Q&A for How to Communicate with Your Cat

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How do you apologize to your cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The best apology is never to repeat the action you want to apologize for. Cats live in the moment so, moving forward, speak quietly, pet them gently, and treat the cat with respect. They will accept this as an apology and rebuild the bond between you.

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Question

My cat keeps hitting the windows shutters. He doesn't stop no matter what. My mother tried yelling at him with all her strenght hundreds of times. Nothing seems to be working.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Unfortunately, shouting at the cat can accidentally reward his bad behavior as he likes the attention. As an 'emergency' measure, you could purchase a can of compressed air that it triggered by movement. Position this on the window sill so the cat gets spritzed each time he attacks the shutters and this will soon stop him; however, also look into why he hits the shutters. Could he be bored? Make sure to play with him at least twice a day and really get him chasing round after toys.

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Question

My cat was meowing at nothing, after I called her name she stopped walked over behind the couch and started meowing again. Is she sick?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Cats can become vocal for lots of reasons, some of which are behavioral and some health related. Only your vet can truly tell if the cat is sick, but be alert for changes in her eating and drinking habits, litter box offerings, and activity levels. If these are altered then get her checked. Also older cats can become more vocal if they have gone deaf, so you might want to test her hearing (although she did come when you called.) Alternatively, some cats meow at nothing because it got your attention last time, so be sure she gets lots of fuss and isn't bored.

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Question

Do cats try to communicate with humans?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

All the time! Indeed, cats are such good communicators they are highly effective at training people! Think of all those times the cat wove around your ankles and meowed by the fridge. Did you open the door and feed them? Yes!

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Question

How do you tell your cat you love them?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Love is an emotion that comes naturally to cats that feel safe, secure, and mentally stimulated. Tell your cat you love them by providing for all their needs (such as a high perch with a view, puzzle feeders, regular grooming, and preventative healthcare). The cat will understand you have their best interests at heart and come to love you in return.

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Question

Do cats understand human language?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Cats don't understand words and meaning in the same way we understand language. However, they do read our intentions in our tone of voice and our body language. So while a cat may not understand the words "supper time," they will know from listening to the tone of our voice and seeing us reach for a bowl that it's time for a meal.

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