Cats possess a vast vocal repertoire, second only to birds in complexity. Scientific studies have described as many as 21 to 23 distinct types of cat vocalizations. These sounds, combined with their intricate body language, reflect a cat’s emotional state, intent, and needs—ranging from contentment to anxiety, fear, or anger. This article will decode the full range of cat sounds, helping you better understand your beloved pet.
A Note on Interpretation: The universal names and meanings of cat sounds can be challenging to determine, as every cat’s behavior and environment influence the interpretation of their vocalizations. Breed, personality, and life history also play a significant role in how a sound is contextualized.
Meaning of Different Cat Sounds
Meaning of Cat Meowing Sounds
The meow is one of the most common sounds a cat makes. Adult cats use the meow almost exclusively to communicate with humans, rather than with other adult cats.
The meow is multi-functional: it is typically used as a greeting (ee.g., “Welcome home”), a plea for attention, a request for food, or a demand to enter a room.
- Frequency and Emotion: Rapid, continuous meows usually indicate a strong need for attention or a persistent request.
- Negative Connotations (Low/Long): A longer, more plaintive “meowww” may express worry, annoyance, or protest. Occasionally, a meow can also indicate loneliness, anxiety, boredom, frustration, or illness. Constant, persistent meowing can suggest sickness or injury, making a veterinary check-up advisable.
- High-Pitched Meows: High-pitched meows generally indicate fright, injury, anxiety, or surprise. This may sound like a scream or a yelp and is an urgent way to seek immediate attention. The meaning of a high-pitched meow must be judged in conjunction with the specific situation and body language.
Cat Purring Sounds Meaning
The purr is a soft, deep, low rumbling sound made in the throat, which is continuous and rhythmic, and can be produced during both inhalation and exhalation.
- Primary Meaning (Contentment): Purring is generally a sign of satisfaction, comfort, and happiness, such as when being petted or snuggling.
- Secondary Meaning (Distress and Self-Comfort): In rare instances, purring may also occur when a cat is anxious, in pain, sick, or afraid, acting as a method of self-comfort or self-repair.
- Differentiation: The key to distinguishing a “worry purr” is observing body posture: if the cat’s ears are flattened back and their body is tense, it suggests distress. Some research indicates that the frequency of the purr’s vibrations may have healing properties for the body.
Trills / Chirrups (Greeting and Affection)
A vocalization that falls between a meow and a purr, sounding like “mrrp” or “brrrr.” It is a friendly way to greet people or other cats. Mother cats use it to call their kittens. It can also be used to express thanks.
Chirps (Attention and Excitement)
Short, high-pitched sounds, similar to bird calls. Used to get attention and let the owner know the cat’s location.
Chatter / Twittering (Hunting and Frustration)
A low, chattering or smacking sound produced by rhythmic opening and closing of the jaw. It commonly occurs when a cat is staring out a window at inaccessible prey. It is considered an expression of both hunting excitement and frustration.
Distress Call / Mewling (Distress and Kittens)
A high-pitched, piercing meow, typically made by kittens under one month old. It is used to attract the attention of the mother cat when hungry or separated.
Angry Cat Sounds Meaning
Hiss
Sounds like a sizzling steak, produced by a quick expulsion of breath. It is a fear-based warning of threat, signaling that the cat feels menaced or is ready to fight. Often accompanied by an arched back, raised fur, and flattened ears (the classic “Halloween cat” posture).
Spit
A sudden, brief, explosive noise, a more intense variation of the hiss. It is an extreme, involuntary reaction to a perceived threat or enemy, indicating the cat feels in danger.
Growl
A low, rumbling, guttural sound. It is a warning noise indicating the cat is irritated, scared, or angry. It can be used to assert ownership over items like a food bowl.
Snarl
Similar to a growl and a hiss, but usually louder and higher-pitched. It commonly indicates fear, anger, or territorial threat, and is often heard during cat fights.
Handling
When a cat growls or hisses, they are communicating that they dislike what is happening (e.g., being stroked). You should step away from them and remove the perceived threat.
Cat In Heat Sounds Meaning, Territorial, and Pain
Yowl
Longer and more drawn-out than a meow, loud and high-pitched. A yowl usually indicates distress, discomfort, territorial issues, or mating issues.
Yowl and Illness
A yowl is a signal that a cat is in physical pain or distress (e.g., illness, pain, anxiety, or boredom). Persistent yowling warrants an immediate visit to the vet.
Howl
Similar to a yowl, but usually shorter in duration.
Caterwaul
This is the long, loud, mournful cry emitted by unspayed female cats in heat to attract potential mates. The caterwaul is a version of the yowl and may also express pain, fear, or a demand for attention when directed at humans.
Scream
A blood-curdling shriek or cry, often occurring during mating (due to the pain inflicted on the female when the male retracts his barbed penis) or at the climax of a cat fight.
Cat Sounds Meaning At Night
When cats vocalize intensely at night, it can be particularly concerning.
Nighttime Howling/Yowling
Cats that yowl or howl at night may be doing so out of anxiety or confusion.
Cognitive Issues
Older cats suffering from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (dementia) may yowl or caterwaul during the night due to disorientation.
Other Nighttime Causes
Nocturnal yowling can also be triggered by territorial issues (e.g., a new cat outside), boredom, or separation anxiety.
Cat sounds meaning FAQ
Q1: Are certain breeds naturally more vocal?
Yes, some breeds are inherently more talkative. Generally, short-haired breeds are often more vocal than long-haired breeds. Asian-derived breeds like the Siamese, Bengal, Abyssinian, and Oriental Shorthair are reputed to be naturally chatty and conversational felines.
Q2: Which cat breeds are quieter?
If you prefer a quieter cat, consider the Persian, Russian Blue, or Maine Coon. However, breed guidelines are not always definitive.
Q3: When does a change in cat vocalization require a vet visit?
As a general rule of thumb, any change in a cat’s vocalizations—including changes in frequency, intensity, duration, or pitch—should be seen by a veterinarian. This helps rule out underlying issues like pain, disease, anxiety, or cognitive decline.
Q4: How do a cat’s sounds and body language relate?
A cat’s vocalizations must always be assessed alongside their body language to fully understand their message. For instance, hissing and growling are usually accompanied by a defensive posture of an arched back, raised fur, and flattened ears.
