Cats sounds and noises and their meanings

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Cats are unique, curious and adventurous creatures with many behaviours that people find interesting. Whether you’re listening to the variety of their vocalisations or watching them land on their feet after a fall, their behaviour is definitely intriguing. Cats are slightly different socially compared to dogs, and have their own ways of interacting with other cats, other animals and people. Some of these interactions are so subtle as to go unnoticed by humans, unless you know for what you are looking.

It’s advantageous to learn more about cats and their behaviour, if you want to more fully understand these unique animals. Cats have their own ways of marking territory, and even their people. Your cat may have rubbed her face along the side of your hand, and if she does this with her mouth involved, she may be marking you as her own person. It’s not like a slobbery dog kiss, but she is letting you know that you are hers, and cat fans find this appealing in its own way.

You’ll never know everything your cat is thinking, since she is a creature unlike any other. Cats will never be an open book for humans, but perhaps that is one of the reasons we find cats so interesting.

Vocalisations: sounds and noises meaning

Cats have a unique type of vocalisation used to communicate with other cats and with their people, as well. When you share your home with a cat or cats, you should become familiar with the sounds and nuances of your cat’s vocabularies. When your cat speaks to you, you need to know whether she is fearful, playful or simply hungry. Once you learn her language, you can share more of your cat’s life and be a bigger part of that life. Domestic cats are believed to develop more sophisticated language patterns compared to feral and wild cats. Perhaps that is because some of their language is used to converse with us.

Meow

This is the sound most often associated with cats, but some cats never make this exact sound. Whatever the variation, your cat usually uses a meow as a greeting, either to you or to other cats.

Mew

Kittens mew when they want attention from their mothers. A mew will become louder if your cat is fearful, or in distress. Some cats mew instead of making the more typical “meow” that people use to describe general cat language.

Chirp

Chirps are high-pitched, short sounds that cats often use to express their anticipation of receiving something they enjoy. This may mean a treat, affection, or playtime. Chirps are sometimes used to get attention. Chirrup This is also called a trill. It is a sound that incorporates purring and meowing. It is usually a very happy sound and is sometimes used as a greeting. Purring The purr is a motor-like, vibrating sound that humans associate with contentment.

Actually, it may also be used by a cat to comfort herself if she is in pain or experiencing anxiety. Vets have noticed cats purring when they are in pain, so it is believed that cats use the purring to soothe themselves. Mother cats typically purr to their kittens to give them security and comfort. The subtle or strong vibrations are also helpful for kittens to use to find their mother in her nest. New-born kittens cannot hear or see, so they can feel their mother near through vibration.

Growl

There is no mistaking a growl when you hear one. It is usually a simple warning before a cat gets violent. It may also be used to scare off a perceived foe before it reach the violent stage. Some cats become possessive of their food, and may growl at an interloper who might want to steal some of it.

Hiss

This sound brings to mind those made by snakes. It usually only lasts several seconds. It is a warning to others to stay away. It may be loud or quiet, depending on the cat and the circumstances. Hissing can help a cat who is low in the pecking order become more respected if it is believed to be serious by her cat compatriots. Split A spit is a very short sound that sounds like popping. It is especially vocal if the entrance of another cat startles your kitty. Spitting may be heard before or after hissing, and often the spit will be used just before a cat runs away. This is especially true with cats that are naturally timid.

Squeak

This sound is high-pitched and raspy, and is usually made when your cat anticipates that something good is coming. Treats or meals may elicit squeaks. Sometimes cats also squeak when they are playing. Shriek This is a high-pitched, harsh sound that is used in aggression or in painful situations. You are most likely to hear a cat shriek when she is fighting another cat. It can be a scary sound, especially since it is not typically heard that often.

Caterwaul

This is an awful sound and is made by mating cats. You may hear it late at night close to your home. Spayed and neutered cats make better pets and you won’t have to listen to this sound, at least in your home, if your cats are fixed. Murmur Murmuring sounds a bit like a trill or chirrup. It is a quiet, soft sound that is made with your cat’s mouth closed. Mother cats murmur to their young. It may be used as part of a greeting ritual by your cat when you come home from work In this case, it is often followed by purring and rubbing.

Chatter

This is an “ack-ack” type of sound that is softly uttered when your cat sees a bird or squirrel outside a window. There may be almost no sound actually heard. Humans believe the chatter means that their cat is frustrated, but only the cats know for sure.

Moan

Moaning is low, mournful and sad, and is sometimes heard just before your cat coughs or vomits. Elderly cats may make the sound if they are lost. When used in the presence of people, it usually means that your cat needs your help, or at least your reassurance.

Silent Meow

This is one of the most intriguing of vocalisations, but it technically may not be a vocalisation at all. The motion for meowing is made with the mouth, but there is no sound. Some people believe that this sound may be of a pitch that is too high for humans to hear. Silent meows are wonderful, even though they are noiseless.