How to Decpher Your Cat's Dialog

How to Decipher Your Cat’s Dialog

            Cats make lots of different vocalizations, some solely for our benefit! Cats have a complex system of communication that uses body language and scent or pheromone cues in addition to various sounds.  But, what do all those sounds really mean? Let’s look at 5 common noises that cats make and what they may be trying to tell us.

•  Meow—cats have many different types of meows, but adult cats rarely use meowing as a form of communication with other cats. Rather, kittens learn to meow to get the attention of their mothers.  Adult cats have adopted meowing as a way to communicate with their humans.  Domestic cats typically meow when they want something such as attention or food, but they may also meow as a form of greeting.  A long, drawn-out meow may indicate worry or annoyance.  A sharp, high-pitched meow usually indicates the cat is startled, hurt, anxious, or surprised. Cats may have many different variations of a meow depending on their mood, and, some cats are “chattier” than others. 
•  Hiss/Growl—Hissing and growling are a cat’s way of saying, “Back off”!  Cats hiss and growl when they feel frightened or threatened and will hiss or growl at both other cats as well as people or other animals.
•  Purring—Purrs are, of course, most commonly associated with happiness and contentment; however, sometimes cats purr when they are nervous. Purring can be a self-soothing behavior and is even thought to have healing properties.  The low frequency vibration (25-150 Hz) of a purr may aid in muscle and bone repair, and tissue regeneration.
•  Chirp—cats sometimes make a “chirrup” noise.  Mama cats use this sound to gain their kitten’s attention and tell the kitten it needs to follow her.  Adult cats usually make this sound when excited or happy, but they may also chirp as an attention seeking behavior when they want something from you!  
•  Chatter—you may have heard your cat making a funny chattering sound especially when looking out the window at birds or other potential prey animals.  This sound is not entirely understood, but seems to indicate excitement and possible frustration at not being able to get to the animals outside.  Some researchers think that it could also be a sound used to mimic prey like birds and small mammals which may be a hunting strategy.  On occasion, cats may chatter when in a playful mood or when watching a moving toy or another cat.     

While cats use a variety of sounds as well as body language to communicate with each other, adult domestic cats meow almost exclusively to “speak” to their owners.  The unique sounds cats make are not always easy to interpret, but “listening” to your cat may help determine whether your cat is happy, stressed, ill or what his or her needs may be. 

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital. Serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://moderncat.com/articles/12-sounds-cats-make-and-what-they-mean/

https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/zoology/item/how-do-cats-communicate-with-each-other/

https://www.dogsontherun.com/articles/understanding-the-mystery-of-cat-chirping