20 Common Cat Sounds And Their Meanings

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Meowing is part of a feline's vocalizations, usually for humans. It is strange since, about pitch, duration, and intensity, it differs from cat to cat and even with the same animal, depending on its purpose.

Cats meow for different reasons, such as to gain attention, show hunger, or maybe simply because they need to communicate with their human counterparts. These utterances result from the vocal cords located in the larynx of the cat.

Each meow, at each pitch and tone, might denote a different meaning. A high-pitched meow would serve as an indicator that distress is occurring with the animal, while a low-pitched meow might denote an animal showing contentment.

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Normally, purring is thought of as a manner through which cats communicate and is related to contentment, relaxation, and comfort. This is their special voice reserved for domestic cats and a few species of wild cats.

Cats purr for various reasons such as pain, anxiety, or seeking some attention. A cat's purring may have a varying frequency, lying between 25 to 150 Hertz, which is within the range of sound that is common to heal and unwind a human.

Cat hiss are warning sounds that signal a cat's intention to attack, fear, or discomfort. They are defensive behaviors that cats use when they feel threatened or cornered. If the cat hisses, it simply wants to be left alone and is ready for any further attack or action in its defense.

The hissing is usually extremely loud, a shrill and almost continuous "ssss" or "hsss" type of pitch, akin to a very sharp sound of one letting air out of a tire. It's achieved by forcing the cat to blow air through his mouth while his tongue draws backward, and he partially flashes the teeth.

It is a low, guttural growl, a sound given by the vibration across the larynx. Cat growl is one of the vocal ways in which cats attempt to communicate various messages. Unlike dogs that normally growl in anger or aggression, a feline's growl may mean several things.

One of the common reasons a cat growls is being scared or anxious. Cornered or threatened, a cat is bound to growl as it tries to fend someone off.

The growl is also usually coupled with other defensive behaviors like hissing, flattening of the ears, and a puffed-up tail. This will serve as a clear signal to potential threats that it is prepared to defend itself if need be.

Though many might normally believe that the chippings are to communicate a great feeling, the exact interpretation is still commonly not known. If the feline chirps, it could indicate excitement or anticipation. It is common when the cat sees prey or goes into play mode.

Apart from this, a small cat can also chirp during comfort and relaxation. This can be their way of communicating contentment and relaxation.

For instance, a cat would suddenly chirp when being petted or curled up in a peaceful spot. This behavior shows that the chirping acts as a positive emotional stimulant.

Cats trill to show love or simply to get attention and it is a high-pitched melodic sound and can be described often as a purr combined with a meow. It's an amiable sound showing one's excitement and affection towards the owners.

Chattering is a fast series of clicking or chiral noises a cat produces when it watches birds or other prey. It is often accompanied by the quick movement of jaws and a flicking tail.

Since cats can't speak human language, their exact reason for making this sound is not well-known, but a few theories do exist. One theory says it is an instinctual movement ingrained into the predatory behavior of a cat.

Others believe that it is a reflex from the reaction of the cat towards an anticipatory killing response. It is believed to be because of the twitch of the animal at the adrenaline and excitement to hunt.

Cat Yowling is the cat's response to convey a certain message, therefore, one must know in what context or for what behavior the cat is trying to put across the right message.

One very common cause of yowling is to entice a mate. The mating season automatically triggers the male cat into an unending series of yowls or howls to attract a lady while unneutered. Cats in heat may also yowl to advertise their availability.

Likewise, another reason for yowling is territorial behavior. To claim its territory or warn other cats not to enter its territory, the cat yowls.

These vocalizations are raised for various reasons in different situations by cats. One common reason is during the mating season when males loudly scream high-pitched sounds to attract females stating their availability and dominance.

Another reason for screaming is when they are in pain or distress they scream if they get injured or caught in the traps or in a lot of pain. Territorial disputes also resulted in screaming and cat scream encounters with other cats in their area.

It is one of the cat vocalizations depicting aggression or fear which happens to a kitty when they witness, they are under some kind of threat. While experienced, cats snarl to warn someone to back off or as an act of self-defense.

Another good example is when they fight over their territories with other cats to claim and protect their spaces. Cats also snarl in cases of pain or disgust. In the case of an injury, they could snarl to vocalize that they are in pain.

