Hissing often sounds aggressive or frightening, so it’s no surprise that this is the cat noise that is elicited when your pet feels threatened, angry or is in pain.Ĭats most often hiss at other animals. This very noisy cat sound is the main way that your pet will let others know that it’s time to mate. When in heat, cats will caterwaul to attract the attention of the opposite sex. This sound is most commonly made by cats that haven’t been spayed or neutered.
The caterwaul is another cat noise that once heard is never forgotten! This shrill, wailing noise can sound like your pet is in pain, but it’s actually elicited when a cat is in heat. They claim that cats are mimicking the noises that their prey makes in an attempt to lure them into a false sense of security. Some scientists, having conducted research in wild, believe that chattering may even be a hunting tactic. Or it could be excitement, in anticipation of a productive ‘hunt’. It could be vocalised frustration, as your cat watches birds through a window and can’t reach them. This is because a ‘chatter’ is most likely to be heard whilst a cat is watching or stalking birds, or another form of prey. It’s less a demand for attention and more an on-going grievance! You may hear this when it’s way past dinnertime and the food bowl is still empty.īut what does this specific cat sound mean? The theories on why cats chatter vary, but most believe that it’s something to do with their natural hunting instincts. This type of meow can be translated into a complaint or long-term grumble. This kind of meow can often sound more like a yelp due to the high pitch-and that is often what it means! Your cat will make a high-pitched meow sound when they are suddenly startled or hurt. Repeated meowsĪ standard sounding meow that is repeated over and over again is a sign that your cat is excited. Some owners will complain that this kind of meow wakes them up at night, or early in the morning when they’re ready for breakfast. It may be that they’re reminding you that it’s dinnertime, or that they want to be let outside. This kind of cat sound means that your pet is demanding something specific. It may be accompanied by rubbing against your legs. This shorter meow is used as a kind of greeting for owners. It’s then down to the context to try and decipher exactly what that want. When you hear it, it’s because your cat is asking for something. You will recognise this kind of cat sound easily, as it will be the one that you hear the most! In general, these kinds of meows are mid-length in duration and mid-pitch in tone. Although your cat will have their own distinctive way of meowing, it is possible to generally categorise some of the types of meowing that are most commonly heard. Not all meows sound the same, or mean the same thing. In older animals, it is less often used to communicate with other animals and will more frequently be heard in the presence of humans. Kittens meow almost constantly, always in search of their mother’s love, milk, or attention. Generally, this sound is used to demand attention. The most commonly heard cat noise is the classic ‘meow’. Kittens are notoriously vocal, with their adorable mewling and meowing, whilst more senior cats tend to be quieter. Similarly, the age of your cat also impacts on how vocally communicative they are likely to be. While all cats are individuals, some breeds are known to be noisier than others. Cat noise meanings can be split into five different categories, which all have their own specific purpose. Some cats are more vocal than others and your pet may have a very particular way of expressing themselves through sound. The types of cat sounds are specific to your pet. So, you can roughly understand what your cat is trying to communicate! Whether they are purring whilst being groomed, or hissing at another animal, cat sounds can all be roughly translated into human language.
When cats make noises, they’re trying to communicate a feeling or desire. Discover the meaning behind why your cat makes hissing or purring sounds with our handy guide, and before you know it you'll be able to translate what your kitty is trying to tell you like a pro!