{"id":37427,"date":"2024-06-19T01:47:48","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T01:47:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cats.com\/?p=37427"},"modified":"2025-05-05T12:35:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:35:36","slug":"cat-vocalizations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cats.com\/cat-vocalizations","title":{"rendered":"7 Common Cat Vocalizations and What They Mean"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-42432\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Cat-Vocalizations.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Cat-Vocalizations.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Cat-Vocalizations-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Cat-Vocalizations-624x312.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Cat-Vocalizations-780x390.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Cats have a diverse vocal range of sounds. In fact they have one of the largest patterns of vocalization of all carnivores, they can express around 100 different phonations as compared to dogs who can only communicate about 10 sounds.<\/p>\n<p>Cats communicate between members of their own species and with other species to express how they feel in their own unique way. Researchers have found that the environment plays a crucial part on the vocal behaviour with untamed cats and pet cats vocalizing inversely.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s review the foremost common sounds cats make and decipher their meaning.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" data-cliversesrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5s1R3uzRLtI\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Vocal Communication<\/h2>\n<p>Despite the pet cat being a solitary species, domestication has led to several social and behavioural changes with the flexibility to cohabitate plus communicate to suit the cat\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n<p>Verbal communication is distinguished by four categories:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Agonistic exchanges<\/li>\n<li>Sexual interplay<\/li>\n<li>Queen-kitten interactions<\/li>\n<li>Cat-human conversations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>In one <a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/1945-01466-001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">study<\/a> vocalizations were categorized as murmur, vowel and strained intensity patterns while in another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7000907\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">study<\/a>, researchers separated cats sounds into closed mouth, fixed open mouth and sounds produced with the open mouth steadily closed.<\/p>\n<p>Distinctions have also been seen between pet cats and feral cats with domesticated cat\u2019s vocalization of higher frequency but shorter length during exchanges with humans including more communication with people.<\/p>\n<h2>List of Vocalizations Made by Cats<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-102794\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cat-Vocalizations_eng.jpg\" alt=\"List of Vocalizations Made by Cats\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cat-Vocalizations_eng.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cat-Vocalizations_eng-768x1524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cat-Vocalizations_eng-774x1536.jpg 774w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cat-Vocalizations_eng-624x1238.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The most common vocalizations made by cats and they\u2019re meaning are:<\/p>\n<h3>1. Meow or Miaow<\/h3>\n<p>Cats make a widespread of meowing sounds, differing in intensity, length and frequency occurring in a wide selection of contexts with an oversized amount of variation accustomed to communicating various messages.<\/p>\n<p>Cats tend to direct meows more to humans instead of other cats. Although meows are heard between mother-kitten exchanges, they\u2019re rarely heard during domestic cat-cat interactions.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" data-cliversesrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JNAjXjHx4BQ\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The function of the meow is commonly solicitation (greeting, attention, food related or when a kitten is separated from the queen). If the meow motivation is frustration (not having the ability to gain access outdoors or obtain food), the meow may be longer and more frequent.