Animal Talk

Did you know that cats can speak and understand English?

Until I became a proud cat owner, I had no idea. I honestly though all they ever said was meow and hisssss. I learned my spoiled cat, Grace could talk when I went up to her one day and said cheerfully, "Hi Grace, Can I pick you up?" She replied, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Some people would have listened to that emphatic no, and sometimes I do, but not always. So, when I picked her up, admist her classic symphony of groans and meows, I could clearly hear her say "Put me dowwwn!" If that's not enough to make her point, she usually finishes with a dramatic HISSSSSSSS. Grace really is quite a vocalist. I'd love to put her on American Idol - and give her to Simon!

The other thing I never knew when I first got a kitty is that I would begin to understand her native language. At first, I was puzzled when this strange creature looked at me and chirped. I wondered who was this cute little furry alien who loves to pounce on me and talk like a bird? it took a while, but I finally learned what she meant.

Chirrrrupp means I'm so excited! She says it most often as she is jubilantly running to pounce on her glitter ball.
Some think it can also be a way for cats to mimic their prey and get them to come closer.

I have a long way to go before I become fluent, but I have learned some other interesting words as well:

• Grrrrrrrrrrr means you are beginning to get on my nerves. Leave me alone.
• Grrrrrrr Mrrrrrrrow Mroow mrrrrrrr in a very low pitch means okay, now you are starting to really really get on my nerves. Seriously, leave me alone!
• A short "rrow" is a way of sassing back when she doesn't like something.
• A short "Meow" from low to high is her way of saying Hi
• A longer louder Mrrrow is a demand for something. After all, she does believe she is the boss.
• Purrrrrr usually means I'm really happy especially if they seem really relaxed and in a sweet mood. I usually see this when Grace is too tired to be so feisty.
  According to experts, a purr can also be a way for a stressed cat to calm themselves. Apparently some cats do this in stressful situations like the vets office though I've never heard Gracie do that. Usually she just hisses at everybody.

Cats also have some interesting body language. It may be a little different from one spoiled cat to the next, but I've learned that if their tail is really whipping, it's a good idea to back away and watch out.

Do you have a story about your pet?
Let me know and I'll be glad to feature it in a future blog!