Perspectives A Newsletter for Cat Fanciers On Cats From The Cornell Feline Health Cente Spring 1995

The Cat's M eow :A Lesson in

For centuries man has pondered the ability of cats to inspired by passion and repeated under similar recur­ communicate with people and the ability of people to rent circumstances, become the abiding expressions understand the nuances of cat language. This type of of the passions that gave rise to them.” study is called zoosemiotics. Zoosemioticians study the form, content and context of animal communica­ It was Dupont de Nemours research into animal language that caught the interest of Chateaubriand. tions. Historically, it could be said that Montaigne (1533-1592), Dupont de Nemours (1739-1817) and According to Chateaubriand, “The cat has the same Chateaubriand (1768-1848) were the forefathers of vowels as pronounced by the dog, and with the zoosemiotics. addition of six consonants— m, n, g, h, v, and f. Consequently, the cat has a greater number of words Montaigne stated that, “It is manifestly evident than the dog.” Alphonse Leon Grimaldi, a nine­ that there is among cats a full and entire communica­ teenth century French professor, concurred with tion, and that they understand each other.” Chateaubriand’s observation, since he claimed that cats had a language that contained about 600 words. Dupont de Nemours tried to penetrate the myster­ Even Darwin stated that some animals have the ies of animal language. He commented that, “Those power of language, even if only rudimentary when who utter sounds attach significance to them; their compared to human language. fellows do the same, and those sounds originally These historical accounts are intriguing, but what does the modem literature say about cat language? Inside this issue... Do we know anything about cat communication, or are we merely imposing anthropomorphologic quali­ ties on cats? The Cat’s Meow page 1 M-E-I-O-U Pet Ownership and AIDS page 4 Extensive observations of feline vocalization pat­ Mail Bag page 5 terns were made by Moelk in the 1940s. Moelk described three different vocal patterns based on how Honor Roll page 6 the sound was produced: murmur patterns, vowel Animal Instincts on the Air page 8 patterns, and strained intensity patterns. Within each category, various distinctive sounds can occur. Typi­ Book Bits—Zoonotic Diseases page 8 cally the vowels used are a, e, o, and u. 7Tie conso­ nants are g, h, m, n, r, t, and s. Table 1 provides a phonetic listing of cat vocalizations. Perspectives O n C a t s 2

Murmur Patterns and increased bursts of pressure across this area for These vocalizations are produced when the mouth is in the 20- to 30-milliseconds. The increased buildup of closed position. pressure creates the vibrations associated with the purr. Grunt: If you have owned a kitten, you are probably familiar with this unique sound. Usually, The hemodynamic theory suggests that the vibra­ the vocalization is lost by maturity, however, the tion is caused when the vena cava (primary vein) is grunt may be emitted by an adult cat if it is particu­ constricted by the contraction of the diaphragm. This larly baffled. constriction causes turbulence in the blood that is resonated and amplified through the bronchial tubes Purr: This sound is the most endearing and and the trachea to the sinus cavities in the head. magical of all the sounds created by the cat. Over the centuries many theories, from mythical to scientific, The purr is usually considered a contented com­ have been purported to explain this unique sound. munication and occurs in the presence of other cats Currently, the theories used to explain the purring and humans. The purr is also used to help in feline phenomenon are based on aerodynamic or hemody­ social bonding. A queen w ill purr during parturition; namic concepts. the sound guides the newly born kittens to stay close to the queen. Kittens begin to purr within two days of The aerodynamic theory is based on the activa­ birth. A kitten will purr loudly during nursing. It is tion of the laryngeal muscles by partial closure of the thought that the loud purring is a stimulus for its glottis (the elongated space between the vocal cords) littermates to also partake of nourishment.

