Cats try to communicate with us in so many ways – especially using cat sounds. Our meow pals have been blessed with a wide range of vocalizations, such as gnarl, chatter, hiss, caterwaul, trill, meow, and much more. They don’t meow to communicate with other adult cats or animals. Cats have learned to use different cat sounds to talk to humans. Isn’t that amazing? Spend time with your cat to explore their world of sounds and to have a strong bond of communication.

Cats

• meow – to communicate with people
• hiss – when threatened or pressurized
• chirrup – to get their cat parent’s attention
• snarl – when you may accidentally walk on your feline’s paw
• growl – when they want a potential threat to back-off
• trill – when they like you
• chatter – when they spot a prey
• purr – when they are content and also in pain

The Most Common Cat Sounds: What They Mean

Purr

Purring is a sound made by cats with their mouths closed when they are in a relaxed environment. Cat parents may think that their cats purr only when they are happy. But there are other reasons too.

• While nursing, young kittens purr when they are with their mother. This purr is a sound of contentment.
• Cat purr when they request food from their cat parent.
• They also purr when they are scared and stressed.
• They purr when you are petting them or when they are making biscuits.
• Cats may purr when they are hurt or are in pain. It is a self-soothing purr.
• Cats can purr while sleeping, too, if they are comfortable and experience safety.
• A dying cat may also purr as purring strengthens a cat’s muscles. Purring helps a dying cat to cope with discomfort and pain.

Meow

Meow is the most frequently heard cat sound. Kittens meow to their mothers. An adult cat meows to communicate with humans. Cats may meow when they want food, attention or to welcome their cat parent who has just arrived home. Adult cats do not use this sound to communicate with other cats. A sad meow signifies worry or irritation. An unending meow may indicate an illness or injury. You may be able to ascertain the meow type by attentively listening to your cat’s meow.

Hiss

Hissing is a sound made by a cat which means – Hey stop that! Cats may hiss when they feel terrorized or are ready to fight. The hissing sound is made because they release a burst of air through their mouth when they are in an unpleasant situation. The sound is accompanied by puffed hair, an arched body, flattened ears, and an open mouth. You will find a complete change in a cat’s body language while hissing. It is advisable to give your cat space when your meow pal is in hissing mode. Cats want to avoid confrontation, so hissing is like a warning for the other party to back off. Hissing may also happen when:

• Female cats have to protect their young ones.
• Another cat is in your cat’s territory.
• A vet may be trying to check them.
• You are petting them when they don’t want you to.

Chirrup

High-pitched chirp sounds made by cats that sound like the chirping of birds are called chirrups. Mother cats chirrup to get their kittens to be attentive to her and follow her. Cats may also chirrup to get their cat parent’s attention.

Growl

Growling is a sound made by cats when they are scared, angry, or aggressive. Hissing may be accompanied by a growl. Cats make this low, rumbling sound out of fear, anger, or territoriality. It is a warning of a potential threat to back off. Mother cats may growl if they feel that something is threatening their young ones. Cats are inherently possessive creatures. Do not be surprised if they growl at you if you take something that belongs to them. If growling is incessant, then contact your vet.

Snarl

A snarl is louder and higher pitched cat sound than a growl. They are open-mouthed sounds of fear or anguish. You may have heard this cat sound when you may have unintentionally walked on a cat’s paw or tail.

Trill

A cross between a meow and a purr is called a trill. It is a high-pitched cat sound which they make with their mouths closed. If your cat is trilling today, you are lucky. It is a greeting or acknowledgment by your meow pal. This is an uncommon sound that cats make. It is a sound exchanged between mothers and their kittens and also between adult cats to greet other cats and humans. Do you want to hear a trill from your cat? Here’s a trick. Give your cat its favorite snack.

Yowl

Long, loud cat sounds made with an open mouth are called yowls. They sound similar to howls but are longer. Cats yowl to express anxiety, discomfort, territorial worries, or mating problems. Cats begin to yowl after they are about eight years old. If your cat yowls nonstop due to a medical condition like hyperthyroidism, hypertension, sensory decline, cognitive dysfunction, or even dementia.

Chatter

Cats make a chirping or squeaking noise when they spot prey that may be unapproachable. It is a mixed feeling of excitement and frustration.

Scream

Scream a loud, high-pitched sound of panic or pain. Female cats also scream while mating.

Caterwaul

Caterwaul is a mix between a yowl, howl, and whine. Cats may caterwaul to get your attention when they are seeking a mate or simply out of boredom.

Cat parents must not only listen to the cat sounds but also observe their body language. This will give you a better understanding of how your cat is feeling and what your feline wants to convey.