4 October is the day of the animals. And you can spend the day learning a little “Katsk”? One of those who would have liked to have had a little crash course is Renathe Tørklep. It has now been two months since she and her family received the kitten named Tyggis. At first the kitty was very quiet and was hiding under the sofa. But now Tyggis has started talking. – So, there’s no mistaking the paint. But otherwise it’s really almost impossible to know what it wants, says Tørklep. The cat Tyggis is almost four months old. He is often described as a “badass” by his owner Renathe Tørklep. Tyggis still hasn’t learned how to speak clearly to his family, but the family hasn’t learned how to communicate with him either. Yet. There are few people who fully and completely understand what the cat is trying to say. What does a “yaaau” really mean? Or how about a “mrrra”? Hopefully professor emeritus and ethologist at Norway’s University of the Environment and Life Sciences, Bjarne O. Braastad, can answer that. He has been researching cats and domestic animals for over 40 years. According to Braastad, there is one rule of thumb you should know in order to most easily understand the cat’s language: M, I, A and U. – Typical of the meow is that there is communication between the mother cat and her kittens. But then the kitten preserves that language and uses it towards the new owners. In other words, us humans, explains Braastad. Photo: Philip A. Johannesborg / news M and I = “hi” and “ouch” Let’s start with the first sound: M. – Or “mrrr”. Without vowels. It is a greeting sound that means “hello”. Just like when we say hello to people we meet on the street, explains Braastad. Pssss: To hear the sounds on mobile, you must switch off silent. But, if it rises slightly towards the end: “mrrun”, then it is a lure sound. Then the cat will have contact with you. Unlike many other academics, Braastad only has one bookshelf in his living room. In return, four out of five shelves are filled exclusively with cat literature. Professor emeritus Bjarne Braastad has managed to write four books about cats. Language and cats’ free will is a recurring theme. The cat expert has had many cats during her life. Now he only has one. It’s Isabelle. The next sound is more like a small squeal, ie: I. The I sound often appears if you manage to step on the cat’s tail. In short, it marks a discomfort and can be translated as “ouch”. A and U = “want” and “sharpening” The most common form of meow the cat comes up with is probably: “Meow” or just “aaaaau”. – When the cat emphasizes the A in the meow, it wants or demands something from the human, says Braastad. If the food dish is empty at the wrong time and it still does not get food, the sound may be longer. And more powerful. But it doesn’t have to be hungry. It can also mean that it wants to go outside, or have a cuddle. But if the A turns into a long U, then something has to be done. – U is a sound that means the cat is getting frustrated because it is not getting what it wants. The cooing sound Malingen, or humming if you like, is also a well-known cat sound. – Actually, it means: “I want to be with you now”, Braastad. And for new cat owner Renathe Tørklep, that sound is unmistakable. Tyggis can be a bit of a propeller, but likes to lie in toolbox-like things and inside lampshades. Photo: Privat / news The meowing of Tyggis is increasing and increasing. – I hear that there are different sounds in there, but it is not easy to tell them apart. – You haven’t considered recording the sound and playing it a little slower, so you find out which sound Tyggis puts the most pressure on? – Sometimes a meow is a meow! Dictionary: cat to Norwegian “Mrr” – A greeting sound. Often means: “Hello” “Miiiau” – A sound of discomfort when the cat is in pain. Often means: “Ow” “Miaaaau” or “iaaaau” – A demanding sound where the cat wants or demands something. “miaaaauuuuu” or “auuu” – A sound of frustration. Willing to come after wanting something for a while. “brrrr” or meow – A cuddling sound that means: “I want to be with you now” “uuuuuuuu” or howling – A very long U that means a cat does not want contact “shhh” or hissing – A defensive sound Growling – An offensive sound “Mngau” – A protest sound Published 04.10.2024, at 05.31 Updated 04.10.2024, at 10.07
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What does the cat say? This means the meow – news Østfold – Local news, TV and radio
