Cats and kittens make a range of sounds in order to communicate with other cats as well as their owners. From the contented purr to the snarl that comes when frightened or angry, cats use sounds to express wants, needs, and emotions. Observant owners can learn to interpret the sounds their cats make and come relatively close to “talking” with their feline companions.
Researchers have noted that most cat sounds can be divided into three groups: murmurs, intensity sounds, and vowels.
Murmurs
Probably the most recognizable sound that falls into the category of a murmur is the purr, usually a sign of contentment. Researches have not been able to determine how exactly cats are able to make their purring noise.
While usually a positive sound, purring can also indicate that a cat is in pain and is purring as a form of reassurance and calm. Therefore, owners should pay special attention to felines when they purr.
In addition to purring, the “chirp” noise that cats and kittens make to greet their owners is also a type of murmur. Felines make this noise with their mouths closed.
Intensity Sounds
Cats make intensity sounds by holding their mouths open, usually while in a state of heightened excitement. Intensity sounds can include hissing, growling, snarling, spitting, sounds that express pain, and yelps of females in heat. Adult cats typically use intensity sounds to communicate with each other, although cats also use intensity sounds to express fear or displeasure towards humans or other phenomena in their environment.
Vowel Sounds
The meow is the most known cat sound in the vowel category. As with intensity sounds, cats meow by holding their mouths open, but then they gradually close them while breath passes through. The vowel sound category also includes the “silent meow,” which actually involves no sound at all but rather entails the cat mouthing a pleading meow.
Cats can manipulate the sound of their meow based on what they want from their owners. Owners will notice, after time and some careful observation, that their cat may have a certain pitch of meow for when she wants to be fed, a different type of meow for when she wants to play, another type of meow for when she wants to go outside, and so on. Elderly cats may meow to express confusion, and this behavior may be an early indicator of Feline Alzheimer’s.
While some cats are chattier than others, all cats make sounds to express a range of emotions and desires. Owners should take note of the various sounds made by kittens and cats in their household in order to foster strong pet-human relationships and to ensure that feline needs are being met, because happy cats make for happy owners.
Additional Information:
Bessant, Claire (1999). Cat: The Complete Guide. London: Team Media, Ltd.
Amy Martin - Amy Martin is a freelance writer who holds a Ph.D. in English Studies from Illinois State University. She taught literature and writing ...
