Meow! Meow! Have you ever wondered if your feline friend is trying to tell you something with their constant meowing? As cats, we often use meows primarily to communicate with our beloved humans. It’s our special way of saying hello, expressing our desires, or even alerting you when something isn’t quite right!
Interestingly, meowing is a behavior we mostly reserve for our human companions, unlike our interactions with other cats where we rely more on body language, scent, and other vocalizations. Think of it as our way of letting you into our emotional world and sharing how we’re feeling.
Just like humans, some cat breeds and individual cat personalities are naturally more talkative than others. My Siamese buddy, for instance, is quite the chatterbox, always vocalizing his opinions and feelings!
Decoding the Kitten Meow: More Than Just a Sound
When I was a tiny kitten, my meow was a soft ‘mew,’ a little sound I used to call my mother when I was hungry, cold, or needed comfort. As I grew and joined my human family in my forever home, I quickly realized that this ‘kitten meow’ could be just as effective in getting their attention! It turns out, meowing is a super efficient way to communicate my needs and wants to my humans, far more effective than just relying on silent body language.
Meowing is honestly the easiest way to get my human parents to do things for me – I think I’ve got them completely wrapped around my paw! They seem to find it utterly adorable when I communicate with them in this vocal way. Often, my meows are rewarded with gentle ear scratches, extra playtime with my favorite toy, or even a tasty little treat, especially if I meow persistently enough!
It’s quite different with my feline friends. When we cats communicate with each other, we tend to use a wider range of vocalizations like hissing, yowling, and even silent communication through pheromones, body postures, and facial expressions. Meowing, it seems, is our special language just for you humans.
cat meowing
A ginger cat meowing directly at the camera, showcasing a common posture when cats vocalize, with ears forward and mouth open in a distinct ‘meow’ shape.
Common Scenarios When Kittens and Cats Meow
So, when are you most likely to hear me vocalizing? Here are a few key moments:
-
The Greeting Meow: If you’ve been out of the house for a while, or even just in another room, I love to greet you with a cheerful meow! It’s my way of saying “Hi! I missed you!” If you respond by talking back to me, I’ll often meow right back because I’m happy to interact and acknowledge your presence. It’s a little conversational exchange we enjoy.
-
Attention-Seeking Meows: Sometimes, I simply crave your attention and affection. You might notice me meowing when I feel like I need some quality time with my favorite human. Perhaps I’m in the mood for a playful chase with my feather wand, or maybe I just want to be gently stroked behind the ears. I’m especially likely to use my meow power when my human is preoccupied with their computer – it’s a gentle (or sometimes not-so-gentle) reminder to take a break from the screen and spend some time with me instead! Occasionally, I might even position myself right on the keyboard to really emphasize my point!
-
The Food-Related Meow: Oh, food! Those tasty meals and snacks are definitely high on my priority list. So, naturally, I sometimes meow to politely (or impatiently!) request a little something to eat. While I know my human is careful to feed me just the right amount to maintain my sleek physique, hope springs eternal when they head towards the kitchen. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a little kibble or a yummy treat in store for me. And in the mornings? Well, a loud meow is definitely essential to remind my human that breakfast is served!
-
Doorway Meows: In or Out? The world outside is full of fascinating scents and adventures, and sometimes I need to go explore! Other times, the comfort of indoors beckons. To communicate my desires about indoor or outdoor access, I’ll often meow near the door or in a specific spot that my human has learned to associate with my request to go in or out.
-
The Meows of Senior Cats: Have you noticed older kitties sometimes become more vocal? My friend Bob, who lives down the street, has definitely become chattier in his golden years. As cats age, changes in their brains can sometimes lead to increased vocalization. If this happens at night, these meows can sometimes sound a bit plaintive or even distressed. It’s part of the aging process, but it’s always good to ensure there isn’t an underlying health issue.
-
Discomfort and Distress Meows: We cats also meow to let you know if we’re feeling uncomfortable or stressed. A classic example is the dreaded car ride to the vet – not my favorite activity! Meowing in these situations can signal stress, anxiety, or even pain. The type of meow might change too, becoming louder and higher-pitched or quieter and more subdued, depending on the situation and my individual reaction to pain or discomfort.
