While cat sounds differ from human speech, they are no less informative. Animal behaviorists are uncovering more evidence supporting cats’ advanced communication skills. Cats use vocalizations and body language to convey their feelings and intentions to humans and fellow animals.
In this blog, you will learn about the most common cat sounds and what your feline friend is trying to communicate.
Let's dive in:
Meowing
Meowing is the most common of the hundreds of sounds a cat makes. Kittens start meowing as infants to attract their mothers, while adult cats meow mainly to communicate with humans. When an adult cat meows, it’s usually for food, water, attention, or even to have their litter box cleaned. However, they can also meow for reasons like anxiety, illness, boredom, or frustration. If your cat is meowing more than usual or sounds different, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Purring
A purr is a soothing and pleasing sound to many cat owners. Your cat usually makes deep, soft, vibrating sounds when it’s happy, comfortable, and loved. However, purring can sometimes signal that your cat is nervous or agitated. To differentiate, examine the cat's body posture as it purrs. Unless they look tense or have their ears back, they are most likely purring out of joy.
Chirping
Chirping is one of the most interesting sounds a cat makes. It is essentially a short, high-pitched call that sounds similar to a bird. Initially uttered by the mother cat as a contact call to her kittens, adult cats may chirp to get attention from people or to alert fellow cats or humans about something.
Trilling
A trill is a soft voice that sounds like a purr but with a higher pitch. Cats often trill to greet and thank their humans for something, like cat treats or snacks. They can also trill when they are feeling happy or excited or if they want to show you something interesting outside your house. If you hear this sound, know that your cat is fully happy.
Growling & Hissing
Two sounds that indicate your cat has turned hostile and should be left alone are growling and hissing. While a hiss comes directly from a cat’s open mouth, a growl is usually an internal sound produced with their mouths mostly closed. Often, a cat’s growl will start and end with a hiss.
Cats growl mainly when they feel cornered or provoked. If they growl or hiss at you, they are essentially telling you to stop whatever you are doing. If they produce these sounds at other animals or objects, remove the perceived threat.
Yowling & Howling
Yowling is a louder, longer meow that often indicates negative emotions. Your cats may yowl to communicate discomfort, boredom, anxiety, pain, or illness. A howl is similar to a yowl but is generally shorter in duration.
If you see an elderly cat yowling, it may signal dementia or cognitive dysfunction syndrome. If a cat yowls when their owners are out of the house, it likely indicates separation anxiety.
Caterwauling
Caterwauling is a loud, long whine made by unneutered females to attract potential mates while in heat. This sound can be followed by anxious behavior, with your cat trying to get out of the house to meet her mates, who gather in response to the sound. If a cat makes this sound directed at a family member, it shows pain, fear, discomfort, or a desire for attention.
Caterwauling, like yowling, can also be a sign of cognitive decline in older cats.
In a Nutshell
Understanding your cat’s various sounds is crucial for providing a loving and caring environment. Each sound, from meow to yowl, offers valuable information about their emotional and physical well-being. Once you fully understand their vocalizations, your cat will feel loved and cherished.
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