Cats talk to each other and their owners in a variety of ways. From ear positions, eye blinks, and tail talk, to meows, hisses, growls and chattering, Kitty never seems at a loss for words—even when it comes to fur.
Cat Fur Talk
A relaxed cat’s fur hugs her body in smooth layers. But cats who are uncertain or afraid use piloerection—fluffed up fur—to make themselves look bigger than they are. The fluffed fur strives to make the cat look more impressive and imposing, in an effort to bluff her way out of the situation. The fur in particular stands off the back of the neck and shoulders (hackles), and turns the smooth tail into a bottle-brush bristled tail effect. If the bluff works, the impressive posturing scares off the perceived threat.
You’ll often notice kittens exhibiting piloerection during play-fight games. The fluffed fur is not a conscious “language” but rather an automatic response connected to the cat’s emotional state. So even an exciting game of kitten-tag may prompt your kitten to self-inflate.
Cat Whisker Whispers
Whiskers are a type of specialized hair referred to as “vibrissae” or “sinus” hairs that are found on the cat’s muzzle, eyebrows, sometimes the cheeks and chin, and the underside of the lower forelegs. Whiskers are very long and stiff, yet flexible, and serve as a sensory function for the cat. These hairs are seated deep in the skin, with the base of the hair surrounded by a forest of nerve endings. The nerves register the slightest vibration or contact with the hair. Whiskers are efficient antennae that detect everything from the measure of a narrow opening to shifts in the wind and barometric pressure. Whiskers also protect the cat’s eyes from injury, providing a startle reflex that shuts the eyes if anything touches them.
The cat’s whiskers also communicate to the world. The whiskers of a curious cat fan forward, as though to embrace the object of interest. Watch her whiskers the next time your cat sees you opening that can of food. The whiskers of happy, relaxed cats are extended outward. But whiskers that slick back and down against the cheeks are a sign of a frightened or agitated cat. Whiskers are so sensitive, it only makes sense that Kitty would want to hold them close to protect them in case of attack. The position of the whiskers to some extent mirrors the position and meaning of cat ear talk.
Cat Communication
Paying attention to your cat’s fur position helps you read her emotional state and anticipate her actions. Even cats that have short, tight-fitting coats will exhibit raised hackles and Brillo-pad tails, and their whiskers will be a give-away. When put in context with the rest of the cat’s body language and vocalizations, Kitty’s message couldn’t be any clearer