Roaring is an attribute considered peculiar to the big cats, such as the lion and the tiger. Your domestic cat can produce the same kind of sound to establish the territory or attract mates.

Roaring by cats is a low-frequency deep sound resonating through the vocal cords and throat, which often sounds like a growl and a purr combined. Roaring is different from the normal meow because it is much more powerful.

Whining primarily means that a cat needs to get what it wants or needs. Cats being vocal animals whine to speak their minds, and the sound can be soft and loud, but basically, what it means is some kind of uneasiness or discontent.

The first significant reason for whining is because of hunger. Cats are instinctively controlled by a need to eat, and if they feel their growling tummies, they will make this sound to give a hint to their owners that it is time for them to be fed.

Yelp is one strange as well as high, brief, and musical call of cats and it is used for a greeting or sometimes to convey something. Cats make this call by first opening their mouths wide and then closing them in rapid motion while bubbling.

The mewling of the cat is inevitably linked with either negative or positive emotions depending on the situation. The cats may be using the mewling sounds to communicate either with the owner, other animals, or even with themselves.

Sometimes, a cat’s mewl may be associated with negative emotions. For instance, a mewling cat would make a noise in a troubled manner to show its pain or when frightened or anxious. This always comes with body language cues such as flattened ears, arched back, or hissing.

Conversely, a cat's mewling is sometimes associated with positive states, in such cases, it may when happy, contented, or excited utter a soft, gentle, melodic mewl.

Huffing in cats is an indication of being irritated, frustrated, and even angry. Being the strong expulsion of air through the nose and mouth, it is mostly followed by a low growl or hissing sound. In nature, the typical huffing sound is usually short and sharp exhaling, which may give a soft "pfft" or "chuff."

When cats huff, it simply implies that they are displeased or discontented. This can be due to many situations like if it is awakened from its sleep, in threatened positions, or even in social interaction with other cats or human beings when it is not desirable.

The growling sound that a cat usually produces is to satisfy, but in a few cases, it could mean something else. Cats emit this sound whenever they feel comfortable, or even purring, having a good interaction with their owner.

However, stomach gurgling may suggest health issues, like problems with the gastrointestinal tract or respiratory infections. Owners should cross-refer such signs with the veterinarian in case the feline vomits, coughs, or shows some other signs of difficulty in breathing.

It is the low bubbling or chortling noise that your cat makes with his vocal cords when he breathes in and out. Cats do it for many reasons, but the meanings might differ according to the occasion. Cats burble when they are relaxed and happy.

The burble often sounds like a sort of heavy breathing, and often occurs when the cat is in a relaxed and calm mood, such as when the animal is being stroked, petted, or otherwise cuddled, or during times of affection.

Confidence and comfort in the surroundings can also be portrayed by a burbling cat.

A wail is a high-pitched, loud cry or howl. Cats utter a range of these sounds as a form of vocalization. It may serve as overt communication, attention-seeking behavior, or even discomfort. For tomcats, when not neutered, they do wail looking for a mate.

Male cats in heat also can make strange noises to let their female counterparts know that they are fertile. They wail, too, because of pain and separation anxiety included.

Cats advancing their age bracket do tend to howl due to cognitive decline or due to some ailing condition.

Smooth, soft, and rhythmic, it is due to the rapid movement of the vocal cords. Cats purr on a low pitch, which is like humming, for various reasons that all spell a certain message.

Murmur communicates contentment and comfort, and this happens when it is being stroked, cuddled, or simply feeling good about its environment. This sound could also be a soothing mechanism that will help the felines work their way through tense moments.

In addition, suckling kittens tend to purr. Therefore, making a comforting environment for themselves and their mother.

Since cats too range within a wide purr of vocalizations, this whistle-like sound could be just another one of their peculiar ways with which they express themselves.

Another reason might be that the cat may feel anxious or stressed. When cats are in a distressed state of mind, one of the ways they may solicit attention or show displeasure is through unusual sounds.

Besides, one more cause of whistling in cats can be health problems, such as some respiratory conditions, dental problems, etc. If the cat constantly produces whistle-like sounds, it would be better to go to the veterinarian to exclude some health problems.