How Do Cats Communicate With Each Other?

If you share your home with multiple cats, you’ve probably witnessed a range of ways they interact, from grooming to hissing and swatting. All of these are ways cats talk to one another.  

Like humans, cats use a variety of methods to communicate. Their communication is complex and can range from obvious signals to more subtle cues. Whether they’re expressing emotions, sharing resources, or soliciting play, cats speak a detailed “feline language.” 

So how do cats communicate with each other? Here’s what to know.  

Body Language

Cats use body language to express emotions and intentions. Non-verbal cues are essential for social interactions between cats, whether it’s for bonding, avoiding conflict, or setting boundaries.  

Body Postures

The way cats hold themselves around other cats says a lot about how they’re feeling. For example, when a cat feels comfortable and relaxed around another cat, they might lie on their side or sit comfortably with a loosely extended tail. This indicates that they’re at ease.  

On the other hand, a fearful cat may crouch, tuck their tail under, and freeze, signaling that they are not a threat. If a cat feels cornered, they may puff up their fur (known as piloerection), arch their back, and stand tall to appear larger and discourage conflict. 

Tail Movements

The tail is one of the most expressive parts of a cat’s body.  

A tail held upright indicates confidence and curiosity, signaling that the cat is open to interaction. During play, a tail held in an upside-down U shape shows excitement. A low or tucked tail suggests fear or discomfort, while a rapidly swishing tail signals agitation or aggression.  

Understanding these signals can help other cats differentiate between a friendly cat and one who might be a threat.  

Ear Positions

Erect ears signal alertness, while flattened ears often indicate aggression or fear. Ears that swivel or rotate show curiosity or slight discomfort. These ear movements help other cats gauge the situation and decide whether to approach or retreat. 

Eyes and Facial Expressions

Direct eye contact can sometimes signal a territorial challenge in cats. However, a cat who slowly blinks or lowers their eyelids is showing trust and affection, often referred to as a “cat kiss.” This is a way for cats to communicate safety and comfort with one another. 

Body Blocking

Body blocking occurs when cats position themselves to prevent other cats from moving or accessing a resource or space, such as food or a resting spot.  

This can be very subtle and can even look like the cat is simply resting. But body blocking can be accompanied by a stare-down, which indicates tension and conflict between the cats.  

Chasing

Chasing is also common in playful cats. But if the chased cat becomes distressed, it’s a sign that the play has gone too far and that it’s time to intervene. 

Vocalizations

In the wild, cats prefer communicating through body language and scent marking instead of meowing. Domesticated cats, however, have adapted their vocal behavior to communicate with humans. (They’ve learned that meowing gets them what they want—whether it’s food, attention, or access to a room.) 

So while cats typically reserve meowing for humans, they may sometimes meow at each other to seek attention or during friendly interactions. This shows their ability to adapt communication strategies to their environment. 

Other vocalizations cats may use to communicate with one another include: 

• Purring can communicate peaceful intentions to avoid conflict, especially when a cat is approaching another cat. 

• Trilling is a friendly vocalization used to communicate affection or excitement, often when greeting each other. It fosters social bonds and conveys a sense of invitation. 

• Chirping and chattering occur when cats spot prey, such as birds, and can also be used to attract the attention of other cats. It signals curiosity or excitement. 

• Yowling is a long, loud vocalization used by cats during mating behaviors or territorial disputes. This sound helps to establish boundaries and communicate over long distances. 

• Growling and hissing are defensive vocalizations used when a cat feels threatened. These sounds act as warnings, signaling the need for space. 

• Spitting is an involuntary explosive vocalization used when a cat is extremely frightened or agitated. It also serves as a warning before more aggressive actions occur. 

If you hear sounds like growling, hissing, or spitting, separate your cats into their own spaces and allow them to decompress—this may take several hours or possibly even days. A pheromone diffuser might help your cat feel calmer. 

If the aggressive behavior between cats persists, seek advice from a veterinary behaviorist. 

Physical Contact

Physical contact plays a significant role in how cats communicate with each other. Behaviors like grooming and headbutting help establish social bonds and communicate affection. These actions are essential for creating and maintaining relationships within a group. 

• Grooming and snuggling are signs of social bonding between cats. These behaviors show a high level of trust and are used to strengthen their connection, reduce stress, and show affection. Cats may also snuggle with one another to seek warmth in cooler environments. 

• Headbutting and rubbing are forms of cat communication that allow kitties to mark their territory by transferring scent from glands located around their cheeks and jaw. These behaviors signal comfort, affection, and familiarity. 

• Nose touching is a friendly greeting that allows scent exchange between two cats so that they can recognize one another. In multi-cat households, nose touching can reinforce social bonds. It’s a non-aggressive way for cats to communicate familiarity, similar to a handshake in humans.  

• Kneading and gentle biting, often accompanied by purring, indicate affection or comfort. Gentle biting, particularly when paired with purring, signals playfulness or a desire for attention. 

Chemical Signals

Chemical cues are one of the most subtle (but significant!) forms of communication that cats use to convey messages to each other. These signals are typically transmitted through pheromones and other chemical substances cats deposit. 

Scent Glands and Chemical Signals

Cats have nine scent glands spread throughout their body. Some of the most prominent glands are located on the face (cheeks, chin, and forehead), tail, paws, and anal region.  

Releasing pheromones from these glands helps mark territory and signal emotions such as comfort, affection, or stress. 

Rubbing and Scratching

As cats rub their bodies, face, or paws against objects, they leave behind pheromones, which communicate their presence to other cats. In multi-cat households, these scent markings help maintain social structure and reinforce territorial boundaries. 

Urine Spraying

This is another common form of scent marking, particularly in unneutered (intact) male cats.  

The urine of mature male tomcats contains a compound called felinine. Felinine is believed to help cats communicate their identity and sexual status, particularly during mating seasons or when competing over territory. 

Middening

Middening is a form of cat communication where feces are left in a prominent, uncovered location. Cats use it to reveal their presence to other cats, establish territory boundaries, or respond to perceived threats.  

This behavior is more common in outdoor cats or in multi-cat environments where scent marking plays a key role in social dynamics.