Cat Sounds Meowing: What Does They Express?

Introduction

Does your cat often make an array of curious sounds? From the classic "meow~" to a persistent "meow meow meow," or even entertaining noises like "purr purr," "hiss hiss," and "wah wah wah"? What hidden meanings lie behind these feline “language codes”?

Cats, like humans, have a remarkably diverse range of vocalizations. Research has identified up to 21 unique types of cat sounds, though their complete vocal repertoire could be even broader. These sounds allow cats to create intricate expressions, akin to sentences in human language, each serving a distinct purpose. However, certain breeds, such as Maine Coons, are often quieter by nature.

As cat owners, understanding our feline friends' needs and emotions is key. In this article, we’ll explore 10 common cat sounds Meowing and uncover what they mean.

 

1."Meow Meow"—A Cat's Everyday Conversation

"Meow meow" is probably the most familiar cat sound to most people! This sound is typically used when your cat wants to get your attention. For example, it might be hungry and asking for food, or it wants you to play with it. A high-pitched "meow" might indicate happiness or a plea for help, while a lower-pitched "meow" is often an expression of dissatisfaction.

If your cat frequently meows at you, it might say: "Look at me! Feed me! Play with me!" However, a cat's meow can sometimes signal anxiety, boredom, frustration, or illness—especially if the sound is deeper, drawn-out, or different from the short, high-pitched meows typically used for greetings or requests.

If your cat is meowing more often than usual, or its meows sound unusual, it's a good idea to contact your veterinarian.

 

2. Purring—A Cat’s “Happiness Engine”

Have you ever heard a cat’s purring sound? Typically, cats produce this low, vibrating noise when they feel deeply relaxed or content. It’s created by vibrations in the cat’s throat and often occurs during interactions with another cat or a human, or when the cat is rubbing against an object or “kneading” a blanket.

However, cats can also purr in less pleasant situations, such as during a vet visit, when they’re sick or in pain, while giving birth, or even when near death.

Purring, therefore, likely conveys strong emotion, whether positive or negative and serves to attract attention or interaction from others. In this sense, purring can be compared to a human smile—it can express happiness, but it may also signal discomfort or distress, in which case the individual seeks comfort or help.

 

3. Short "Mew Mew" Sounds—Begging for Food or Seeking Affection

When cats are hungry or craving food, they often emit a short, urgent "mew mew" sound. This is usually their way of pleading with you: "I'm hungry, please feed me!" The tone carries a hint of urgency and anxiety, making it hard to ignore.

Especially when your cat sees you preparing food or opening a can of cat food, they’ll eagerly let out this sound, immediately letting you know, "I’m starving!"

4.Chirping

A chirp is a brief, high-pitched sound that resembles a bird call (hence its name). When repeated, it’s referred to as chirrups. Originally, mother cats use chirps as a way to call their kittens, but adult cats may chirp to draw attention or signal their presence to other cats or humans.

Cats often chirp when they spot prey they can’t reach, such as when watching squirrels or birds from a window. In these cases, chirping typically expresses a mix of excitement and slight frustration.

 

5.Hissing—A Cat's Warning

If you hear your cat make a low, hissing sound, be cautious! This typically indicates that your cat feels threatened or angry. The sound is often used as a warning when the cat is facing a stranger, or another animal, or feels invaded.

A cat's hiss is like saying, "Don't come any closer, I'm not happy!" If you approach further, your cat may respond defensively, such as by scratching you with its claws or quickly jumping away. So, when you hear a hiss, it's best to give your cat some space and allow it to calm down.

 

6.Howling—A Special Sound for Mating

During spring or their mating season, cats often make a deep, echoing "howling" sound, filled with agitation and desire. Male cats make this sound to attract females, while female cats use it to signal their mating needs.

This sound is most likely to occur at night, especially with outdoor cats. During this time, you may hear several cats "singing" to each other from a distance, each trying to attract the others.

7.Whining—An Expression of Anxiety and Fear

If you hear your cat making a "whining" sound, it’s likely feeling anxious or scared. This sound is usually lower-pitched than a hiss and carries a sense of suppressed emotion. If you also notice your cat’s tail tucked close to its body and its ears flattened backward, it’s a sign that the cat is very nervous and in need of reassurance.

This "whining" sound may occur when the cat is picked up by a stranger, taken to the vet, or faced with other sources of threat.

 

8. Yowling and Howling

A yowl, often known as a louder, longer meow, is a drawn-out sound produced by a cat. A howl is comparable to a yowl but has a shorter duration.

Yowling and howling indicate that a cat is in distress. This could be physical discomfort or illness, or emotional suffering from worry, irritation, boredom, or imprisonment. Elderly cats may yowl if they have cognitive dysfunction syndrome or dementia. If a cat yowls when the family is away, it could be due to separation anxiety.

Cats may also cry or yowl to prevent other cats from intruding on their territory. Unneutered cats may produce these sounds as part of their mating ritual.   Could you summarize this section?

 

9. Caterwauling

Caterwauling is a loud, prolonged whine typically made by unspayed female cats in heat to attract potential mates. When aimed at humans, it often signifies pain, discomfort, fear, or a need for attention. Similar to yowling, caterwauling can also indicate cognitive decline in older cats.

 

Conclusion

While many cat vocalizations have distinct meanings, a general rule of thumb is that any change in a cat's vocalization—whether in frequency, intensity, duration, or pitch—should trigger a visit to the veterinarian to rule out discomfort, disease, or anxiety. In some circumstances, drugs to relieve anxiety or pain may be required to address the root cause of the vocalization.