What do 5 different cat “meows” mean?

When you are in the house with your cat, you hear many different cat sounds throughout the day. And although the meaning of some sounds is easy to understand (for example, she walks around a bowl of food, looking at you), it is not always so obvious. Sometimes the owners come across especially “talkative” cats. This is especially true for older pets, as cats “talk” more as they age or their hearing deteriorates.

Here’s what the sounds a cat makes mean:

1. Meow

As a pet owner, you already know that a cat makes the classic “meow” for a variety of reasons. However, meowing is not directed at other cats. So what is she trying to tell you? A cat may meow when she wants you to put her food or pour water, or in such a way she greets you when you return home, or asks you to pet her and pet her tummy (for this she rolls over). Cats may meow in different ways, depending on the situation, for example: “I want to take this place on the couch,” which is what they always want.

While a cat’s incessant meowing while eating, using a litter box, or at other inappropriate times can sometimes mean that she is not feeling well, usually she just wants to greet you.

2. Purring

After a busy day at work, you feel happier when your cat cuddles, sniffs and purrs. As Trupanion points out, purring is like a blind or deaf kitten communicating with its mother, but all cats use this means of communication throughout their lives, even with you. Pay close attention to your cat’s purring and you will notice subtle changes in tone and vibration – all of which indicate that the cat is happy and doing great.

A lesser-known meow motif: cats can use these sounds to calm themselves when they’re scared, so don’t forget to give her your love when you hear her “little motor.”

3. Hissing

When a cat hisses and even growls, this does not mean that she is angry – most likely, she is frightened and thus tries to protect herself. Your pet may hiss at a stranger who has come to your house (or, for that matter, someone he knows but simply doesn’t like), or even at another cat, warning him that he should “step back”. Ultimately, the cat shows everyone who is the boss here (hint: it’s not you).

“If you can,” advises Animal Planet, “ignore the hiss. Don’t yell at her or confuse her.” Just wait a bit, after that it will stop hissing. Give your pet the space it needs to calm down and it will feel more secure.

4. Howl

If you think that only dogs howl, you are wrong! The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) notes that some breeds of cats, especially Siamese, meow and scream too often. Any cat that has not yet mated with a male will scream to attract a mate.

If your cat doesn’t meet these criteria, she may be howling because she’s in trouble—perhaps trapped somewhere or even injured. In other cases, the cat howls because it wants you to get close to it and see the prey it has brought you (and it’s not always a toy). In any case, pay attention to your “screamer” to make sure that everything is in order with him.

5. Chirp

This is one of the strangest sounds made by cats in exceptional cases. Often, a pet may chirp or tremble when it sees a bird, squirrel or rabbit outside the window to warn the owners. According to the Humane Society, this is not a full-fledged “meow”, but rather a command for kittens who learn when they are very young, and the mother uses the sound to keep her children in line. If you have multiple cats, you may also hear them talking to each other. Finally, the cat performs this “trick” for you to go to her food bowl or go to bed.

Paying close attention to these cat sounds will create even more bond between you and your furry friend, and you will be able to better understand what your cat wants and give her everything she needs to feel happy, healthy and safe.