TL; DR: As they reach adulthood, cats use their meows to communicate with their human owners. Learning what their different meows mean can help cat owners better understand their cat’s individual needs.
Cats can produce up to twenty-one distinct vocalizations which they use to communicate. Kittens will meow at their mothers and siblings when they’re hungry, cold, or scared. But as they mature, adult cats don’t often meow at other cats. Instead, they communicate with each other through body language, scent marking, and sometimes hissing or growling.
An adult cat uses their meow to talk to their humans and have a conversation. Some breeds are more vocal than others, with Siamese, Bengals, Turkish Vans, and American Bobtails being among the chattiest. Past studies comparing feral cats to household cats found differences in their meow sounds, which suggests that living closely with people can shape how a cat’s voice develops.
What Is Your Cat Trying To Say?
It’s important to use context to figure out what your cat is trying to tell you. If they’re meowing at you and sitting by their food bowl, they’re likely trying to tell you that they’re hungry. When a cat meows with their favorite toy nearby, they probably want to play. If a meow is paired with a head butt, it’s a sign that they’re looking for some extra affection. Additionally, older cats may vocalize due to disorientation, hearing loss, pain, or cognitive dysfunction. If older cats start yowling at night or meowing much more than usual, it could be a sign of cognitive decline.
Different Types Of Meows And What They Mean
Short Meow: This is a basic greeting, like a head nod for humans. It’s often heard when you walk into a room or come home after being out. Several short meows in quick succession could indicate excitement or eagerness. It means they’re happy to see you or they want something, like food or a toy.
Mid-Length Meow, Normal Pitch: This is a general request, and it’s often used broadly. Your cat could be hungry, or they want a door opened, or they want some attention. This is a meow where the context tells you what your cat is trying to say.
Longer, Drawn-Out Meow, Lower Pitch: This usually indicates frustration, or a more insistent demand. A yowl or howl is typically a sign of distress. In cats that haven’t been spayed or neutered, it can be part of mating behavior, especially at night.
High-Pitched Meow: If this meow is sharp and high-pitched, it could indicate surprise, pain, or alarm. A soft and high-pitched meow is typically friendliness, or a polite request.
Caterwaul: A long, loud whine made by unspayed female cats to attract prospective males when in heat. When it’s directed toward family members, it is used to express pain, discomfort, or a desire for attention.
Chirps, trills, or chattering: When your cat trills at you, they’re often trying to lead you somewhere, or they want affection. Chirping and trilling is also one of the few vocalizations that cats will carry into adulthood with each other. Cats will chirp and trill at each other regularly. Chattering is typically reserved for watching birds and squirrels through windows.
Silent Meow/Purr: This is a calm and affectionate type of communication. Cats use it with owners they have a close bond with.
The more you learn your cat’s language, the better you’ll be able to communicate with them. Learning what your cat’s different meows mean will help you understand your favorite feline and ensure that you’re meeting all of their needs!
Sources:
How to Understand Cat Meows: What Each Sound Means – ScienceInsights
What Do Different Cat Meows Mean? Types Explained – ScienceInsights
8 Types of Cat Meows and What They Mean (With Videos) – Catster