Cats communicate with both verbal and non-verbal cues. I use the term “verbal” loosely since cats obviously can’t talk.  However, they are very much capable of communicating with other animals and people. It is important to note that not all cats communicate in the same manner. Breeds will differ in this regard. The same is true of individual cats. While there are some general cues regarding what a cat is trying to “say” each cat may have their own way of getting their point across. 

Cat communication will be dependent upon a number of factors. The temperament of the cat, whether or not there are other animals in the house are a couple. Body language is one of the primary ways that cats communicate. They may lick, purr or be very attentive. Purring can mean a number of different things, for instance, the cat may want something, is happy, upset or hurt. Knowing your cat really help can help you decipher what they mean in any given situation. Overtime, this will become easier if you are attentive.

Cats sometimes spray or engage in scent rubbing. This is done as a sign of ownership and is primarily something that male cats do, though females cats might sometimes.
In the case of male cats, this will, however, stop once it gets neutered. This isn’t always true. If a male cat is neutered later in life, it may still spray.

Kneading is another behavior that cats often engage in. Many cats will knead prior to going to sleep.

Cats, like many mammals will court. A male cat can detect a female cat in heat, even if it is miles away. Male cats will fight each other to be the first to mate with a female cat. Whichever cat wins gets to mate the first, the loser will return after the winner has left and will then mate with the cat. Unlike human begins, kittens in the same litter, can have different fathers.

Cats use vocal cues as a form of communication. As mentioned above, they may purr when they are happy, while in labor or stress. Cats sometimes give a chirp combined with a purr when they are greeting human beings. A low meow may be done for the same reason. When a cat or kitten is distressed, it may meow loudly or emit a high-pitched sound.

Understanding cat behavior in general and your cats in particular, is very important.  Learning to decode its body language and vocal cues will allow you to understand its needs and wants. This may take some time at first, especially if you don’t have much experience with cats. However, it will come perhaps slowly sometimes but surely. The more attentive you are, the faster you are likely to pick up cues.