Tuning into the Nuances of the ‘Meow’: Listen Carefully
Kittens and cats are masters of vocal variation! We produce a wide range of meows that can sound quite different depending on what we’re trying to communicate. Often, our perceptive human parents learn to distinguish between these different meows. They can often tell if we’re meowing because we’re hungry, want attention, need to go outside, or if something else is up.
If you notice a sudden change in my meowing patterns – if I’m meowing more frequently, less frequently, or if the sound of my meow changes dramatically – it’s a good idea to pay attention. An increase in food-related meowing, for example, could sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition like hyperthyroidism, which can increase appetite. If you’re concerned about any changes in my vocal behavior, it’s always best to schedule a check-up with the vet to rule out any potential health issues.
Sometimes, I admit, I might get a little carried away with my meowing, especially if I think it might lead to extra treats! But my wise human parent knows not to give in every single time I meow for attention or snacks. Instead, they often wait until I’m calm and quiet before rewarding me with attention, playtime, or a treat. Although, that doesn’t stop me from trying my luck with a well-placed meow now and then!
To keep me mentally stimulated and prevent boredom-related meowing, my human has introduced fun food puzzles and activity feeders. These make me work a little harder for my meals, keeping me occupied for longer and reducing my immediate demands for more food. They’ve also recently installed a microchip-controlled cat flap, giving me the freedom to come and go as I please while keeping other neighborhood cats out – a win-win situation that has also cut down on some attention-seeking meowing at the door!
Responding to Your Kitten’s Meows: A Human’s Guide
We cats don’t appreciate being ignored, especially when we’re vocalizing! So, generally, it’s best to respond to our meows, unless you are specifically trying to manage excessive meowing or are truly unsure of what we’re asking for. Most of the time, we’re meowing for a legitimate reason and trying to communicate something important to you. If your kitten seems distressed or unhappy when meowing, try to understand the situation and resolve it as quickly as possible.
For situations that we find stressful or unsettling, like new environments or changes in the home, FELIWAY Optimum can be a great source of support and reassurance. When my humans brought a new kitten into the house, I felt a bit out of sorts and anxious, but since they plugged in FELIWAY, I’ve felt much calmer and more accepting of the new arrival.
Crucially, never punish a kitten for meowing! Punishment will only confuse us and damage the bond we share. We cats respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle understanding.
Beyond the Meow: Exploring Other Kitten Sounds
Did you know that scientists have identified at least 12 different cat vocalizations? We are quite the vocal creatures! Beyond meowing, our repertoire of sounds – sometimes referred to as ‘meowsic‘ – includes:
-
Chattering: That rapid, teeth-chattering sound we make when we spot prey, like birds outside the window, but can’t reach it. It’s pure feline frustration!
-
Chirrup: A short, trilling, almost bird-like ‘hello’ sound. Mother cats use chirrups to call their kittens, but we adult cats sometimes use it to greet humans too. Try chirruping back when you hear it – it’s a lovely way to communicate!
-
Yowling: Similar to meowing but more drawn-out and melodic. Yowling often signals that we’re looking for a mate. Unneutered cats, in particular, are more likely to yowl during mating season to attract a partner or when they detect a potential mate nearby. Unspayed female cats can go into heat every 18-24 days during breeding season, so spaying your female cat is something to consider if you don’t want kittens!
-
Growling: A low, rumbling growl, often accompanied by a low-pitched meow, is a clear warning sign. If you hear us growling, it means we’re feeling threatened or defensive and might need to protect ourselves. Give us some space!
-
Hissing: Hissing is another unmistakable signal that we want to be left alone. It’s a clear warning to back off!
-
Purring: Usually, purring is the sound of contentment and happiness. But sometimes, we also purr when we’re stressed or in pain as a way to self-soothe and calm ourselves.
-
The Silent Meow: Have you ever noticed us appearing to meow, opening our mouths, but without any sound? This is the mysterious silent meow! It’s because we’re vocalizing at a frequency too high for human ears to detect. We have our secrets, after all!
