Cats use a variety of sounds to communicate with us, including meowing, purring, hissing, and growling. Meowing is the most common cat sound and is used for a variety of reasons, such as asking for food or attention, communicating displeasure or fear, or indicating that they need to go to the bathroom. Cats usually meow to get what they want, so it is important to pay attention and try to understand what they are trying to say.
While cat meowing can be difficult to interpret at times, there are some things we can do to better understand our cats’ needs. This can include keeping a close eye on their behavior and paying attention to other cats.
While kittens meow to let their mother know they’re cold or hungry, adult cats rarely meow at other cats this includes younger cats; they usually use hiss or growl as their primary method of communication with other cats.
Despite many people thinking that cats like to be left alone, cats often meow to initiate play, petting, or attention.
How can you tell the difference between a happy, angry, hungry, or thirsty meow?
When a cat meows, they are usually trying to communicate something. The most important thing to do is to try and understand what they are trying to say. Cat’s meows communicate several things. Hello. “Let me get out.” “Get me a meal”. You know your cat’s vocabulary. If the normal wheeze becomes a high sputtering yowl called caterwauling, you may require the help and guidance of an interpreter. If you can’t figure it out, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for help.
10 sounds cats make and what they mean – Modern Cats
Do cats chirp or scream? Take a closer look at your situation. They communicate about how they feel about you. It is also possible that a cat will start to recognize the sound it makes to use it as an advantage. The cat also has the largest variety of symphonies of any animal. Although known for their meows, purrs, hisses, and growls, the sound they often produce is more extensive.- A short, sharp meow often means your cat is angry or irritated about something. If you’re not sure what your cat’s meow means, try paying attention to their body language and the context in which they’re meowing. With a little practice, you’ll be able to better understand your cat’s needs. There are different types of cat meows, and each one has a different meaning. Here are some of the most common cat meows and what they mean:
Hiss
It is not difficult to see why cats hiss so hard. Sounds as though a steak is being cooked on the grill, so your dog is threatened by this and will fight if needed. A big, goofy puppy getting too chummy with your feline can provoke a hiss and possibly even more. In combination with these threats comes the change in the cat’s body language. Spiling is often seen in hisses also. During this snake saga, let go of the animal and take care to eliminate the threat. Hisses depend very much upon individual cats’ perceptions and comfort levels. Abused, stray, or feral cats are much more likely to go into “hissing mode” than a well-adjusted, sociable pet.
Scream
If unspayed girls are outdoors, her caterwauling attracts males and the pair may begin mating. The female takes a head-down position with a rear slant. Cats can cry even during fights. These primeval cries usually occur following a long, ominous bird-like sound, usually punctuated by an epic paw swat or violent bite. All the animals can fight but even the fixed pet will defend their territory.- A drawn-out, plaintive meow usually signifies that your cat is sad or lonely.
Yowl
A yowl is sometimes a cat-to-cat communication. It also occurs in cats that are not feeling well, when senses or cognitive functions are reduced, and/or when something is not pleasing to them. Females cats yowl to advertise their receptivity to males, and males yowl to gain access to females. Wanting to breed – Cats that aren’t spayed or neutered will make a lot more noise. Females yowl when in heat and males yowl when they smell a female in heat. Owners that move into new territories can yowl out the loss of their homes. Occasionally, a cat will yowl out of fear.- A series of rapid-fire meows mean your cat is excited or happy about something. Males yowl generally more than females.
Meow
Probably the smallest sound in cats is usually used by humans to communicate with other dogs. Usually heard in kitten calls for mothering it disappears as the
kittens grow old. Depending on a cat’s emotional state dictates when they meow. A meowing cat is a vocal cat. Despite cats being domesticated, they maintain their attractive singing throughout their adult lives. Cats meow typically because they need some attention or food. If they need food and you are away from home for long periods of time think of investing in an automatic feeder. Sometimes, however, meowings are simply meant to welcome visitors back. Sometimes meowing may indicate loneliness or illness.- A soft, gentle meow is often a sign of affection. Changes in meow tone and increases or decreases in vocalization could indicate a medical problem.
As cats age, they’re prone to developing an overactive thyroid and kidney disease, and either one may result in excessive meowing. Hearing loss can also cause a kitty to vocalize louder than usual because they can’t determine their volume. (Any pronounced behavior change should trigger a trip to the vet to make sure your cat isn’t ill or in pain.)There are different meows for different feelings.
Chatter
You can hear the cat’s teeth squealing while you gaze at birds or squirrels in the trees in the window. Often with chirps, squeaks, or faint cries, the noise is considered a sign that the cat is hungry for food, and the cat is also stressed by not getting the prize for it. Some say the chatters mimicked bird calls or rodent calls, and this is mainly anecdotal because the hunting prowess of cats depends on silence and stealth.