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Purr<\/h3>\n<p>Purring is the most recognised murmur sound with one among all time low pitch tones made by felines.<\/p>\n<p>Purring is produced by muscular narrowing of the laryngeal muscle when the mouth is closed for the duration of respiration, it will be heard both during inhalation and exhalation, giving it a rhythmic feature which will be continued for extended periods.<\/p>\n<p>Felines can adjust the volume at which they purr, depending on their emotional intensity, the most foremost changeable is the purr volume between individuals, with some purring at hardly audible levels whilst other purring loudly keeping owners awake night-time.<\/p>\n<p>Cats purr in many situations &#8211; both positive and negative contexts. Queens purr whilst nursing kittens while kittens purr during nursing sessions. Cats also purr when resting or rubbing alongside a feline companion, when greeting their owners and when being stroked or groomed on an owner\u2019s lap, it\u2019s thought in such instances purring communicates contentment.<\/p>\n<p>Listen to this video to hear a cat purr.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" data-cliversesrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IcDsqSC5Z-c\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Veterinarians and pet parents have noticed that certain cats purr when they\u2019re in pain and a few have seen queens purr during labour.<\/p>\n<p>There isn\u2019t sufficient evidence to conclude the function of purring during negative contexts, however it\u2019s likely that purring in such situations have likelihood of self-healing functions and pain relief.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Trill\/Chirrup<\/h3>\n<p>The trill\u2019s function is to communicate greeting, getting attention and inciting friendly interactions with other cats. The chirrup form of the trill is used by the queen to call her kittens, however, also happens between adult cats.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/cat-trilling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trills<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/cat-chirping\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">chirrup<\/a> are directed towards people and appears along with meowing. The Chirp high-pitched sound has also been thought to mimic bird or rodent chirp to entice prey.<\/p>\n<p>Watch this cat trills at her owner when woken from a nap<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" data-cliversesrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2HlCRjjDhIA\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>4. Chatter\/Chitter<\/h3>\n<p>Cat chatter occurs when a cat is viewing prey that\u2019s unattainable. It\u2019s usually directed towards birds but may be targeted towards other prey and even toys. The clicking sound is produced in sequences with the jaw and a tensely open mouth.<\/p>\n<p>No-one is certain the true function of this behaviour, however there are few theories comprised of signs of conflict of frustration in attaining prey, prey capture anticipation, <a href=\"https:\/\/newsroom.wcs.org\/News-Releases\/articleType\/ArticleView\/articleId\/5130\/Here-Monkey-Monkey-WCS-Study-Finds-Wild-Cat-Mimicking-Monkey-Calls.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">impersonation<\/a> of prey vocalizations and therefore the kill bite theory.<\/p>\n<p>In this video a cat chatters during play with a feather toy.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" data-cliversesrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NEk8VFXUhrM\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>5. Hiss<\/h3>\n<p>The hiss is identifiable because of its distinct sound. The hiss is a lengthy exhalation produced while a cat\u2019s mouth is wide open with teeth exposed.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s slight variation between cats in the hiss sound made in comparison to meows, yowls and shrieks. The hiss sound is made in agonistic situations or defensive encounters to warn others and accompanied by changes to body posture.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Snarl<\/h3>\n<p>The Snarl sound happens during a fast inhalation. The phonation is harsh, loud, high-pitched vocalization produced with open mouth generally during active aggression or when in pain.<\/p>\n<p>Snarls likewise employed in offensive and defensive interactions, both between cats and towards other animals to frighten or intimidate an enemy.