I’ve been learning to speak “Ronin” today. Myu has a set of vocalizations, the meanings of which are pretty easy to identify. She has a full range of meows and mews and purrs. Ronin, on the other hand, is the strong and silent type. I haven’t heard an actual meow out of him since he was two months old and wanted to be in the bedroom with me. Since then, almost complete silence, aside from the way he squeaks like a little rubber squeak toy thrown against a wall every time he jumps off the kitchen table. This morning, when the house was very quiet, and I was laying in bed seeming to be asleep, I heard some adorable little kitty noises. Myu was by me on the bed, so I listened to the sounds Ronin was making. He actually is quiet vocal, but he’s terribly quiet about it. Had the radio or TV been on, I wouldn’t have ever heard him. It’s like he’s whispering.

So it seems he has a range of sounds that resemble chirps, whistles and little purry mews. You know … “brrrrreow” sort of sounds, but almost inaudible. It’s really cute. I tried to replicate a few of these sounds, and as soon as I did, he jumped up on the bed with me and started rubbing his head against my chin. Whatever I said, it must have been the right thing. :D

Sort of glad to find out he isn’t a totally silent cat. I have never had a cat that was totally silent, and it was beginning to freak me out a bit. Now that I know he is “saying” something, maybe I can get him to say it with a little more gusto … or at least I can listen more carefully for his whispers. :)

And now for the obligatory cat photo: