Understanding Cat Talk: What is Your Kitty Saying?

Does your cat make a variety of noises? Many cats will have a variety of vocal sounds to communicate different needs and meanings. Here are some common sounds with the meanings that they often convey.

Types of Cat Talk

Chatter

In people, to “chatter” is to talk noisily or conversationally. In cats, it is often a unique sound that is from the throat and associated with a very quick movement of their lower jaw. It is most commonly made when a cat is excited about its prey –either outside or looking out the window. They often make this sound while stalking and just prior to attacking their prey.

Chirping

A chirp is a high-pitched sound that is often a surprised greeting. My cat does it when I come home and he sees me walk in for the first time. It is something between a squeak and a “chirp.” It is like a surprised “Hi”! Some cats will also do it when they want some attention, as if to say – “Hey there, what about me?”

Growling

A growl is a low guttural vocalization produced as a warning. It is a sign of aggression or used to express anger. Some cats that growl will strike with their claws or bite, and others use it as an expression of anger. Some people consider the growl to be “kitty cussing.”

Hissing

A “hiss” is a sharp sound similar to a sustained “S.” It is often used to communicate disapproval or dissatisfaction with their situation. Many cats will hiss at another cat, saying “Hey, stop it” or “Get away.” Some cats will also hiss if they are frightened. Often, a hiss is an initial response to help scare away a threat. If that doesn’t work, many cats will follow-up the hiss with a growl or attack.

Purring

A purr is a throaty vibrant sound made by a cat. The sound varies in tone and loudness from cat to cat. Some cats purr so loudly that you can hear it across the room and their entire bodies vibrate. Other cats have a very quiet purr. The purr can mean different things to different cats. The most common meaning of the purr is that a cat is happy and content. It is most commonly heard when cats are being fed, starting to eat, being petted, or adored.

However, some cats will purr when they are sick or scared. For example, I have a cat that purrs when he is content and happy but will also purr when he is scared, such as when he is having blood drawn. The purr is often different. It is a slower relaxed pace when he is content and a faster pace when he is scared. Some behaviorists believe that the purr is comforting to the cat and in situations such as when they are scared, they do it to for “self-comfort.”

Meowing

A kitty meow is a sound that is unique to every cat, and many cats will have several types of meows. Meows are generally calls for attention of some sort – either to say, “Watch it”, “What about me?” or “Look at me.” Some cats will have a short, quick meow when they meet eyes with you across the room as if to say, “I see you too.” Some cats meow when they are in pain, which is often a high-pitched guttural meow.

Listen to your cat and pay attention to what they say and are trying to communicate. This will help you to better understand their “cat talk.”