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Shriek<\/h3>\n<p>When a cat shrieks, it communicates intense negative emotion like fear and\/or pain. If the threat intensifies by moving nearer, a feline may emanate a sudden loud shriek to startle the opponent and allow the cat a fast escape or attack (Brown and Bradshaw, 2014).<\/p>\n<p>Pain shrieks are short intense cries of tense vowels depicted by a great strain of mouth plus throat and therefore the force of breath (Moelk, 1944).<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Cats are great communicators and if we pay close attention to their vocalization, body language and facial expressions, we\u2019ll realise they\u2019re trying to converse with us and convey vital information about their overall health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/cat-hissing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Why Do Cats Hiss &amp; What You Need To Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n            <style>\n                .cliverse-post-faq h3{\n                    position: relative;\n                    background: #FFFFFF;\n                    box-shadow: 0px 9px 26px rgba(198, 198, 198, 0.25);\n                    border-radius: 15px;\n                    padding: 24px 110px 24px 110px;\n                    margin-bottom: 30px;\n                    transition: all 0.4s ease;\n\n                    font-weight: 700!important;\n                    font-size: 20px!important;\n                    line-height: 105.8%!important;\n                    color: #373737;\n                    cursor: pointer;\n                }\n                .cliverse-post-faq h3.active{\n                    background: #EDF1F7;\n                }\n                .cliverse-post-faq h3 .question-angle{\n                    display: flex;\n                    width: 24px;\n                    height: 24px;\n                    justify-content: center;\n                    align-items: center;\n                    position: absolute;\n                    top: calc(50% - 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9px);\n                    }\n                }\n            <\/style>\n            <script>\n                document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function(event) {\n                    $ = jQuery;\n                    $(this).on('click', '.cliverse-post-faq h3', function () {\n                        var title = $(this),\n                            info = title.next();\n                        if (title.hasClass('active')) {\n                            title.removeClass('active');\n                            info.stop().slideUp(400);\n                        } else {\n                            title.addClass('active');\n                            info.stop().slideDown(400);\n                        }\n                        return false;\n                    });\n                });\n            <\/script>\n        \n            <div itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq\">\n                <h2 class=\"cliverse-faq-title\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n                        <h3 itemprop=\"name\">\n                            <div class=\"question-mark\">\n                                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path d=\"M23.3438 31.1562C23.3438 31.6198 23.2063 32.0729 22.9488 32.4584C22.6912 32.8438 22.3252 33.1442 21.8969 33.3216C21.4687 33.499 20.9974 33.5454 20.5428 33.455C20.0881 33.3645 19.6705 33.1413 19.3427 32.8135C19.0149 32.4858 18.7917 32.0681 18.7013 31.6135C18.6109 31.1588 18.6573 30.6876 18.8347 30.2593C19.0121 29.8311 19.3125 29.465 19.6979 29.2075C20.0833 28.95 20.5365 28.8125 21 28.8125C21.6216 28.8125 22.2178 29.0594 22.6573 29.499C23.0968 29.9385 23.3438 30.5346 23.3438 31.1562ZM21 10.0625C16.6914 10.0625 13.1875 13.2168 13.1875 17.0938V17.875C13.1875 18.2894 13.3521 18.6868 13.6452 18.9799C13.9382 19.2729 14.3356 19.4375 14.75 19.4375C15.1644 19.4375 15.5618 19.2729 15.8549 18.9799C16.1479 18.6868 16.3125 18.2894 16.3125 17.875V17.0938C16.3125 14.9453 18.416 13.1875 21 13.1875C23.584 13.1875 25.6875 14.9453 25.6875 17.0938C25.6875 19.2422 23.584 21 21 21C20.5856 21 20.1882 21.1646 19.8952 21.4576C19.6021 21.7507 19.4375 22.1481 19.4375 22.5625V24.125C19.4375 24.5394 19.6021 24.9368 19.8952 25.2299C20.1882 25.5229 20.5856 25.6875 21 25.6875C21.4144 25.6875 21.8118 25.5229 22.1049 25.2299C22.3979 24.9368 22.5625 24.5394 22.5625 24.125V23.9844C26.125 23.3301 28.8125 20.4883 28.8125 17.0938C28.8125 13.2168 25.3086 10.0625 21 10.0625ZM41.3125 21C41.3125 25.0174 40.1212 28.9446 