If you are a cat owner you know that cats are incredibly vocal pets. You can generally hear differences in sounds when your cats meowing, but did you know that the average cat can make over thirty different meows? Each sound means something different, it’s a language all their own.
Cat Noise
Domestic cats generally use meowing as a way to communicate with humans that they want or need something. It can range from opening the door to let them out to letting us know they are hungry or would simply like to be petted. Domestic cats tend to use fewer meow sounds when communicating than feral cats. They tend to view their owners as mother figures as opposed to dogs who view owners as leaders of the pack.
Cat meowing can be broken down into few separate sound categories that their owners will be able to recognize.
The general meow of a cat is used to gain attention from owners or other cats. This is the sound most owners will hear most often.
Cat Behavior
The Chatters is used often in excitement or frustration. Generally you will hear this sound when your cat is looking at birds through a closed window and cannot get to them. You can identify this sound because it is accompanied by rapid jaw movements.
The Growl warns other cats and/or humans to stay away. It is a low growling noise similar to what you hear from dogs.
The Mew is a sound most often used by kittens. It is meant to attract mother’s attention usually when they are hungry or cold. It is similar to the Meow; however, it is softer and shorter.
The Hiss is used to threaten anything that your cat views as a threat. It is air passing out of the throat and through the mouth and makes a sound just like the name, Hiss.
The Caterwaul is a sound used when looking for a mate. For those who own indoor cats this sound is unmistakable. It is a loud throaty version of the meow. You will see your cat pacing through the house calling this sound out and listening for replies from other cats.
The Scream is used when in pain or distress, most often heard when the cat’s feet or tail gets stepped on. It sounds similar to a dog yelp.
The Chirrup is a friendly sound; it’s often used to greet other cats or owners. It sounds similar to a bird chirping and requires little movement from the cat’s mouth.
Just like people some cats talk too much. If this is a problem you are experiencing there are a few options to help you fix the problem. First is this a new behavior or has this particular cat excessively meowed since you first got them? If it is a new problem it could be an indicator that your cat is ill and you should have your cat checked out at the vet.
However, if your cat meowing nonstop is normal behavior for your cat there are options to train your cat to quiet down. A quick spray of water or a loud clap of the hands while firmly saying no can gently train your cat to not talk excessively.