Cat Sounds Your Cat Makes and What They Mean

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Adult cats meow to communicate with humans, not other cats. It's a way to ask for attention, food, or express a "welcome home" greeting.

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Cat Meow Sound

Cat Purr

A cat's purr is a soothing rumble of contentment when happy. It can also occur when agitated, but body language helps distinguish the meaning.

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Kittenhood chirps are declarative cat noises for attention or to highlight something important. They can also indicate excitement and happiness in cats.

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Cat Chirps

Cat Chatter

Cat's teeth-chattering indicates predatory excitement or frustration at being unable to reach prey. It mimics bird or rodent calls, but evidence is anecdotal.

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Cat Hiss

A cat's hiss is a clear sign of feeling threatened and ready to fight. It is accompanied by changes in body language. Remove the perceived threat when it occurs.

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Cat Yowl

Yowling indicates worry, discomfort, territorial concerns, mating issues, or illness. Check for health problems and provide stimulation to address boredom.

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Cat Caterwaul

The caterwaul is an abbreviated, hollow-sounding yowl made by females in heat to attract mates. They seek to go outside and encounter yowling males.

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Cat Scream

en both pets are calm and going about their normal business, you can arrange for their first meeting.

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Cat Snarls

Snarls and growls accompany hissing, indicating fear, anger, or territorial threat. Leave the cat alone unless in immediate danger. Defensive body posture accompanies these vocalizations.

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Cat Breed Talk

Shorthaired cats are often more talkative. Breeds like Abyssinian, Siamese, Bengal, and more from Asia tend to be naturally chatty.

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