Published on 31st August 2024
Cats can be quite talkative, and while we don't have an English-Cat Dictionary just yet, we can help you decode the meows, purrs, and other sounds your cat makes into something you can understand.
Interpreting cat communication can be a bit tricky since a purr or meow can have different meanings depending on the situation. Do you know the difference between a chirp and a trill? Let’s explore some of the most common feline vocalizations so you can better understand your cat.
The classic meow! We all know that cats go “meow,” but it turns out adult cats meow primarily for our benefit.
While kittens use a variety of meows and chirps to communicate with their mothers, wild adult cats typically stop meowing as they mature, relying more on body language. However, domestic cats continue meowing to engage with us humans—perhaps they’ve learned to communicate after hearing us talk about our day one too many times!
Meows are generally a sign that your cat wants your attention, whether they’re asking for food, playtime, or help retrieving a toy from under the couch. Longer, more plaintive meows might indicate discomfort or just a simple complaint—like having a wet paw. Of course, a meow can also be a friendly “Hello! You’re finally home!”
You may notice that older cats tend to meow more loudly—this could be due to fading hearing as they age.
That familiar throaty rumble is often a sound of contentment, both for cats and their people. When your cat purrs while being petted or resting beside you, it’s one of the clearest signs that they feel safe and happy.
Cats may also purr to self-soothe. Just as you might hum a tune or mutter to yourself when feeling anxious, your cat might purr to calm their nerves. Pay attention to their body language—if their ears are back or their body is tense, they might be stressed despite the purring
These delightful sounds are the hallmark of a cheerful cat. Chirps are short, high-pitched meows, while trills are more melodic, blending a meow with a purr. Cats use these sounds as friendly greetings or as a way of saying, “Follow me!” They’re also common among cats when communicating with each other, so if you have more than one cat, you may hear these sounds often.
Have you ever caught your cat chattering? This sound is a series of rapid, staccato chirps, almost like a stuttering meow. It’s often heard when a cat spots prey—like a bird or squirrel—through a window but can’t get to it. The frustration of seeing but not catching their target leads to this distinctive chatter.
The yowl is a louder, longer, and more mournful version of the meow. It’s your cat’s way of signaling that something is wrong. The reasons for yowling can vary, from medical issues to mating calls or even simple boredom, especially in the middle of the night.
When a cat hisses or growls, they’re setting a clear boundary. Hissing often occurs when a cat feels threatened or scared, particularly in nervous or anxious cats. Growling and snarling are typically territorial behaviors, warning others that they’re not welcome. If your cat growls or hisses during a tummy rub, it’s a clear sign they’ve had enough!
It’s important to note that sudden or excessive vocalization can be a sign of distress or pain. If your cat is meowing more than usual, it might be time to check in with your vet to ensure everything is okay.
There’s so much more to learn about cat behavior, but with these basics, you’re well on your way to understanding your feline friend better. Now you can look forward to years of knowing exactly what your cat means when they’re demanding attention—or reminding you it’s time to clean the litter box!