Just like humans, cats have a wide range of emotions and ways of communicating them. In order to better understand your feline friend, it’s important to be aware of the different sounds and behaviors they use to convey how they’re feeling.
Cats have a complex language that ranges from cute and endearing meows to growls, hisses, and screams. And while meowing is the most common form of cat communication, some cats seldom meow and instead rely on body language to get their message across.
Here are some common cat sounds and what they mean:
Meowing
The most common form of communication for cats, meowing is typically used to get their human’s attention. A simple “meow” can signal hunger, thirst, or a desire for affection. And a drawn-out “mrrrooowww” usually indicates that your feline friend is feeling chatty.
Purring
Generally, when a cat is purring it means they’re content and happy. However, some cats will purr when they’re nervous or in pain as a way to calm themselves. If your cat is purring and also showing other signs of distress, such as hiding or trembling, it’s best to take them to the vet.
Growling
A growl is a warning sign that your cat is feeling threatened or angry. It’s best to leave a growling cat alone as they may lash out if provoked.
Hissing
A hiss is usually a sign of fear or aggression. If your cat hisses at you, it’s best to give them some space as they may be feeling scared or threatened.
Screaming
A loud, high-pitched screech is typically a sign of pain or fear. If your cat screams, it’s important to take them to the vet right away as they may be injured or sick.
Chirping
A soft “prrrup” sound is often used by mother cats to call their kittens. Some adult cats will also chirp to get their human’s attention.
Body language
In addition to vocalizations, cats also communicate through their body language. Here are some common cat behaviors and what they mean:
Rubbing against you
If your cat rubs against you, it’s a sign of affection. When they rub their head against you, they’re marking you as their territory.
Adult cats rarely meow
While meowing is the most common form of cat communication, some cats seldom meow and instead rely on body language to get their message across. Adult cats typically use body language to communicate, with growling, hissing, and screaming being some of the more common behaviors. If your cat is exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.
Feral cats
Feral cats are domestic cats that have been abandoned or have never had any contact with humans. They typically live in colonies and fend for themselves. Although they may look similar to pet cats, they usually behave differently and can be more difficult to tame.
If you’re interested in adopting a feral cat, it’s important to understand that they may not make good house pets. They may be scared of humans and difficult to handle. It’s also important to spay or neuter feral cats to help control the population.
Domestic cat
A domestic cat is a feline that has been domesticated, or bred to live in close association with humans. Unlike feral cats, domestic cats typically enjoy the company of people and make good house pets. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and personalities, making them unique and fun companions.
Cat vocalizations
Cats have a complex language that ranges from cute and endearing meows to growls, hisses, and screams. And while meowing is the most common form of cat communication, some cats seldom meow and instead rely on body language to get their message across.
Domestic and feral cats
Domestic cats are feline pets that have been bred to live in close association with humans. They typically enjoy the company of people and make good house pets. Feral cats, on the other hand, are domestic cats that have been abandoned or have never had any contact with humans. They typically live in colonies and fend for themselves. Although they may look similar to pet cats, they usually behave differently and can be more difficult to tame.
If you’re interested in adopting a feral cat, it’s important to understand that they may not make good house pets. They may be scared of humans and difficult to handle. It’s also important to spay or neuter feral cats to help control the population.
Cats have a complex language that ranges from cute and endearing meows to growls, hisses, and screams. And while meowing is the most common form of cat communication, some cats seldom meow and instead rely on body language to get their message across.
Feline body language
When cats exhibit certain body language, it can be difficult to decipher what they are trying to say. Here are some common behaviors and their meanings:
If your cat starts growling, it’s a sign that they’re feeling threatened or aggressive. It’s important to stay calm and avoid making any sudden movements.
Hissing is another sign of aggression in cats. It’s often accompanied by growling and may be a warning to back off.
Baring their teeth is also a sign of aggression. This behavior is usually followed by hissing or growling and should be taken as a warning to keep your distance.
Screaming is the most extreme form of feline aggression and is usually reserved for situations where the cat feels threatened or terrified. If your cat starts screaming, it’s best to back off and give them some space.
Cats also use body language to communicate their needs and desires. Here are some common behaviors and what they mean:
Rubbing against you or other objects is a sign of affection. It’s also a way for cats to mark their territory with their scent.
Purring is usually a sign of contentment, but it can also be a way for cats to self-soothe when they’re feeling stressed.
Head-butting is another sign of affection. It’s often combined with purring and rubbing to create a pleasurable experience for the cat.
Licking is a sign of affection, but it can also be a way for cats to show their submission to you or other members of their household.
Nipping is a sign of playfulness, but it can also be a way for cats to show their dominance over other members of their household.
Cats use a variety of vocalizations to communicate with each other and with humans. Here are some common sounds and what they mean:
Meowing is the most common form of cat communication. It’s often used as a way to get attention, but it can also be a sign of hunger, pain, or fear.
Purring is usually a sign of contentment, but it can also be a way for cats to self-soothe when they’re feeling stressed.
