What’s in a Meow? Cat Sounds and What They Mean

Did you know that cats have one of the widest vocal ranges of any pet? And none of these sounds are random - they’re your cat’s way of communicating with you.

Learning to decipher these sounds can help you understand what your cat is trying to tell you.

From meows and purrs to hisses, trills and chattering, this guide will explore common cat noises and what they mean.

Cat sounds and meanings: variations of meows

In case you didn’t know, meowing evolved specifically as a cat-to-human language, not a cat-to-cat one.

While kittens will meow at their mothers, adult cats largely reserve this form of communication for us. That’s why understanding the differences between meows can be so helpful.

When exploring cat noises and meanings, meows can generally be grouped into the following types:

• A short, sharp meow: this is typically a simple greeting or quick acknowledgement - you’ll commonly get these when returning home or when you enter a room where they’re hanging out.
• Repeated/rapid meows: several meows in quick succession tend to indicate excitement, urgency, or a desire for you to pay attention to them.
• Long, drawn-out meow: usually tied to a stronger request (“give me food”, “play with me”) or mild frustration (“you’re annoying me right now”).
• High-pitched meow: this can indicate surprise, discomfort, or an urgent ask.

If you’re noticing a sudden change in your cat’s meow (such as more frequent high-pitched meows), it may indicate some discomfort. This will usually be accompanied by other signs such as hiding, changes in grooming habits, uncharacteristic aggression, or other changes in vocalisation.

If their behaviour does seem different to you, it’s always best to speak to a vet for a proper check-up.

Common cat noises and what they mean

Trills and chirrups

Trills (also known as chirrups and chirps) are a bird-like, upward-toned sound your cat can make. They sound like a cross between a meow and a high-pitched purr and are generally a positive form of communication. They’ll use it as a friendly greeting, to express happiness, or to even call your attention to something.

Mother cats often use a trill to call their kittens to follow, and this carries into adulthood as a way of telling you to “look at this” (maybe they want to show you their favourite viewing spot) or to simply let you know they love you.

Cats can also trill when watching prey outside - while they may be a little frustrated by not being able to catch their prey, they’re still largely very excited during these moments.

Purring

Purring has to be one of the most calming and pleasant sounds a cat can make. Not only is it therapeutic for them, but research has shown that a cat’s purr can even help us humans feel calmer by triggering our parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”).

Now, in general, purring is a sign of contentment from your cat. They may purr while being petted, sleeping next to you or resting in your lap.

As with many aspects of cat behaviour and sounds, context is important when interpreting a purr. Since purring is also a form of self-soothing for your cat, they may purr to help manage anxiety or physical discomfort.

In these cases, you just need to keep an eye out for other signs that could signify stress or pain, such as your cat hiding, showing lowered energy levels, being less receptive to touch, and so on. And, of course, if you’re unsure, take time to chat with a vet.

Hissing and growling

Hissing and growling often indicate that a cat is frightened, feels threatened or is experiencing discomfort.

Both of these expressions are often paired with other clear body language giveaways such as an arched back, flattened ears, and/or puffed-up fur.

When this happens, it’s best to give your cat space and remove the perceived threat (this could be another pet in the household or someone your cat is not familiar with).

If your cat continues to hiss or growl after you have given them space, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet in case they’re unwell.

Caterwauling

Caterwauling is one of the loudest noises a cat can make. It’s a drawn-out, distinctive call that can almost seem mournful in nature. It’s commonly made by unspayed/unneutered cats who are calling for a mate.

Unspayed female cats will usually be the first to caterwaul, and unneutered male cats may caterwaul in response to find a prospective mate. Naturally, the best way to prevent mating-related caterwauling is to desex your cat.

Cats may also caterwaul because of territorial disputes, stress or a desire for attention.

Chattering

Have you ever watched your cat sit by a window and make that fast, teeth-chittering noise whenever they see a bird or other prey? That’s what we call chattering. Chattering is thought to reflect a mixture of predatory excitement and frustration when a cat can see prey but cannot reach it.

Why is my kitten crying at night?

When you’ve brought a new kitten into your home, it’s perfectly normal for them to cry (typically as higher-pitched meows) during the evening.

As they’re adjusting to their new home, separated from their mother and littermates for the first time, they’ll feel out of sorts as they try to assess their surroundings and unfamiliar scents.

To help them with this transition, set a warm, secure sleeping space where they can safely rest and hide if needed. It’s also good to establish a consistent bedtime routine and go at their pace as they build independence and venture further out into their new domain.

Make sure to be patient as it could take your kitten a week or so to feel more settled. If your kitten continues to cry or appears distressed after the first week at your home, it’s worth taking them to a vet to rule out other possible contributing factors.

To keep your cat happy and meowing blissfully, make sure to bond with them, learn their language, and consistently strengthen the relationship the two of you have.

Want to keep your cat calm and content? Explore Petstock’s range of enrichment toys and calming aids today.