| CAT TALK |
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Cat Talk I would not get up for a single "mrrraouwww?" It is nothing more than a content sigh, combined with the wish to let you know one is present at this time, not tired and not quite awake, but open to suggestions. It sounds just like a sleepy 'hey, what's up?' The last syllable is slightly higher, with the emphasis on the question mark. I use that sound to check on my cats just before going to sleep. Just add another syllable and make it sound like 'where are y'all?' (mrraouwwhow?) Give it a try. If you seriously mean it, you will be amazed with the results, and receive an answer for sure. A high pitched, wailing 'meeeeoowwwwwrrrr' that sounds just like a four letter word usually indicates a minor irritation (move it, the water bowl is empty AGAIN, you can almost see them standing with a tapping foot) or a fellow cat occupying a favorite spot, and does not require immediate attention. But don't forget to answer in the event you are busy at the time. It is not polite to ignore. Every so often, when I am busy in the kitchen, I am addressed with an exited, short series of fast continuing 'meeouw mow mow' which means I should definately not open any cans unless they contain cat food. If it happens to be a can of peaches, the disappointed growls are beyond description. It is usually easier to give them something in order to continue working in peace, rather them falling all over themselves thinking they will receive something any minute now. With four of them, it can get preeetty loud. There is nothing sweeter than a queen - a mother cat - softly talking to her kittens. They even 'mrow' to them before they are born, during the last few days of pregnancy. If you are ever lucky enough to be around one, you will see her glowing eyes turned into themselves, listening to something only she can hear, and answering it. I can not reproduce those sounds full of love and content, but if you ever hear them, you will never forget. Some mothers keep their lullabies throughout their entire life, and are a great comfort in times of the blues. It is nice to have them close after the kittens are born, too, since mom has her little motor running almost all the time, and the constant purrrrrr relaxes better than staring at a fish tank. Just as cute is the high whizzing purr of the newborns, who start practicing after three weeks or so, and purr each time they nurse. Since they have not yet coordinated the suckling, swallowing, breathing, and purring, they sound like little motors with engine hickups. Try to practice along with them. You'll find it strangely comforting to purr (roll your breath over your tongue back to your throat where you let it "snore", can be done on in-breath as well as out-breath), and you even might get the reward of getting your hand washed by the mother. A purr is the sound of complete happiness and content. Some of us are lucky enough to fall asleep listening to it: A strong, rumbling purr, softly fading away, coming back, fading away, while the cat drifts to slumber, and finally dying with a deep sigh that sounds very human. Ever tried to purr when receiving a backrub? I'll bet you won't have to beg for the next one. Then there are dozens of little sounds for all occasions. Orientals are great talkers, and my Siamese can hold her end of a conversation for any period of time. In fact, if I don't answer her, she will get aggravated and come investigate. She'll get up, claw her way up to my shoulder if need be to come close enough to butt her forehead into my face, and looks into my eyes to make sure they are dry, for there must be something wrong if I fail to answer her. The same mannerism developed as means of comfort when she senses that I am sad. A soft paw will trace the tears down my face and wipe them away. Her little round head will snuggle close one cheek, and the pressure feels just as good as a hug. I know it sounds ridiculous if you have not yet experienced it for yourself, but sometimes I 'forget' when I'm with my friends, and without thinking, 'cattalk' to them. They think it is rather funny, and none ever had problems understanding what I meant. Believe me, it's a great line to start a Saturday night when you are just dying to talk to that handsome stranger. I never met a person who did not understand what was meant when addressed by a 'mrrrouww?' (like Al's ERR?) that sounded like a hello. And it always works great to save you if you REALLY don't want to answer a particular question. And nothing gets rid of a bad come-on then a loud and angry 'fffftt-fffftt' hissed in his face, best accompanied by a claw-shaped hand slightly raised to eye level. After being around me, most of my friends now have also adopted certain meows without even noticing anymore (of course, that most of them have also adopted one of my kittens helps), and we have a blast when strangers give us funny looks for sometimes greeting each other rubbing cheeks. And in private live? Welll, I've never been turned down when asking for a favor where the 'oh, hunny baby dear' was accompanied by a serious 'rub-up'. Paws up :) |