When adult cats cross paths, it is not unusual to hear the more submissive cat purr in the presence of Perspectives the more dominant cat. The sound pattern changes A Newsletter for Cat Fanciers from the characteristic ‘“ hrn-rhn” to a “mhrn” and is O n C a t s From The Cornell Feline Health Center considered a friendly feline greeting. Female cats are known to purr during courtship and mating. There are The ultimate purpose of the Cornell Feline Health Center is to reports that some cats purr when in pain or before improve the health of cats everywhere, by developing methods to prevent or cure feline diseases, and by providing continuing dying. education to veterinarians and cat owners. All contributions are tax-deductible. Call: This is a low throaty sound usually emitted Director: Fred W. Scott, D.V.M., Ph .D by a cat when it is trying to coax another cat to come Assistant Director: James R. Richards, D.V.M. Editor: June E. Tuttle closer, such as in the case of a female cat signaling its Secretaries: G w e n Frost Marsha J. Leonard readiness to mate. The call can be intensified from a Sheryl A. Thomas coax to a command, as used by male cats to invite young males to fight. ©1995 by Cornell University on behalf of the Cornell Feline Health Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853. Acknowledgment: This form of communication Phone: (607) 253-3414 Fax: (607) 253-3419 All rights reserved. Permission to reprint se­ is a short murmur with a rapidly falling intonation. In lected portions must be obtained in writing. most instances, the sound occurs when a cat antici­ Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. pates receiving a treat from its owner. Kittens are about 12 weeks old before they can vocalize this murmur pattern. Printed on recycled paper. 3

Vowel Patterns Table 1. Phonetics of Feline Vocalizations These sounds are produced Categories: Phonetics: when the mouth is first opened Murmur Patterns and then gradually closed. Grunt Demand: Thi s voc ali zation Purr 'hm-rhn-'hm-rhn... varies in inflection and tone, a. Greeting 'mhm indicating the mood of the cat. C all b mhm The most intense and loudest is Acknowledgment 'mhr/z properly named the “ begging Vowel Patterns demand.” This can be reduced Demand 'mrhn-a' :oii in intensity and have a drawn a. Whisper 'mrhn-e out sound. Many owners are b. Begging Demand 'mhm-aou:? familiar with this vocalization Bewilderment 'maoii:? when their cat is making a re­ a. Worry 'ma oii:? quest (i.e. access to another Complaint 'mhn-a:oii room). Queens use this vocal Mating Cry (mild) 'mhm-a:oii pattern to call their kittens after Anger W ail a:oii she has caught prey. Another Strained Intensity Patterns variation is the chirping sound Growl grr... accompanied by tail-flicking Snarl 'a:o when a cat is wistfully eyeing H iss 'ssss... prey. The least intense is known a. Spit fft! as the silent meow, in which Caterwaul 'oe-ce' :a there is mouth movement with Scream a! little or no sound accompany­

N N ing it. P* Refusal P Bewilderment: Kittens are Key: Vowels: Consonants: capable of this vocal pattern af­ a as in father, f as in /an; ter 79 days of age. The vowel a as in cot; h as in Aunt; 3 as in banana; m as in mouse; pattern varies from the demand o as in go; n as in kitten; and typifies the “ meow” sound ceas in French eux; n as in sung; most associated with cats. Worry ii as in pool; r as in rat; is denoted by extending the be­ t as in bat; ginning syllable. s as in make Other: C om plaint: This pattern : indicates prolongation of sound; ~ indicates nasalization; varies substantially in the be­ / indicates strcss-accent; 1 indicates inhalation; ginning vowel sounds from the ? indicates rising inflection; z indicates discontinuity; bewilderment sound. Cats ex­ ! indicates abrupt, stress-accent ending pressing a vocal complaint usu­ Adapted from Moelk M: Am J Psych 57:184-205, (1944 )and Beaver ally are quieted simply by their BV:Feline Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians, p. 267, WB Saunders Co., owners’ verbal response to their Philadelphia PA, (1992). vocalizations. Perspectives O n C a t s 4

Mating Crx: This is a distinctive two-syllable Refusal: This is a very low, almost rasping sound sound made by an intact female cat when it is in estrus that is discontinuous. The cat voices the refusal when (heat). it is trying to withdraw from a situation that it has been forced into. A n ger Wail: This is a common form of commu­ nication in adult cats and kittens. Adult cats utilize it Summary when playing rough or fighting. Kittens can vocalize If you have owned cats for several years you are this distress call as early as one day old. Kittens will probably familiar with each of the above patterns. wail during the queen’s absence or littermate’s ab­ Certainly, some cats are known to be much more sence. vocal, such as the Siamese breed, and others are less vocal. If your cat suddenly becomes vocal and it is not Strained Intensity Patterns associated with mating, fighting or requesting, it These vocalizations indicate extreme emotional states, could be a signal to a health problem. The best advice such as fighting or mating. Most of these sounds is to schedule your cat for a health exam with a begin with consonants. The sounds are produced with veterinarian to rule out any insidious diseases or the mouth open. disorders. ■

Growl: A warning growl begins as a slow exha­ (The next issue will feature how to interpret your lation through the mouth and can be increased to cat’s body language.) almost a dog-bark quality with a sound frequency between 400 to 800 Hz. A queen uses the warning growl to scatter her kittens in time of danger. The more intense growl is used during cat fights.

