I have always been very interested in the sounds and noises that my cat makes.
When we first got our cat, and she was in heat, the sounds we heard from her were so weird to us.
Nights were not any different either, as she would meow and howl into the night, which was also irritating.
I still remember when we experienced our first purr with our kitten, and when we found out what it meant, we thought it was very cute.
It’s important that we know what the sounds our cats make mean because it helps us understand our cats to ensure we’re doing everything we can to keep them happy.
Cats have a wide range of vocalizations they use to communicate with us and other cats.
1. Meow
The meow is a sound used primarily by kittens to communicate with their mothers.
As cats grow older, they stop using this vocalization with other cats but continue to meow for us humans!
This captivating behavior serves a purpose – to get our attention, receive treats, or express their needs.
Cats essentially see us as their caregivers, and the meow becomes their go-to way of communicating exclusively with us.
So, every time your cat meows, remember that it’s their special language just for you – how amazing is that?
2. Purr
Purr is that vibrating noise you hear your cat making when they are sitting, lying down or being petted.
Cats purr for a variety of reasons, and it is still somewhat of a mystery as to why.
While the most common reason is when they are content or happy, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re always happy when purring.
Other circumstances can trigger purring, such as when a cat is mortally wounded.
The neural oscillators in a cat’s brain can adjust the purr to facilitate the healing of wounds and knitting of bones.
However, it’s important to note that not all cats purr.
According to Jackson Galaxy, large cats typically do not, with the exception of the snow leopard.
Despite various studies and theories, a solid consensus on why cats purr has not been reached.
3. Chirping or Trill
Chirp or trill are often used interchangeably and are usually produced by female cats to communicate with their young.
Think of it as a motherly beckon, much more sophisticated than our human shouts of “Come here!”
This trilling sound, akin to the rolling ‘r’ in Spanish, is a call to action – perhaps it’s feeding time, or the mama cat is leading her kittens somewhere.
So, if your cat is chirping or trilling, rejoice! It’s generally a sign of positivity, an animated version of a purr, if you will.
4. Chatter
Have you ever wondered why cats chatter, especially when gazing at a bird through the window?
It’s a question that’s asked often!
The answer lies in their predatory instincts. It’s like their inner ‘raw cat’ is excitedly communicating with them, creating that unique chattering sound.
Some believe cats are trying to mimic bird sounds to lure them, but let’s be real: what bird would fall for that?
Cats are stealthy hunters, not noisy mimics!
Therefore, the theory of predatory excitement seems more plausible. This could also explain why our cats often chatter at windows, where they can see but can’t reach their prey.
5. Hiss and spit
The reason why your cat hisses is not because they’re rehearsing for a horror movie!
Hissing is a cat’s defensive mechanism when they feel threatened or scared.
It’s their way of saying, “Back off, I’m frightened!”
The sound is loud and abrasive, meant to intimidate and scare potential threats.
So, if you hear a hiss, it’s probably time to give your kitty some space.
Remember, it’s not a personal attempt to upset you but a natural response to fear.
After all, wouldn’t you want to make yourself seem scary if you were feeling vulnerable?
6. Growl
Cats growl to express their discomfort, fear, or annoyance.
It’s their way of saying, “I’m not happy with this situation or you.” They move from a hiss to a growl to convey a stronger message.
Have you ever heard a cat scream?
It’s their ultimate signal to say, “Back off!” It’s like they’re saying, “If I have to tell you one more time…” Picture it as their last warning sign before they might take defensive action.
This is what they’re trying to do when they growl at you.
7. Howl
Similar to a caterwaul, a howl is a long and drawn-out vocalization cats may make when feeling lonely or in distress.
This sound is often used by cats when they are separated from their owners, so if you hear your cat howling, it might be a sign that they need extra attention or affection.
8. Yowl
Cats yowl for a variety of reasons, and it’s often a sign that they’re in distress or feeling threatened.
It could be a reaction to feeling cornered, in pain, or even feeling lost or scared.
In the wild, a wounded cat might yowl to scare off potential threats or predators.
Similarly, if a cat is trapped somewhere, like a closet, they might yowl as a kind of ‘cry for help’.
This sound can also be heard from older cats at night, which could indicate cat dementia.
So, a cat’s yowl is a clear signal that something’s wrong.
9. Caterwaul
This is probably one of the most distinctive and attention-grabbing sounds that a cat can make.
It’s a very loud and intense wailing or yowling sound, often used as a mating call.
You may hear this sound during mating season if your cat is not spayed or neutered.
However, it can also be a sign of distress or discomfort, so watching your cat and ensuring they’re not in pain is important.
10. Scream and Snarl
A cat’s scream is one of the most blood-curdling sounds you can hear.
It’s a piercing, high-pitched vocalization that cats often make when they’re in pain or feeling threatened.
If you hear your cat screaming, it’s best to take them to the vet immediately to see if they’re injured or sick.
And snarl is a guttural and aggressive sound that cats make when they’re feeling threatened or territorial.
If you hear your cat snarling, it’s best to give them some space and avoid touching or handling them until they calm down.
Cats that were not raised with other cats may use sounds in unexpected ways. This is because they learned how to communicate with humans, not cats.
Kittens learn important social skills between two and nine weeks old. They learn to meow and how to talk to other cats.
Every cat has their own way of talking, so trying and learning their language is important. How your cat communicates with you may not be how my cat communicates with me.
But no matter what language your cat speaks, they are trying to tell you something – it is up to us as pet parents to understand and interpret it so that we can provide our cats with the best possible care.