Tony and Myrtle's website

Cat Talk

My cat family in 2024

I have Zarina the Sphynx who we got 13 years ago and then three kittens that I fostered 2 and 3 years ago. They all get on fine and keep me happy to be with them. Zarina has always loved Kathrine and now the others do in their own special ways.

Sometimes people say to me that cats don't really communicate but I know they are wrong. I have always talked to mine, and ones I have looked after, and they understand me and I them. It is clear when you look at their faces as they deliberately seek out my eyes and hold my attention. It isn't just a look in my general direction but directly eye to eye and if I call them by name they turn to see my face, not just towards me.

It is also clear that they have knowledge of themselves as being individuals. If I just call one name that cat will come to me (if it feels like it!) but not the others. However if I make a general sort of calling noise, like clicking my tongue, I often get the attention of more than one but if I have used a name they may well look for that particular cat to see if anything is about to happen that should't be missed.

Although they come from different mothers and places they share a general set of noises but use them differently. They can also differentiate what some of my human words mean to them.

This is what my four do as individuals.

Zarina (Calico Sphynx) does not say much but has two special noises she uses to get attention: A low lengthy miaow means that she wants a litter tray but wants me to open a big door rather than use the cat door! If I move towards it she will walk in front of me ready to go out. If I don't move she will walk around a bit but if I say, No, go out, she will mutter a bit but eventually use the cat door. After using the litter she might look through the door for me, but then give up and come back the same way. Her other special noise is a very loud purr when she is settled against me on my bed. Or when Kathrine gives her a stroke and a cuddle. Funnily enough she doesn't purr so much when lying on my lap!

Ronja (Tabby) is very different - she has a large vocabulary and answers me with different sounds when I talk to her. It is definitely an actual conversation using miaows and chirrups. W hen I enter the room she is in she rushes over and starts an actual conversation to which I must contribute! She also purrs a lot when cuddling at night; rather wet purrs! Sometimes if I can't see her and I call her name she will reply and appear. She also has a very loud set of cuss words when Dobby annoys her!

Dobby (Black and White) also has a large vocabulary but only one miaow sound which he varies in length and volume. His purr comes in short bursts. But when he does speak, it is VERY loud. He likes one lap cuddle a day, usually about 4pm while I am having my afternoon Cappuccino.

Lone (Black Tortie) is different again - her vocabulary is

very, very, very quiet

and has just one word, a little squeak. She comes to me by my chair and I can just hear her if I am paying attention. Then she sits on my lap and an even tinier little purr just about reaches my ears. She started here very shy but after two years she has become very friendly, especially if I already have Zarina on my lap. She now likes a brush before getting off, but tells me when she has had enough by biting my hand.

They have now all learnt to like a quick brush, but enjoy it in silence.

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