Unless you’re Doctor Doolittle, you can’t exactly have a two-way conversation with your pets.
But that doesn’t mean our beloved cats and dogs can’t communicate with us at all. Whether it’s the wag of a puppy’s tail or the purr of kitten, animals use a wide range of vocalisations, body language and other signals to communicate their needs.
1. Sounds
Dogs have a range of bark variations that their owners will grow to recognise with patience and attention. Repeated short barks are often a signal that a visitor is close by or even a warning to stay away. Repeated high-pitched barks can also be used to gain your attention, or to signal that they want something like a toy or food. A low growl usually indicates unhappiness, anger or feeling threatened. A ‘ruff ruff’ is often playful, while a lone single bark can indicate loneliness or boredom. A wince or yelp can be a sign of surprise or pain.
Cats also whimper when in pain. Short and repeated meows are usually a sign of playfulness or even a greeting. Long meows are often a demand for attention or food. Hissing is the equivalent of a dog’s growl and indicates stress or displeasure. And, of course, purring is a well-known sign of contentment and a happy cat.
2. Eye contact
Just like humans, dogs use eye contact to help them communicate. To determine the purpose of your dogs’ stare, it’s a good idea to look at the body language they’re using at the same time. For example, a dog staring intently may be a sign of aggression or agitation if combined with a stiff posture or a low growl. A confused dog may also use eye contact to indicate they don’t understand a command. A dog looking into your eyes while relaxed, can be a sign of affection. While stereotypical ‘puppy eye’s combined with a whine is usually a method of begging or communicating an unmet need.
Cats’ body language can also be assessed in combination with their eye contact to determine their needs. A cat with a fixed stare and rigid body may be a sign of anger or frustration. A cat with a relaxed body and open eyes is usually content. Squinting can indicate fear or aggression. An intense stare can be a sign of control or dominance, particularly if it occurs near the cat’s territory or personal items such as food or litter.
Both dogs and cats may also avoid eye contact if they feel threatened or a sense of guilt.
3. Tail movement
Everyone knows a wagging tail is the sign of a happy or playful dog. A tail hidden between a dog’s legs is also a well-known sign of fear or worry. A straight tail can indicate a dog is trying to assert control, and if it’s pointed horizontally it can be a sign of aggression. A relaxed tail is usually a sign that a dog is content or distracted.
Cats’ tails are also used to communicate, but not in the same way dogs use their tails. A straight, vertical cat’s tail is usually a sign of happiness. If their tail is arched it can be a sign of caution. A quivering tail can signal excitement or over-stimulation. A gently wagging tail usually means playfulness. Unhappiness or fear can be spotted through a tail that’s wrapped around a cat, or held down low. A bushy tail can also indicate defensiveness.
4. Posture
The posture of a dog is another way to help determine how the animal is feeling. A crouching dog with its hairs on end is usually fearful. A dog that rolls around and shows its belly is often happy and attempting to appease its human. A dog standing tall on all fours is usually relaxed, while lunging forward signals alertness, excitement or sometimes aggression.
Happy cats stand or sit with a relaxed posture, or lie down often with their bellies exposed. Cats will crouch and tense their muscles if they’re fearful or anxious. Lying down with a flattened body or standing with an arched back and tense muscles can be a sign of an unhappy cat.
5. Proximity
A dog’s proximity to its owners is another way it communicates its needs. A content dog will usually be comfortable in the company of people. A dog that’s scared or threatened may hide. Hungry dogs will often linger near food bowls, while dogs in a playful mood may hover near toys or leads eagerly awaiting a walk.
Cats, like dogs, may hide or seek solitude if they’re scared or unhappy. In general, cats don’t rely on their owners as much as dogs do to feel safe and secure and may therefore seem more aloof and content on their own.
