Cat Lovers Community Team
Cats are social animals with various vocalizations that they will use to communicate with each other, just like humans. Cats also have an extensive system of body language that they use when interacting with humans and other animals.
The following are different cats sounds and what they mean:
- Meow
The first sound that cats make is a soft meow. It is said when a cat wants something when you want one of your cats to come to you, or if they are saying hello to someone new. Cats will hear the sound, turn their heads towards you, and look at you with their head cocked slightly. It does not mean that it’s begging for something; instead, it’s curious about its surroundings.
- Purr
A cat will make a rumbling sound when they are content and happy. Cats purr to express happiness and relaxation, which is why they often do this when petting or getting ready to sleep.
- Hiss
A cat’s softest hiss is usually used to express irritation or anger towards a person or other cat. It can also be used when a cat is warning a person off or when they are going to attack someone. This hiss is supposed to be a warning signal, but cats say it typically without intending any harm. It’s almost the same sound we make when we say ‘ow.’
- Chirrup
This sound is a chirrup that a cat makes when they are in the middle of grooming. It’s most often heard when cats are brushing their fur. Chirrups serve as a form of communication to show other cats that you are present or to indicate that they should get out of the sleeping area or away from the food.
- Growl
A cat’s loudest growl is usually heard when a cat is scared and is trying to warn you or another cat not to approach them. This sound will scare off anyone that comes to the cat in question. Most felines growl when trying to scare off predators or enemies. The growl can be heard when they want to warn any intruder not to enter their territory.
- Trill
A trill is a sound made when a cat is excited and happy to see their owner or if they are hungry and you’re late in feeding them. It’s usually heard when they want to be petted or are in the middle of being provided. The cat usually rubs against you while making the sound and wants you to pet it continuously.
- Cluck
Cats will make this sound while stretching their muscles out when they’re very comfortable or packed up with food. They’ll usually do this while you are petting them, which is why it’s also known as a ‘friendly purr.’
- Chatter
A cat’s chatter is its way of saying goodbye to someone. When they make this sound, it’s not meant as an attack but instead is a sign of affection for the person. The cat will usually make eye contact with you when making the sound.
- Howl
It is a soft howl used by cats to communicate with each other. It’s usually made when they have something important to say to one another or when they want to declare war on their enemy. A cat’s howl will sound different from a dog’s, which shows the difference between an animal and a human.
Conclusion
Cats are truly unique creatures that are fun to have around. It’s always great when cats make these different sounds because it shows that they’re happy and content with their surroundings. Be careful because cats will also make warning sounds when they are in a bad mood and attack if they feel threatened.