Snarl: This is one of a few vocalizations that is Pet Ownership for Persons with AIDS made during inhalation. Usually the sound stops Tuskegee University’s School of Veterinary Medi­ abruptly when compared to other vocalizations. cine has published a brochure that addresses the issue of pet ownership for people infected with HIV. The Hiss: This sound occurs when the cat is surprised brochure advises how a person whose resistance is or frightened. It is produced when air is exhaled low from AIDS, cancer, or immunospressive medi­ through a small oral opening. Kittens are capable of cations (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy) can se­ this defensive vocalization at a very early age (i.e., lect and safely care for a pet. Immunosuppressed before 10 days old). The spit is a more accentuated people are encouraged to include veterinarians on form of the hiss. their health-care teams. The brochure helps to dispel Caterwauling: This is the mating cry of the such misconceptions that pets in an HIV household tomcat and is considered a highly modified form of w ill contract the virus and transmit it to other people. the demand pattern. Sometimes associated with this For a free copy of the brochure, send a self- cry is a parasympathetic response of drooling. addressed, stamped business-sized envelope request­ Scream: This is a high pitched sound emitted by ing “HIV/AIDS & Pet Ownership” to: Dr. Caroline the female cat as mating ends. Researchers believe B. Schaffer, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee that the vocalization is in response to vaginal stimu­ University, Tuskegee, AL 36088. ■ lation by the tomcat’s penile spines. M a i l B a g

tions. What triggers attacks usually can’t be deter­ Q. I recently lost my precious Bucky to feline AIDS. mined, but allergies are suspected in a few cats. I have never heard of it, but now several people tell Airborne irritants like kitty litter dust, perfume, smoke, me that it is very prevalent. How is it spread? Is itvery aerosol sprays, dust ,or pollen can initiate asthmatic contagious? Is there any vaccine to protect against attacks. If you can relate exposure to one of these it?— J.D., New Jersey types of substances with the occurrence of the at­ A. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was first tacks, then avoiding exposure can be helpful; unfor­ tunately, it’s not possible in most cases. Viral or identified in the late 1980s, but it’ s been present in the feline population for much longer than that. The bacterial bronchial infections are capable of trigger­ incidence of F IV is about 1.5 to 3 percent in the ing attacks in some individuals. general cat population. However, the infection is Chest radiographs are very useful in diagnosing much more prevalent in cats allowed outdoors be­ asthma. Examination of bronchial secretions can also cause the primary method of virus transmission is by be helpful in determining the underlying cause. It is cat bite. It is unlikely for a cat to become infected with important to make sure that there are no problems in FIV in any way other than from a bite. Currently, the back of the throat, larynx or upper airways be­ there is no vaccine to protect cats against FIV. The cause disorders in any of these areas can mimic best disease prevention methods are not allowing cats asthma or bronchitis. outdoor access and FIV test any cats before accepting them into the household. Long-term treatment generally involves a combi­ nation of cortisone-like medication, bronchodilating Q. I have a 13-year-old, overweight (18 pound) cat medication, and avoidance of any known allergens. that for the past two years, and more frequently this Every cat responds slightly differently to medica­ year, coughs once and several hours later has an tions, so some trial-and-error may be necessary to asthma attack. My veterinarian has prescribed attain proper regulation. Prednisone or prednisolone prednisone and amoxicillin. What I’m concerned are commonly used because the side effects are with is the cause o f my cat’s breathing problem. Is it minimal in cats. However, it is important with any of his weight? Is it an allergic condition? Also, how do these drugs to taper down to the lowest dose possible. I get his weight down?— MB., New York Bronchodilators, like theophylline, aminophylline, A. Bronchial asthma in cats is a frustrating disease. or terbutaline are often used, and can help reduce the As with asthmatic people, cures are unlikely. The amount of cortisone needed to control the problem. primary goal of therapy is to relieve the respiratory Antibiotics are used if the veterinarian suspects that distress associated with asthma. a bacterial infection is exacerbating the bronchial disease. Excessive reactivity of the lower airways in the lungs causes the coughing and labored breathing. As Sudden attacks of breathing difficulty are more a result, the airways constrict, become inflamed and difficult to handle. Hopefully with good overall con­ swollen, and can even become plugged with secre­ trol, these attacks w ill be less common, but unfortu- (continued on page 7) Perspectives O n C a t s 6

H o n o r R o l l We gratefully acknowledge the following who have contributed $100 or more to support the center’s work. We also extend a heartfelt “thank you” to those individuals who also gave, but who are not listed on the Honor Roll.