37.8892 32.285C35.6573 35.6254 32.4849 38.2289 28.7733 39.7663C25.0616 41.3037 20.9775 41.706 17.0372 40.9222C13.097 40.1384 9.47766 38.2039 6.6369 35.3631C3.79615 32.5224 1.86157 28.903 1.07781 24.9628C0.294046 21.0225 0.696301 16.9384 2.23371 13.2267C3.77111 9.51512 6.37462 6.34274 9.71499 4.11077C13.0554 1.87881 16.9826 0.6875 21 0.6875C26.3855 0.693187 31.5487 2.83507 35.3568 6.64317C39.1649 10.4513 41.3068 15.6145 41.3125 21ZM38.1875 21C38.1875 17.6006 37.1795 14.2776 35.2909 11.4511C33.4023 8.62467 30.718 6.4217 27.5774 5.12082C24.4368 3.81994 20.9809 3.47957 17.6469 4.14275C14.3128 4.80594 11.2503 6.44289 8.84661 8.8466C6.4429 11.2503 4.80595 14.3128 4.14276 17.6469C3.47958 20.9809 3.81995 24.4368 5.12083 27.5774C6.42171 30.718 8.62468 33.4023 11.4511 35.2909C14.2776 37.1795 17.6006 38.1875 21 38.1875C25.5568 38.1823 29.9255 36.3699 33.1477 33.1477C36.3699 29.9255 38.1823 25.5568 38.1875 21Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            What do my cat's vocalizations mean?                            <div class=\"question-angle\">\n                                <svg width=\"35\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M34.1269 0.504921C35.1752 1.25869 35.2967 2.58264 34.3981 3.46205L17.5 20L0.601898 3.46205C-0.296654 2.58264 -0.175251 1.25869 0.873062 0.504921C1.92138 -0.248853 3.49962 -0.147011 4.39817 0.732392L17.5 13.555L30.6018 0.732392C31.5004 -0.147011 33.0786 -0.248853 34.1269 0.504921Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/h3>\n                        <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq-answer\">\n                            <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                <p>Your cat will make distinct sounds to express how they feel and to communicate with you and other cats. Different sounds can vary between individuals and breeds, you will have to decipher the context and message your cat is trying to articulate. Some will convey pleasure, comfort and excitement whilst other frustration, fear or pain.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n                        <h3 itemprop=\"name\">\n                            <div class=\"question-mark\">\n                                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path d=\"M23.3438 31.1562C23.3438 31.6198 23.2063 32.0729 22.9488 32.4584C22.6912 32.8438 22.3252 33.1442 21.8969 33.3216C21.4687 33.499 20.9974 33.5454 20.5428 33.455C20.0881 33.3645 19.6705 33.1413 19.3427 32.8135C19.0149 32.4858 18.7917 32.0681 18.7013 31.6135C18.6109 31.1588 18.6573 30.6876 18.8347 30.2593C19.0121 29.8311 19.3125 29.465 19.6979 29.2075C20.0833 28.95 20.5365 28.8125 21 28.8125C21.6216 28.8125 22.2178 29.0594 22.6573 29.499C23.0968 29.9385 23.3438 30.5346 23.3438 31.1562ZM21 10.0625C16.6914 10.0625 13.1875 13.2168 13.1875 17.0938V17.875C13.1875 18.2894 13.3521 18.6868 13.6452 18.9799C13.9382 19.2729 14.3356 19.4375 14.75 19.4375C15.1644 19.4375 15.5618 19.2729 15.8549 18.9799C16.1479 18.6868 16.3125 18.2894 16.3125 17.875V17.0938C16.3125 14.9453 18.416 13.1875 21 13.1875C23.584 13.1875 25.6875 14.9453 25.6875 17.0938C25.6875 19.2422 23.584 21 21 21C20.5856 21 20.1882 21.1646 19.8952 21.4576C19.6021 21.7507 19.4375 22.1481 19.4375 22.5625V24.125C19.4375 24.5394 19.6021 24.9368 19.8952 25.2299C20.1882 25.5229 20.5856 25.6875 21 25.6875C21.4144 25.6875 21.8118 25.5229 22.1049 25.2299C22.3979 24.9368 22.5625 24.5394 22.5625 24.125V23.9844C26.125 23.3301 28.8125 20.4883 28.8125 17.0938C28.8125 13.2168 25.3086 10.0625 21 10.0625ZM41.3125 21C41.3125 25.0174 40.1212 28.9446 37.8892 32.285C35.6573 35.6254 32.4849 38.2289 28.7733 39.7663C25.0616 41.3037 20.9775 41.706 17.0372 40.9222C13.097 40.1384 9.47766 38.2039 6.6369 35.3631C3.79615 32.5224 1.86157 28.903 1.07781 24.9628C0.294046 21.0225 0.696301 16.9384 2.23371 13.2267C3.77111 9.51512 6.37462 6.34274 9.71499 4.11077C13.0554 1.87881 16.9826 0.6875 21 0.6875C26.3855 0.693187 31.5487 2.83507 35.3568 6.64317C39.1649 10.4513 41.3068 15.6145 41.3125 21ZM38.1875 21C38.1875 17.6006 37.1795 14.2776 35.2909 11.4511C33.4023 8.62467 30.718 6.4217 27.5774 5.12082C24.4368 3.81994 20.9809 3.47957 17.6469 4.14275C14.3128 4.80594 11.2503 6.44289 8.84661 8.8466C6.4429 11.2503 4.80595 14.3128 4.14276 17.6469C3.47958 20.9809 3.81995 24.4368 5.12083 27.5774C6.42171 30.718 8.62468 33.4023 11.4511 35.2909C14.2776 37.1795 17.6006 38.1875 21 38.1875C25.5568 38.1823 29.9255 36.3699 33.1477 33.1477C36.3699 29.9255 38.1823 25.5568 38.1875 21Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            What are the different cat sounds?                            <div class=\"question-angle\">\n                                <svg width=\"35\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M34.1269 0.504921C35.1752 1.25869 35.2967 2.58264 34.3981 3.46205L17.5 20L0.601898 3.46205C-0.296654 2.58264 -0.175251 1.25869 0.873062 0.504921C1.92138 -0.248853 3.49962 -0.147011 4.39817 0.732392L17.5 13.555L30.6018 0.732392C31.5004 -0.147011 33.0786 -0.248853 34.1269 0.504921Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/h3>\n                        <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq-answer\">\n                            <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                <p>The sounds a cat make is split into three groups: vowel sounds, murmur sounds and hostile calls. Vowel sounds produced when a cat opens and closes its mouth like a meow, howl or chatter. Murmur sounds typically formed with the mouth closed like purr, trills and chirrups whilst tense sounds are made with an open mouth used in offensive or defensive interactions like yowl, hiss, snarl, spit and growl.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n                        <h3 itemprop=\"name\">\n                            <div class=\"question-mark\">\n                                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path d=\"M23.3438 31.1562C23.3438 31.6198 23.2063 32.0729 22.9488 32.4584C22.6912 32.8438 22.3252 33.1442 21.8969 33.3216C21.4687 33.499 20.9974 33.5454 20.5428 33.455C20.0881 33.3645 19.6705 33.1413 19.3427 32.8135C19.0149 32.4858 18.7917 32.0681 18.7013 31.6135C18.6109 31.1588 18.6573 30.6876 18.8347 30.2593C19.0121 29.8311 19.3125 29.465 19.6979 29.2075C20.0833 28.95 20.5365 28.8125 21 28.8125C21.6216 28.8125 22.2178 29.0594 22.6573 29.499C23.0968 29.9385 23.3438 30.5346 23.3438 31.1562ZM21 10.0625C16.6914 10.0625 13.1875 13.2168 13.1875 17.0938V17.875C13.1875 18.2894 13.3521 18.6868 13.6452 18.9799C13.9382 19.2729 14.3356 19.4375 14.75 19.4375C15.1644 19.4375 15.5618 19.2729 15.8549 18.9799C16.1479 18.6868 16.3125 18.2894 16.3125 17.875V17.0938C16.3125 14.9453 18.416 13.1875 21 13.1875C23.584 13.1875 25.6875 14.9453 25.6875 17.0938C25.6875 19.2422 23.584 21 21 21C20.5856 21 20.1882 21.1646 19.8952 21.4576C19.6021 21.7507 19.4375 22.1481 19.4375 22.5625V24.125C19.4375 24.5394 19.6021 24.9368 19.8952 25.2299C20.1882 25.5229 20.5856 25.6875 21 25.6875C21.4144 25.6875 21.8118 25.5229 22.1049 25.2299C22.3979 24.9368 22.5625 24.5394 22.5625 24.125V23.9844C26.125 23.3301 28.8125 20.4883 28.8125 17.0938C28.8125 13.2168 25.3086 10.0625 21 10.0625ZM41.3125 21C41.3125 25.0174 40.1212 28.9446 37.8892 32.285C35.6573 35.6254 32.4849 38.2289 28.7733 39.7663C25.0616 41.3037 20.9775 41.706 17.0372 40.9222C13.097 40.1384 9.47766 38.2039 6.6369 35.3631C3.79615 32.5224 1.86157 28.903 1.07781 24.9628C0.294046 21.0225 0.696301 16.9384 2.23371 13.2267C3.77111 9.51512 6.37462 6.34274 9.71499 4.11077C13.0554 1.87881 16.9826 0.6875 21 0.6875C26.3855 0.693187 31.5487 2.83507 35.3568 6.64317C39.1649 10.4513 41.3068 15.6145 41.3125 21ZM38.1875 21C38.1875 17.6006 37.1795 14.2776 35.2909 11.4511C33.4023 8.62467 30.718 6.4217 27.5774 5.12082C24.4368 3.81994 20.9809 3.47957 17.6469 4.14275C14.3128 4.80594 11.2503 6.44289 8.84661 8.8466C6.4429 11.2503 4.80595 14.3128 4.14276 17.6469C3.47958 20.9809 3.81995 24.4368 5.12083 27.5774C6.42171 30.718 8.62468 33.4023 11.4511 35.2909C14.2776 37.1795 17.6006 38.1875 21 38.1875C25.5568 38.1823 29.9255 36.3699 33.1477 33.1477C36.3699 29.9255 38.1823 25.5568 38.1875 21Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            What are the 16 known cat words?                            <div class=\"question-angle\">\n                                <svg width=\"35\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M34.1269 0.504921C35.1752 1.25869 35.2967 2.58264 34.3981 3.46205L17.5 20L0.601898 3.46205C-0.296654 2.58264 -0.175251 1.25869 0.873062 0.504921C1.92138 -0.248853 3.49962 -0.147011 4.39817 0.732392L17.5 13.555L30.6018 0.732392C31.5004 -0.147011 33.0786 -0.248853 34.1269 0.504921Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/h3>\n                        <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq-answer\">\n                            <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                <p>Cats are intelligent species who can understand between 20 \u2013 50 words including their name. They recognise short words and associate them together with your tone of voice including, vocalism and body language correlating them with play, feeding, incentives and stroking. Common cat words are meow, purr, paw, cat, head, ear, nose, eye, food, bowl, bed, mouse, bird, water, etc.