Ever wonder what your cat is trying to tell you with all those meows, grumbles and purrs?

Animal experts say that feline conversation is far more complex than those sounds. According to animal behaviorists at the Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine, cats rely on visual, as well as sound cues, to let us know what they're thinking.

"Cats do communicate with voice," says Dr. Kathy Gaughan, "The sounds they make have a specific meaning. For instance, a cat's purr generally indicates contentment, an inquisitive meow shows greeting and interest in interaction. On the other hand, a low pitched growl or hiss may indicate either offensive or defensive aggression."

Body "language"
However, the cat's meow is not the entire story. Many owners do not realize that cats communicate through body language, posture, ear position, tail position and odors rather than through "talking."

When a cat rubs its head on any object -- including a person's leg or face -- it is not displaying affection, but claiming ownership. When cats rub, they are marking their territory by leaving smells from the glands in their cheeks. Other cats will detect the smell, and realize that the object - or person -- is "taken."

Cats also send messages with the position of their tails, ears and back. For example, common signs of a content cat include a vertically-aligned tail that is not flicking, ears that are up and forward, and a level back and hind end.

A stressed cat varies in appearance. Often, the cat will flick its tail, starting at the tip, and becoming more pronounced. The tail itself will likely be concave, or U-shaped, and could bristle out. The ears rear back, the cat shies away, and probably lowers its stance while raising its back or hind end. Generally, these signals serve as warnings for anyone who challenges the cat.

A Kitty Glossary
The non-profit website, www.21cats.org offers an intriguingly-detailed lexicon of kitty communications, including:

• Tail straight up and unmoving - an unabashed greeting.
• Tail straight up or just slightly raised and curved like a question mark - your cat is very excited and interested in something.
• Tail held low and tucked between the hind legs - your cat is showing submission or defeat.
• Ears pointing forward and slightly outward - your cat is relaxed and happy.
• Ears very straight up and forward - your cat is listening to something that is intriguing.
• Wide open eyes - your cat is awake and ready to go.
• Half closed eyes - your kitty is relaxed and ready for a cat nap!
• Rolling on his/her back and exposing the belly - your cat is letting you know that he/she totally trusts you as he/she is exposing the most vulnerable part of the body. This doesn't necessarily mean that your cat wants a belly rub.
• Sniffing - cats sniff each other in the wild to say hello and get to know each other. If your cat sniffs your face consider it a greeting and a way of showing that your cat trusts and likes you.
  
  For more on how cats communicate, visit www.21cats.org or www.ksu.edu