Donors ($1000 & Up ) Gift Description Anonymous Donor General Contribution Dr. and Mrs. Robert Milkey, Connecticut Pooled Life Income Fund Mr. and Mrs. William Wesson, New Hampshire General Contribution

Donors ($5QQ-$P99) Katherine R. Blyth, Pennsylvania General Contribution Nina Danielsen, New Jersey Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Fund Jessie L. McGilless, Oklahoma General Contribution

Donors. l$25Q-$49?) Linda Adamany, Ohio In memory of Mittens, Toby, and Sylvester Judith Binus, New York General Contribution Ruth E. Castleberry, North Carolina In honor of Dr. Kathy Bissell Andrew Economos, New York In memory of Umbra Fowler-Milbum Foundation, Inc., New York General Contribution Wes and Lyn Hoffmaster, California Feline Health Studies Jewish Communal Fund of New York, New York Helaine H. Lemer Philanthropic Fund Jeffrey Munch, Florida In memory of Smokie Ingrid Spatt, New York In memory of Marcello Carol Trout, New Jersey In memory of Daisy and Tuffy Arthur Westerfeld, New York General Contribution Donors($1QQ-$24P) Anonymous Donor Feline Leukemia Virus Studies Linda Adamany, Ohio In memory of “Lulu” Repasky Robert and June Adelson, Ohio General Contribution Dr. Alan Baum, New York General Contribution Matilda Belley, New York Feline Diabetes and Cancer Studies Caryl C. Block, New Jersey In memory of Demelza John and Ruth Carter, Pennsylvania Consultation Service Dorothy Corlis, New York In honor of Kristina Maria; In memory of Melissa, Henry Kissinger Kitty, Mr. Sunday, and Boy Clayton and Marjorie DeKay, Virginia In honor of Dr. Clinton Pease Jane C. Dent, New Jersey In memory of Bucky Charles Eirmann, Connecticut In memory of Kitten Kaboodle Michael and Beth Fine, Washington D.C. General Contribution Elizabeth S. Flint, South Carolina In memory of Susie Belle Mary Frazier, New York In memory of Leah Frances Frey, Florida In memory of Mingo and Lovey Pauline Gherson, Massachusetts In memory of Mai-Si-Wickie Mrs. Dolores Goodrich, Florida In memory of John Goodrich Mrs. Lois Harder, Florida In memory of Dolly Jane Henle, Pennsylvania Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Fund Mary Henle, Pennsylvania Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Fund Patricia Hollister, Kentucky In memory of Tiger Kathleen Jacklin, New York General Contribution Dr. and Mrs. Harold Kopp, Connecticut General Contribution Kathryn Kuehn, Wisconsin In memory of Tom Dr. Carolyn LaCroix, Illinois General Contribution Darrow Lebovici, Massachusetts In memory of Gabrielle; In honor of Dr. Temes and Staff Lorraine Ling, New Jersey Feline Health Studies Audrey Lobdell, New York Consultation Service Joan Lothrop, California General Contribution Marian Mills, Pennsylvania General Contribution Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Milster, New York William Ledoux and Pumpkin Draper Memorial Funds Joyce Moskal, Connecticut General Contribution 7

Charles and Nancy Philipp, Maryland General Contribution A. M. Plubell, Washington D.C. In memory of Dinah Marie A. Plubell, New York In memory of Dinah Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Ritchie, New Jersey In memory of Butterscotch Katherine Rohlfs, Texas In memory of Smokey and Spotty Regina Rubenstein, New York General Contribution Robert G. Scott, Florida In memory of Lightfoot Dr. Helen Shoup, Texas General Contribution Mr. and Mrs. Robert Silverstone, New York In memory of Muffin John W. Skooglund, Pennsylvania General Contribution Nancy Slaybaugh, Pennsylvania In memory of Hobo and Tuffy Mrs. Roxalena Strong, Virginia General Contribution The Washington Post, Washington D.C. Feline Leukemia Virus Studies Virginia Trout, Pennsylvania In memory of Tuffy Mary N. Weatherred, Texas General Contribution Wendy Weisensel, Minnesota In memory of Mousy Ralph L. Wilgarde, Michigan General Contribution Mary Vail Wilkinson, Connecticut In memory of Purr Box, Prometheus, Friendl, Lizzie, and Boy Cat: In honor of Dr. William Lovers and Dr. Richard Koven Carolyn and William Rogers, New York In memory of Valentine; In honor of Dr. Nancy Freeborough Diane B. Williams, Colorado General Contribution Dr. Jeffrey Williams, Ohio In memory of Frank L. Allen Windover Garden Center and Florist, Connecticut Feline Leukemia Virus Studies Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Yarborough, Virginia In memory of Miss Kitty C ontributing M em bers Mr. and Mrs. Jay Yerka, New York General Contribution Susan Andersen, Georgia William and Janet Eastman, New York Cat Club Donors ($600 & Up ) Mr. and Mrs. William Geary, New York Fort Worth Feline Fanatics, Texas Timothy and RoseAnn Wheeler, California Douglas Williams and Carol Simpson, California

