User:Torisosa/Cat behavior

Kittens vocalize early in development. Some examples of different vocalizations are described below.

• Purring - means that the cat is either content or is self-soothing due to fear
• Meow - a frequently used greeting. A mother meows when interacting with her young. Meows can also be used when a cat wishes for attention.
• Hissing or spitting - indicates an angry or defensive cat.
• Yowl - means that the cat is in distress or feeling aggressive.
• Chattering - occurs when hunting or tracking potential prey. Consists of quick chirps made while the mouth vibrates. The gaze is fixed and staring. This behavior may be in response to a surge of adrenaline or may be caused by the anticipation of a pending hunt.

Scent rubbing and spraying

These behaviors are thought to be a way of marking territory. Feral cats prefer to avoid conflict with one another, instead they keep away from territory that is unmarked. Facial marking behavior is used to mark their territory as "safe". The cat rubs its cheeks on prominent objects in the preferred territory, depositing a chemical pheromone produced in glands in the cheeks. . This is known as a contentment pheromone. Synthetic versions of the feline facial pheromone are available commercially.