The Hidden Language of Cats

How They Have Us at Meow

By: Sarah Brown PhD

Narrated by: Helen Keeley

Descended from shy, solitary North African wild cats, domestic cats set up homes with devoted owners all over the world by learning how to talk to us. This book translates—in case you missed anything.

A renowned cat behavior scientist of over thirty years, Dr. Sarah Brown has been at the forefront of research in the field, discovering how cats use tail signals to interact with each other and their owners. Now, she reveals the previously unexplored secrets of cat communication in a book that is both scientifically grounded and utterly delightful.

Each chapter dives into a different form of communication, including vocalizations, tail signals, scents, rubbing, and ear movements. The iconic meow, for example, is rarely used between adult cats—cleverly mimicking the cries of a human infant, the meow is a feline invention for conversing with people. Through observing the behavior of two cat colonies in rural England, listeners will also have the opportunity to glimpse into the lives of some of the cats behind Dr. Brown's science.

Can we understand what cats’ meows and other signals mean? How do cats actually perceive us? And how can we use this information to inform how we talk back to our feline friends? Referencing historical records and exploring modern scientific studies of cat-human communication, The Hidden Language of Cats is perfect for any cat lover who wants to learn more about their companion.

©2023 Sarah Brown, PhD (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"The Hidden Language of Cats is full of such striking facts.... As a self-proclaimed cat lover, Ms. Brown is keen to smash certain stereotypes....[and] she is determined to celebrate the domestic cat’s achievements.” —The Wall Street Journal

“A fascinating compendium of scientific information about our furry friends’ modes of communication interwoven with anecdotes from Brown’s 30 years of fieldwork (plus her own cats’ hijinks at home). “Just like people,” Brown notes, “cats have complex personalities.” Whimsical line drawings by Brown’s daughter Hettie add to the fun of this informative, accessible guide to what cats are telling us, whether through tail twitches, meows or exceedingly slow blinking.” —BookPage

“[Brown] approaches her study of domestic cats from a scientific perspective, offering her firsthand observations and analysis of recent research studies in a writing style that is easily comprehendible and captivating.... With her lighthearted yet authoritative approach, Brown helps us better understand our feline companions.” —Kirkus

Expert information given plain and simple.

The reader f I'd a excellent job with a pleasing accent. I'd probably listen again.

Informative

I like the new information. it taught me a lot I hadn't known before. thank you.

Insightfull, Informative, Funny

Well structured, rich in research results put in context, the book gives a comprehensive view over the feline universe.

get it

I work at a shelter and this book was so informative. Get it if you want to know more about cats

Informative and Entertaining

Well read, entertaining, and using cat behavior research, I was able to learn from this book,although I’ve had and loved cats most of my life. Highly recommended.

An audiobook of a dissertation

Rather deceptive title as the book has little “language of cats” and is rather a very wordy talk of her cat colony observations. I wanted to know why my cat smacks her lips, licks my skin, prefers cheek and throat rubs to petting her ears. I was disappointed.

Buy the Great Courses instead

Author supports letting domestic cats outside unsupervised in several sections. Poor narration. The Great Courses has a better resource.