Sure, you talk to your cat now, but does he know what the heck you’re saying? And do you understand his purrs and meows? If not, it’s time to have a good chat with your furry friend.

Step 1: Mimic his sounds

Create greater intimacy with your cat by mimicking his meows. Just knowing that you’re attempting to speak his language will make him feel closer to you.

Step 2: Use his name

Increase your chances of your cat listening to you by using his name when you’re issuing a command.

Step 3: Watch your tone

Like humans, cats seek clues about a person’s mood by listening to his voice. So when you talk to your cat, be sure that your tone matches the message you want to convey.

Step 4: Learn his language

Cats have about 100 words in their vocabulary in the form of meows, growls, purrs and hisses. Pay close attention and you’ll begin to learn sound he makes when he’s hungry, angry, fearful and so on.

Step 5: Read his tail

Learn how to read your cat’s tail. If only the tip is moving, he’s irritated. If the tail is swinging from side to side, he’s PO’d. If he’s carrying his tail tall and proud, he’s happy.

Step 6: Interpret speed and volume

Figure out kitty’s mood by paying attention to the speed and volume of his mewling. Fast, loud sounds indicate anxiety, while slow, quieter sounds convey confidence.