If you have a fur baby at home like I do, you might know that cats make some of the most interesting and sometimes strange sounds.
As a proud owner of my lovely feline, Cleo, I can honestly say that I have heard it all.
From growling and hissing to yowling and howling, the sounds that cats make can indicate a range of emotions and situations.
I want to share with you some of the strange noises that cats make, what they might indicate, and how you can prevent them from making some of these sounds.
1. Snorting
Have you ever heard your cat make a pig-like snort?
Cats usually produce this sound when they’re feeling playful or excited.
But sometimes, snorting can also indicate respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies.
If your cat is snorting excessively or having difficulty breathing, you should speak with your veterinarian about your concerns.
2. Sneezing
Just like humans, cats sneeze too!
Occasional sneezing is normal for cats, but if your feline friend is sneezing frequently, it might indicate an allergy or a respiratory infection.
Keep an eye on other symptoms like coughing, runny nose, or eye discharge, as they signal your cat needs medical attention from a vet.
3. Snoring
Believe it or not, cats can snore, too!
If you see your cat sleeping and hear a soft snore, don’t worry; it’s harmless.
Usually, snoring occurs when your cat is in a deep sleep.
But if you notice your cat snores frequently, it might be worth checking with a vet to rule out any potential breathing issues.
4. Hissing
Hissing is a defensive noise that cats make when they feel threatened.
It’s a warning sign to let others know they’re not happy, and you should probably back off.
Cat owners know that hissing is not a sound they want to hear often, as it could indicate their cat is feeling uncomfortable or unwell.
5. Wheezing
Unlike the other noises on this list, wheezing isn’t a natural sound cats make.
If you hear your cat wheezing, it is a sign of distress.
It means your feline friend has trouble breathing and needs immediate veterinary attention.
6. Growling or spitting
These noises indicate that a cat is irritated, frightened, angry, or potentially aggressive.
As an experienced cat owner, I have learned to recognize these noises as a sign that Cleo needs some space or isn’t feeling comfortable.
Usually, when Cleo is growling, it’s because she feels threatened or irritated by something in her environment, or I’m probably bothering her, and she wants to be left alone.
Maybe I am annoying her, overstimulating her with too much petting, or touching her paw for too long.
This can also be caused by anything from a new person in the house to another animal or even loud noise.
Whenever I hear these sounds, I give Cleo space and allow her to settle down on her own.
7. Yowling or howling
These noises sound like loud, drawn-out meows and can indicate that your cat is in distress, stuck in a closet, looking for you, or in pain.
Cleo has a habit of yowling when she can’t find me or when she’s locked in a room.
It’s almost as if she’s calling out to me to make sure I know where she is.
In some cases, yowling can also indicate that a cat is in pain or needs medical attention.
If you notice your cat making these noises for extended periods, reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
8. Snarling
Snarling often accompanies hissing and can indicate fear, anger, or territorial threat.
I’ve noticed that Cleo tends to snarl when she feels threatened by another animal or when she’s trying to protect her toys or food.
I always make sure to give her space and respect her boundaries when she’s in this mood.
It’s important to remember that cats can be territorial creatures, and it’s up to us as their owners to ensure their safety and well-being.
9. Stretor
A low-pitched sound similar to snoring usually occurs during inhalation and is usually caused by an airway blockage in the throat.
This sound is not uncommon in cats, especially those with flat faces or short snouts like Persians or Scottish Folds.
If you notice your cat making this type of noise frequently or if they seem to be struggling to breathe, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian.
10. Stridor
A high-pitched type of noise that occurs during either exhalation or inhalation and is usually caused by an airway blockage in the throat.
This sound can be more concerning than stertor and may indicate a more severe blockage or obstruction.
If your cat is making this noise frequently, seek medical attention immediately.
Do cats make weird noises when they’re sick?
Yes, cats can make unusual noises when they are sick. The strange sounds you might hear your cat make could be a sign of various health issues.
For instance, a wheezing sound, like a high-pitched whistling noise, could indicate that your cat is having difficulty breathing.
Increased meowing is another sign to note.
Cats communicate with humans through meowing, so a change in their vocal behavior, such as more frequent meowing or a change in the tone of their meow, could indicate that they are not feeling well.
Furthermore, if your cat is making low-pitched moaning or groaning noises, it could suggest serious health problems like urinary tract infections or kidney disease.
Another sound that cats make when they are sick is hacking, which is similar to gagging.
This could be due to them trying to cough up hairballs and can also be caused by kennel cough, allergies, asthma, swallowing foreign objects, or upper respiratory infections.
It’s important to note that these noises alone don’t always definitively mean your cat is sick.
However, if you observe these changes along with other signs of illness, it’s absolutely recommended to contact your veterinarian.
Why is my cat making a weird groaning sound?
Your cat’s weird groaning sound could be a yowl, which is often indicative of negative emotions.
A yowl is a long, drawn-out moan that may denote worry, discomfort, territorial concern, or mating issues.
In addition, cats also make noises like groaning, whining, or moaning while sleeping, possibly in reaction to a dream they are having.
However, if your cat is making a deep, guttural growl sound, it means they’re annoyed, scared, or angry.
It’s important to note that sometimes, cats make a groaning noise while asleep due to pain or a health issue.
If you’re concerned your cat’s groaning may be caused by pain, health, or any unusual behavior, you should contact your vet.
Why does my cat keep making noises and rolling on the floor?
If your cat is making noises while rolling on the floor, it could be due to several reasons:
1. Estrus Cycle
If your cat is a female and hasn’t been spayed, these behaviors could indicate she is in heat.
Cats in heat can become more vocal, rub against you or furniture, roll on the floor, and present other changes in behavior.
2. Playfulness
Some cats may roll around and make noises as part of their play behavior.
This could be especially true if they are reacting to a toy, a laser pointer, or even a speck of dust.
3. Attention Seeking
Cats can be quite clever when it comes to getting attention.
They quickly learn that certain behaviors will get them the attention they crave – whether it’s food, play, or cuddles.
4. Discomfort or Illness
If this behavior is new and your cat is also showing signs of discomfort (like not eating, change in litter box habits, etc.), it could be experiencing some kind of physical distress or illness.
It’s always a good idea to observe when these behaviors happen in your cat and what other symptoms accompany them.
If you’re concerned about any sudden changes in your cat’s behavior, it’s best to call your vet and let them know what you’re noticing.
These are not all of the sounds and vocalizations cats make, but these are some of the scariest ones I have encountered with my cat.
As a new cat owner, these sounds might be scary, confusing, and difficult to decipher in the beginning, but once you become familiar with these sounds, they’ll help you understand your cat because they will use these sounds to communicate with you.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate all of the unique vocalizations cats make, and be sure to keep an eye out for any strange noises that may indicate a health issue.