Family Communication

All of the domestic cat’s wild kin use similar methods of communication.

In adults, vocal noises are mostly murmurs and high-pitched sounds; vowels are restricted to kittenhood. Territorial body language is highly refined, as is the use of both scent markers and touch.

Because territory is so important, most large cats leave obvious scratch marks: in some regions where few trees grow, specimens are densely and deeply marked with generations of scratching.

Markers may also be sprayed, to act as scent posts as well as visible signs.