Purr
The purr may be one of the most hypnotic cat sounds. The purr consists mostly of deep throat sounds that make it easy to hear when the cat is in the best mood in life. Gently petting cats in their tummy gives them instant joy. Sometimes your cat may purr when you are angry. It is similar to when people whistle or giggle when they wait to meet with their in-laws to have dinner. How do you distinguish the “worry purr” from the noise?
Caterwaul
The abbreviated, plaintively hollow-sounding version of Yawl has an almost “ahh-roo-ugh?” sound. During the caterwaul, the unspayed female does everything she can for her safety in front of male cats who may be milling around, yowling & fighting for honor.
Chirps, Trills, and Chirrups
Often sung during kittens, these birds’ utterances are less verbose than meow. The cat may chirp in to get people to listen or to see what she deems important. Chirrups and small noises may also occur when cats are happy.
What should you do if your cat is constantly meowing for no apparent reason – is it something you’re doing wrong, or is there something wrong with your cat’s health that needs attention?
When cats meow at us, they are often asking for something. If your cat is meowing frequently, pay attention to see if there is anything they need. They may be trying to tell you that they are hungry or thirsty, or that they want to go outside. If your cat is meowing excessively, it could also be a sign of illness, so it’s important to pay attention and take them to the vet if necessary.
When your cat is constantly meowing for no apparent reason, it can be a source of frustration for both you and your cat. While there may not be anything wrong per se, there are a few things you can try to help minimize meowing and address any underlying behavioral issues.
First, take a look at your cat’s environment to see if any changes could be causing them distress or discomfort. For example, has their litter box been moved or cleaned recently? Has their food bowl been switched out for a different type of food? Do they not eat from the automatic feeder? If so, these small changes in their surroundings may be causing them unnecessary stress and leading to increased meowing.
Anxiety
Other potential causes of constant meowing include separation anxiety or boredom. If you think your cat may be experiencing separation anxiety, try to spend more time with them and provide plenty of toys and playtime. If you believe your cat cries out of loneliness because you spend too much time out of the house, or the loss of a loved one consider having a pet sitter come partway through the day to visit and play with them. If your cat seems bored, make sure they have a variety of toys to keep them entertained, as well as a litter box, food and water bowls, and a place to scratch. If your cat is meowing excessively, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.
Biological
Indoor female cats may continue to come into heat all year round. The best way to reduce excessive meowing caused by the heat cycle is to have your cat spayed. If your male cat isn’t neutered and periodically meows excessively, he may be hearing or smelling a female cat in heat. He is likely to pace and meow relentlessly throughout the time the female stays in heat.
Why does my cat meow so much?
There are a few things you can do to help keep your cat from meowing excessively. One is to make sure they have plenty of toys and playtime. Certain breeds tend to meow or make more sounds than others.
If your pet wants to go outside, it will likely learn to meow at the door. Likewise, if they are outdoors and want in, they will meow to get you to let them back inside. If you’re trying to transition a cat from being indoor-outdoor to living exclusively indoors, you may be in for a period of incessant meowing at doors and windows. This is a difficult change for a cat to make, and it will very likely take weeks or even months for the meowing to stop. Elderly cats suffering from mental confusion, and older cats with cognitive dysfunction, may meow if they become disoriented—a frequent symptom of this feline version of kidney disease. If this is the case make an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough checkup
Your Cat’s State of Mind
The meow a cat makes can be 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 “meow” may 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. Purr Perhaps the most enjoyable and hypnotic of cat sounds, the purr is a soft, deep, throaty rumble, most often made when your cat is in the best of moods. Gently petting your cat while she nests in your arms with their tail twitching is the loving, comfortable meow.
A bored cat is more likely to meow excessively than one who is kept occupied. Another thing you can do is feed them smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of one large meal. This will help keep their stomachs from getting too full, which can lead to excessive meowing. Finally, you may want to consider consulting with a cat behavior specialist if the problem continues or becomes more severe. They may be able to offer additional tips and strategies that can help minimize your cat’s meowing and help them feel happier and more.
Knowing your Cat
In addition to asking for things, cats also meow as a way of communicating their emotions. A happy cat and content may meow softly, while a cat who is angry or upset may meow loudly. If you know your cat’s usual meowing patterns, you can often tell when something is wrong just by the sound of their meow. In time, you may become so attuned to your kitty’s personality and habits that you’re able to detect subtle changes in their mood and even recognize health problems before physical signs of illness appear. Cats typically don’t meow at each other very often, so if your cat is doing this it’s worth paying attention to see what the message is.
Author: Nate Richardson
May 5th, 2022
