and may lash out. If you’re the source of the annoyance, step back from the cat and give them space!
