Think the sounds your cat makes—the meows, chirps, yowls, purrs, and other cat noises—are just random gibberish? Think again. Your cat is actually communicating to you information about her world and about how she feels toward you. The good news is that if you listen closely, you just might begin to understand what the cat sounds your cat makes are all about and use that understanding to your advantage.
Read On for 12 Cat Sounds Your Cat Makes and What They Mean
Read On for 12 Cat Sounds Your Cat Makes and What They Mean
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Next to birds, cats possess the widest range of vocalizations of any domestic pet. Though best known for their meows, purrs, hisses, and growls, the list of cat sounds they regularly make is more comprehensive than this. Depending on the situation, your cat is capable of making many distinct utterances, with multiple nuanced variations of each, according to importance. Some reflect contentment and ease, while others expose worry, fear, or even anger. All, though, are indicative of your cat’s emotional state of mind.
Cat Meow Sound
Perhaps the most commonly heard cat sound, the meow of an adult cat is almost exclusively used to communicate with humans, and not other cats. First uttered by kittens when in need of their mothers, this juvenile vocalization fades away as wild cats mature. But, as cats in domesticity tend to think of themselves as our eternal offspring, they maintain this endearing vocalization throughout their adult lives. Generally, a meowing cat wants something—attention or food or perhaps access to a room. Sometimes though, meows simply serve as a “welcome home” salutation.
Kittens meow to communicate with the mother cat; adult cats meow almost exclusively to communicate with humans.
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Occasionally, a cat meow can signify loneliness or even illness. Older cats often meow more because of failing senses or due to anxiety over not being as nimble as before. In younger cats, the meow often gets shortened to an interrogative “mew?” when lonely or hungry. And the frequency of meowing is an indicator of a cat’s frame of mind; rapid-fire meows mean hey, pay attention to me, I’m talking here!
A longer, more plaintive “meowww” can indicate worry, annoyance, or objection to something. This version will often have a throatier quality to it, almost as if she is saying, “oh, come on.” And incessant meowing could indicate illness or injury; if you suspect this, consider a trip to the veterinarian. (If your cat is meowing at night, here’s what to do.)
High-Pitched Meow
A high-pitched meow from a cat usually indicates that they are startled, hurt, anxious, or surprised. This meow can sound more like a yelp due to its high pitch. A high-pitched meow can also be a way of asking for attention in a quick, urgent manner. High-pitched meows can also be a way for cats to express distress or alarm.
High-pitched meows can indicate:
- Sudden surprise: A short, sharp high-pitched meow is often a reaction to a sudden noise or unexpected event.
- Pain or discomfort: If your cat makes a high-pitched meow while seemingly injured, it could be a sign of pain.
- Attention seeking: A rapid series of high-pitched meows might mean your cat wants something from you, like food or playtime.
- Distress signal: If the high-pitched meow is short and sharp, it can indicate distress or alarm.
Pay attention to context. While a high-pitched meow usually means something negative, it’s important to consider the situation and your cat’s body language to fully understand their message.