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n                        <h3 itemprop=\"name\">\n                            <div class=\"question-mark\">\n                                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path d=\"M23.3438 31.1562C23.3438 31.6198 23.2063 32.0729 22.9488 32.4584C22.6912 32.8438 22.3252 33.1442 21.8969 33.3216C21.4687 33.499 20.9974 33.5454 20.5428 33.455C20.0881 33.3645 19.6705 33.1413 19.3427 32.8135C19.0149 32.4858 18.7917 32.0681 18.7013 31.6135C18.6109 31.1588 18.6573 30.6876 18.8347 30.2593C19.0121 29.8311 19.3125 29.465 19.6979 29.2075C20.0833 28.95 20.5365 28.8125 21 28.8125C21.6216 28.8125 22.2178 29.0594 22.6573 29.499C23.0968 29.9385 23.3438 30.5346 23.3438 31.1562ZM21 10.0625C16.6914 10.0625 13.1875 13.2168 13.1875 17.0938V17.875C13.1875 18.2894 13.3521 18.6868 13.6452 18.9799C13.9382 19.2729 14.3356 19.4375 14.75 19.4375C15.1644 19.4375 15.5618 19.2729 15.8549 18.9799C16.1479 18.6868 16.3125 18.2894 16.3125 17.875V17.0938C16.3125 14.9453 18.416 13.1875 21 13.1875C23.584 13.1875 25.6875 14.9453 25.6875 17.0938C25.6875 19.2422 23.584 21 21 21C20.5856 21 20.1882 21.1646 19.8952 21.4576C19.6021 21.7507 19.4375 22.1481 19.4375 22.5625V24.125C19.4375 24.5394 19.6021 24.9368 19.8952 25.2299C20.1882 25.5229 20.5856 25.6875 21 25.6875C21.4144 25.6875 21.8118 25.5229 22.1049 25.2299C22.3979 24.9368 22.5625 24.5394 22.5625 24.125V23.9844C26.125 23.3301 28.8125 20.4883 28.8125 17.0938C28.8125 13.2168 25.3086 10.0625 21 10.0625ZM41.3125 21C41.3125 25.0174 40.1212 28.9446 37.8892 32.285C35.6573 35.6254 32.4849 38.2289 28.7733 39.7663C25.0616 41.3037 20.9775 41.706 17.0372 40.9222C13.097 40.1384 9.47766 38.2039 6.6369 35.3631C3.79615 32.5224 1.86157 28.903 1.07781 24.9628C0.294046 21.0225 0.696301 16.9384 2.23371 13.2267C3.77111 9.51512 6.37462 6.34274 9.71499 4.11077C13.0554 1.87881 16.9826 0.6875 21 0.6875C26.3855 0.693187 31.5487 2.83507 35.3568 6.64317C39.1649 10.4513 41.3068 15.6145 41.3125 21ZM38.1875 21C38.1875 17.6006 37.1795 14.2776 35.2909 11.4511C33.4023 8.62467 30.718 6.4217 27.5774 5.12082C24.4368 3.81994 20.9809 3.47957 17.6469 4.14275C14.3128 4.80594 11.2503 6.44289 8.84661 8.8466C6.4429 11.2503 4.80595 14.3128 4.14276 17.6469C3.47958 20.9809 3.81995 24.4368 5.12083 27.5774C6.42171 30.718 8.62468 33.4023 11.4511 35.2909C14.2776 37.1795 17.6006 38.1875 21 38.1875C25.5568 38.1823 29.9255 36.3699 33.1477 33.1477C36.3699 29.9255 38.1823 25.5568 38.1875 21Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            Why is my cat yowling?                            <div class=\"question-angle\">\n                                <svg width=\"35\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M34.1269 0.504921C35.1752 1.25869 35.2967 2.58264 34.3981 3.46205L17.5 20L0.601898 3.46205C-0.296654 2.58264 -0.175251 1.25869 0.873062 0.504921C1.92138 -0.248853 3.49962 -0.147011 4.39817 0.732392L17.5 13.555L30.6018 0.732392C31.5004 -0.147011 33.0786 -0.248853 34.1269 0.504921Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/h3>\n                        <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq-answer\">\n                            <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                <p>A cat who\u2019s yowling (long and loud call) is communicating several things. Generally yowling is a form of aggression aimed towards another cat or an animal whereby a cat expresses a warning thanks to a threatening situation or territory invasion. Yowling may imply pain, illness or convey a feline\u2019s reproductive status during mating season.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <style>\r\n            .sourses-block{\r\n                margin-bottom: 30px;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .sourses-top{\r\n                display: flex;\r\n                gap: 10px;\r\n                margin-bottom: 24px;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .sourses-title{\r\n                background: #FFFFFF;\r\n                border-radius: 247px;\r\n                border: 1px solid #444;\r\n                box-sizing: border-box;\r\n                display: inline-block;\r\n                cursor: pointer;\r\n                padding: 12px 34px 13px;\r\n                position: relative;\r\n                z-index: 2;\r\n\r\n                color: #444;\r\n                font-size: 20px;\r\n                font-style: normal;\r\n                font-weight: 600;\r\n                line-height: 