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A cat expert has claimed moggies use 16 different miaows to communicate with their owners.

Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, has written a book called How To Speak Cat which allows you to tell exactly how your furball is feline.

Moggies generally miaow when their owner is around.

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Cats use the adorable sounds to ask for food, demand a cuddle or express pain.

But cats don't only use sounds to get in touch with their human master.

"Blinking is like a kitty kiss," Dr. Weitzman told AP.

There are many other telltale emotional identifiers to look out for.

If a cat raises its tail, for instance, it's probably saying hello. This is thought to be the equivalent of a human wave or a sort of high-five from a distance.

(Image: GETTY)

If a cat's ears are flattened close to its head, beware: the moggie is probably looking for a scrap.

Licking is a cat showing some affection - as is butting you with its head.

These two gestures mean markedly different things in humans, so be careful.

The next time someone comes up to you on the street, licks your face and then headbutts you, they are probably not being affectionate.