As a child, I used to call mourning doves into our yard. It was a game I played over and over again, fascinated by their arrival and obvious disappointment that I wasn’t what they were expecting to find. As an adult, I again called them to my balcony where they nested year after year, even allowing me to touch them as they sat on the nest. Over the years I’ve learned tiny bits of animal lingo, including owls, dogs, and cats (of course). Since I write about cats, I will attempt to impart here some of what I have learned.

Let’s start with the feral or wild feline. Never look one directly in the eye; this is viewed as aggressive behavior. Rather, look past it, the cat will think that you don’t see it and freeze. I actually have to do this with a couple of my own cats if I want to pet or medicate them.

If you do lock eyes with a cat that shows signs of fear, blink slowly and yawn. This signifies that you are not a threat. Add a purr if you like. Continue this sequence until you observe the pupils of the cat shrink, a sign of relaxation.

Threats come from above, so if you attempt to pick up a cat that isn’t completely tame, lower yourself to its level or below if possible before reaching out, again avoiding eye contact.

Kittens are a whole other matter. They are very vocal, and respond to the same. Having observed many a mother with her litter, I’ve learned that young kittens will remain in hiding until momma calls them out with a short chirp or trill. This seems to signify that mom is home, it is safe to come out, and that food is nigh.

I recently had a young litter, sans mom, in a cage in my garage. They had already imprinted on me as the food source, and would all remain silent and hidden in their box den until I sounded the signal. When I opened the door to the garage, and even if I were walking around and moving things, they would remain silent. I had to laugh, because they would all be peeking at me intently, albeit silently.

The moment I trilled, there would be a mad scrambling in the cage and a chorus of five loud mews for attention would begin. Another trill, and the mad scramble would repeat itself. By the time I got to the cage with food, the kittens would all be plastered to the wire. When I opened the door, all five would be clinging to it.

Calling out a missing kitten is easy if you just meow loudly and repeatedly. You will soon hear an answering mew or observe the kitten coming out of hiding.

My Tweety, a very vocal manx, begins a conversation of chirps, trills, and mews every night, as she pleads with me to toss a toy before retiring.

Watch, listen, and mimic; it will be fun and you will be amazed at how responsive your own cat will be.