105.8%;\r\n                text-align: center;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .minus{\r\n                width: 48px;\r\n                height: 48px;\r\n                display: inline-block;\r\n                position: relative;\r\n                border: 1px solid #444;\r\n                background: #FFF;\r\n                border-radius: 50%;\r\n                cursor: pointer;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .minus:after{\r\n                content: '';\r\n                position: absolute;\r\n                width: 16px;\r\n                height: 2px;\r\n                background: #444;\r\n                top: calc(50% - 1px);\r\n                left: calc(50% - 8px);\r\n                transform: rotate(90deg);\r\n                transition: all 0.4s ease;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .sourses-title.active+.minus:after{\r\n                transform: rotate(0);\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .minus:before{\r\n                content: '';\r\n                position: absolute;\r\n                width: 16px;\r\n                height: 2px;\r\n                background: #444;\r\n                top: calc(50% - 1px);\r\n                left: calc(50% - 8px);\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .table{\r\n                background: #FFFFFF;\r\n                box-sizing: border-box;\r\n                position: relative;\r\n                z-index: 1;\r\n                display: none;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .table-info{\r\n                border-radius: 15px;\r\n                background: #EDF1F7;\r\n                color: #000;\r\n                font-size: 18px;\r\n                font-weight: 400;\r\n                line-height: 155.556%;\r\n                padding: 20px 24px 19px;\r\n                box-sizing: border-box;\r\n                margin-bottom: 24px;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .table-info a{\r\n                color: #000;\r\n                font-weight: 700;\r\n                text-decoration-line: underline;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block li{\r\n                margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n                margin-left: 20px;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block li:last-child{\r\n                margin-bottom: 0;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block li::marker{\r\n                color: #EC673E;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .table-item,\r\n            .sourses-block .table-item p {\r\n                font-weight: normal;\r\n                font-size: 18px;\r\n                line-height: 1.55;\r\n                color: #000000;\r\n            }\r\n            .sourses-block .table-item p { margin: 0; }\r\n\r\n            \/* styles for content tips like [1]*\/\r\n            .entry-content sup{\r\n                position: relative;\r\n                color: #EC673E;\r\n                cursor: pointer;\r\n            }\r\n            .cliverse-source-tooltip{\r\n                position: fixed;\r\n                border-radius: 5px;\r\n                border: 1px solid #EC673E;\r\n                background: #FFF;\r\n                padding: 10px;\r\n                width: 340px;\r\n                box-sizing: border-box;\r\n                max-width: calc(100vw - 40px);\r\n                z-index: 1;\r\n\r\n\r\n                color: #000;\r\n                font-size: 12px;\r\n                font-style: normal;\r\n                font-weight: 400;\r\n                line-height: 130%;\r\n            }\r\n\r\n            .cliverse-source-tooltip .close{\r\n                position: absolute;\r\n                right: -10px;\r\n                top: -10px;\r\n                display: none;\r\n                width: 20px;\r\n                height: 20px;\r\n                background-image: url('https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/cliverse-sources\/\/assets\/cross.svg');\r\n                background-size: cover;\r\n                background-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n                background-position: center center;\r\n                z-index: 10;\r\n            }\r\n            @media screen and (max-width: 768px) {\r\n                .cliverse-source-tooltip{\r\n                    padding: 8px 12px;\r\n                    font-size: 11px;\r\n                }\r\n                .cliverse-source-tooltip .close{\r\n                    display: block;\r\n                }\r\n            }\r\n        <\/style>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"sourses-block\">\r\n                <div class=\"sourses-top\">\r\n                    <div class=\"sourses-title\">View Sources<\/div>\r\n                    <span class=\"minus\">\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"table\">\r\n                    <div class=\"table-info\">\r\n                        Cats.com uses high-quality, credible sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the claims in our articles. This content is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy. Visit our                        <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/about\">About Us<\/a> page to learn about our standards and meet our veterinary review board.                    <\/div>\r\n                    <ol>\r\n                                                    <li class=\"table-item\" data-source=\"1\">\r\n                                <p>Atkinson, T. (2018). <em>Practical Feline Behaviour.<\/em> Oxfordshire: CAB International, 22-28. Retrieved October 09, 2021<\/p>\n                            <\/li>\r\n                                                    <li class=\"table-item\" data-source=\"2\">\r\n                                <p>Care, I. C. (2018, October 05). Cat Communication. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from iCatCare: <a href=\"https:\/\/icatcare.org\/advice\/cat-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/icatcare.org\/advice\/cat-communication\/<\/a><\/p>\n                            <\/li>\r\n                                                    <li class=\"table-item\" data-source=\"3\">\r\n                                <p>Care, I. C. (2020, September 01). Module 2: Senses and communication - Vocalisations and their use in communication. UK. Retrieved October 08, 2021<\/p>\n                            <\/li>\r\n                                                    <li class=\"table-item\" data-source=\"4\">\r\n                                <p>Chlo\u00e9 Tavernier, S. A. (January 2020). Feline vocal communication. Journal of Veterinary Science, 18-21. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7000907\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7000907\/<\/a><\/p>\n                            <\/li>\r\n                                                    <li class=\"table-item\" data-source=\"5\">\r\n                                <p>Heath, I. R. (2016). Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare. St Louis, MO: Elsevier. Retrieved October 10, 2021<\/p>\n                            <\/li>\r\n                                                    <li class=\"table-item\" data-source=\"6\">\r\n                                <p>Sch\u00f6tz, S. (September 2015). Agonistic vocalisations in domestic cats: a case study. Lund University, (pp. 86-87). Retrieved October 11, 2021, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/281610389_Agonistic_vocalisations_in_domestic_cats_a_case_study\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/281610389_Agonistic_vocalisations_in_domestic_cats_a_case_study<\/a><\/p>\n                            <\/li>\r\n                                            <\/ol>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n       ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cats have a diverse vocal range of sounds. In fact they have one of the largest patterns of vocalization of all carnivores, they can express around 100 different phonations as&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/cat-vocalizations\">Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":42432,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[222,47,48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37427","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cat-basics","category-most-popular","category-read-of-the-week"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>7 Common Cat Vocalizations and What They Mean - Cats.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Cats can express around 100 different phonations, purring, trilling and snarling being some of them. Let&#039;s learn the meanings behind the most common ones.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/cat-vocalizations\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"7 Common Cat Vocalizations and What They Mean - Cats.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Cats can express around 100 different phonations, purring, trilling and snarling being some of them. 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