Mail Bag (continued from page 5) nately, there is little that you can do at home if to ensure that I do not bring this disease back to my breathing becomes very labored. The best advice in cats? Also, what is the likelihood of my cats being these circumstances is to quickly seek veterinary infected with FIP while being boarded at my vet­ attention. Oxygen administration and injection of erinarian’s clinic?— A. R., Virginia rapid-onset bronchodilators and cortisone-like drugs A. Coronaviruses, such as those that cause FIP, are not can be life saving. Ask your veterinarian, before your particularly hardy outside of the cat and the virus is easy cat has another attack, how he/she wants you to to k ill with most disinfectants. The best way to minimize handle it. Is your veterinarian on call at night? Is there the chance of your cats becoming infected is to remove an emergency clinic open at night? and wash your clothing and wash your hands before you Obesity is not causing the problem, but you handle your cats. Those simple procedures should kill should avoid having your cat lose weight rapidly the viruses or reduce them to such low numbers that they because other complications can occur. Your veteri­ would no longer pose a health risk to your cats. narian can help you determine how much to feed It is unlikely that a cat would become infected with daily for slow weight reduction. Forcing your cat to a coronavirus while boarding, provided the cat is housed exercise is unwise until your cat’s lung problem is in its own individual cage and proper disinfection of the better controlled. cage, feeding utensils, and litter boxes are performed. Q. One of my mother’s cats has recently been diag­ Caretakers should wash their hands thoroughly or change nosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). What rubber gloves between caring for each animal to prevent precautions do I need to take when I visit my mother spreading infectious agents from one cat to the next. ■ Perspectives O n C a t s 8

A nim al Instincts on the A ir

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine “Animal Instincts” features faculty from Cornell’s is producing a new daily radio program, “Animal Veterinary College who offer information and advice Instincts”, that can be heard on talk radio and national on a variety of topics concerning animal health, and international public radiostations. By the end of behavior, and social issues. Topics are diverse and next year it is expected to be broadcast on up to 75 include: signs of good pet health, why cats purr, stations nationwide, and more than 100 Voice of sweet-toothed pets, dog dentistry, poisons and pets, America and public radio affiliates in Europe.The spaying and neutering, feline overpopulation, ferrets program is designed to educate listeners about a as pocket pets, feeding a python, birds and lawn variety of health issues that affect companion ani­ chemicals, homeopaths and horses, and common mals and their owners, as well as wildlife and exotic aquarium problems. At the end of each program, animals. “Animal Instincts” is made possible by a listeners are encouraged to visit their veterinarians grant from the Ralston Purina Company. regularly. ■

Book Bits— Zoonotic D iseases Zoonotic diseases are diseases transmitted from pets Responsible pet owners can participate in con­ to man. People are more likely to contract transmis­ trolling zoonotic disease by vaccinating their pets for sible diseases from one another than they are from rabies, limiting excessive contact of infants and preg­ their pets. Nevertheless, there are some disease that nant women with pets, handling pet feces in a hy­ are transmitted directly or indirectly by pets. This gienic manner, and supporting efforts to avoid the transmission is usually complex and generally re­ unrestricted presence of pets in parks, swimming quires close contact between susceptible people and areas, beaches, sandboxes, and gardens.— From The animals or their excretions. Such contact often in­ Cornell Book of Cats by Mordecai Siegal and Cornell volves lack of common sense and gross violations of University. Copyright ® 1989 by Mordecai Siegal sound hygienic practice. Thus it is most common to and Cornell University. Reprinted by permission of see pet-borne zoonoses in children. Villard Books, a division of Random House, Inc. ■

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