Cat Meowing: Causes and Meaning

Although it may seem like it, cats do not use meowing to communicate with other cats.

Knowing everything about your cat will allow you to understand how it communicates and what each behavior represents. This time, we explain what cat meows mean and why it is important to recognize them.

What are cat meows?

The quintessential cat sound so much so that in ancient Egypt "miu" meant "cat". The meow is a sound whose duration varies from a millisecond to several seconds.

Each with a unique tonality, intensity and duration, cats emit it by gradually opening and closing their mouths. In many cases, this meow may end with the beginning of another sound, such as a trill or a growl.

Meows to communicate with their owners

From day one of birth, kittens meow to let their mother know when something is happening, and their mothers, to communicate with their babies.

However, as cats get older they mostly use meows to communicate with people. Louder meows are usually directed at other cats, and softer meows when they are trying to communicate with us.

Types of meows

Cats can emit 60 different meows as it depends on the mood of the cat, as well as the needs behind them or if they are directed to another cat or to their human. These are some of the most common meows.

High-pitched meows: cats use them to ask for something, such as food, water, to open the door, to let them go out, etc.

Loud meowing: it is an indicator that the cat is upset.

Soft meow: it is usually a small greeting.

Meowing during the mating season: these are constant and prolonged, and occasionally choppy.

Squeak: it can have several intentions, such as expressing frustration for not being able to hunt. If the sound is sharp and sudden, it means that the cat has been injured or that the mating is over.

but cats not only use meows to communicate, they also use other sounds such as the gurgling sound with which they greet people in a friendly way and respond to their owners.

And then there is the famous purr, which is a clear indicator of satisfaction, relaxation, well-being and affection, but also discomfort or dissatisfaction if accompanied by squinting eyes, especially when sick, as the purr is also used to relieve pain and reassure.

Now that you know a little more about meowing, you will be able to better understand your cat and improve communication and strengthen the bond between you and him.