Cats are capable of producing a wide range of sounds, each with a specific purpose and meaning. Scientific research has described up to 21 different vocalisations which are primarily used for communication, but they also have functional roles in behaviour, territory marking, and social bonding. Cat vocalisations are produced using their larynx (voice box), which contains vocal cords that vibrate when air passes through them. This is similar to how humans produce sounds, but cats have more control over the muscles in their larynx, allowing them to create a wider variety of sounds. The shape of a cat’s vocal cords, combined with the unique resonance of their body structure, gives each cat’s voice its distinctive tone and pitch.
Meowing
Meowing is perhaps the most recognisable cat sound, but interestingly, adult cats typically use this vocalisation primarily with humans, not other cats. Unlike kittens, who meow to their mothers for food or attention, adult cats develop meowing as a way to communicate directly with humans.
Meowing can indicate a variety of emotions and needs. Cats meow to request food, seek attention, or express discomfort. A loud, persistent meow may suggest hunger or an urgent desire for interaction, while a soft, gentle meow might be a greeting or a request for attention.
The tone, pitch, and frequency of the meow can provide additional context. For example, a high-pitched, rapid meow might signify excitement or stress, while a low-pitched meow might convey discomfort, boredom, or even illness.
Purring
Purring is one of the most soothing sounds a cat can make. Often associated with contentment, purring can occur in a variety of situations, and its meaning extends beyond just happiness. While purring often signals relaxation, it is also used by cats when they are in pain or distress.
Some researchers believe that the act of purring may serve a self-soothing function, helping cats calm down during stressful situations, such as during visits to the vet or after an injury. It’s also theorised that the vibrations caused by purring might aid in healing bone and tissue injuries.
Cats typically purr when they are being petted, cuddling, or in a calm state, but it must be evaluated in context with their body language. If a cat’s ears are back, pupils dilated, back is hunched up, the purring may indicate the cat is unhappy or uncomfortable.
Growling and Hissing
A hissing sound is often made when a cat feels threatened or is in a defensive mode. This vocalisation is accompanied by an open mouth, exposed teeth, and normally a tensed-up body.
A growl is a low, rumbling sound used to warn or scare off a threat. It can be directed toward humans or other cats or animals. Growling is an indication that a cat feels threatened, frightened, or is about to become aggressive. This sound often increases as the cat’s fear grows.
Hissing is a warning signal, an attempt to make the cat appear more intimidating and to ward off potential threats. Cats usually hiss in response to unfamiliar animals, sudden movements, or situations where they feel cornered or frightened.
If your cat is hissing at an object or animal, you should remove the perceived threat. If it hisses at you move away from them. You should not attempt to pick the cat up as a hiss is a clear sign that the cat feels the need to protect itself. If the threat continues, the cat may escalate to more aggressive behaviours, such as swatting, scratching or biting.
Chirping and Chattering
Chirping, or chattering, is a unique sound that many cats make when they are watching birds or other prey animals through a window. The sound is often a combination of a chirp and a chittering noise, sometimes accompanied by rapid jaw movements.
Although the exact reason behind chirping is not fully understood, it is believed to be an expression of frustration or excitement. Cats may make these sounds when they are observing prey animals they cannot access, suggesting that it could be an instinctual response tied to hunting behaviours.
Some experts hypothesise that chattering could represent the cat’s attempt to imitate the sound of prey, or to release pent-up energy from stalking. Others suggest it may be a way of signalling to their owners that they are in hunting mode.
Yowling, Howling and Caterwauling
Yowling is a loud, drawn-out vocalisation that can be heard from a distance. It is commonly heard during mating season, but can also occur in situations where a cat is feeling territorial or experiencing distress. A howl is similar to a yowl, but shorter in duration.
Yowling and howling are often associated with mating behaviour. It can also occur in response to territorial disputes with other cats or animals. In some cases, cats yowl as a response to loneliness or to express a need for attention.
Yowling can sometimes be a sign of a cat in pain or distress, so if a cat that doesn’t normally make this sound suddenly starts, it’s a good idea to take them to your vets to check for signs of injury or illness.
Caterwauling is a long, loud whine made to attract mates when an unspayed female is in heat. If directed towards humans, it can express the same things as a yowl or a howl.
Why Cats Use Vocalisations for Communication
Cats’ vocalisations serve several important functions, depending on the context and the individual cat’s needs. These include:
- Communication with Humans: Unlike many other animals, cats are highly adept at learning how to communicate with humans, using vocalisations to express their needs, desires, and emotions. Some cats even develop specific vocal patterns that are tailored to their owners.
- Territorial Marking: Vocalisations, particularly yowling and growling, can serve as territorial markers, signalling to other cats that a particular space is claimed or defended.
- Social Bonding: Cats also use vocalisations to strengthen their bond with humans and other animals. Purring, meowing, and even chirping can be forms of social interaction that reinforce connections between cats and their companions.
- Stress and Warning Signals: Hissing, growling, and yowling can signal stress, fear, or aggression. These sounds serve to warn other animals or humans to stay away or to behave cautiously.
Take-home message about feline vocal communication
In conclusion, the vocalisations of cats are complex and multi-faceted, reflecting their intricate emotional states, social needs, and environmental experiences. While some sounds are easily recognizable and understood by cat owners, others remain mysterious and open to interpretation. By tuning into these vocal cues, we can gain a deeper understanding of what our cats are trying to communicate, enhancing our relationship with them and enriching the experience of sharing our lives with them.
Interested in learning more about feline body language? Check out our previous blog post on the topic!
Need help with understanding your cat’s vocal signals better? Get in touch with us to see how one of our cat behaviourists can support you. Our cat behaviourists are based in Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Coventry.
Stay tuned for a future feline blog article, but this time exploring their ultra important scent communication!
