Cats use a wide range of sounds to communicate with humans, from soft purring to loud and insistent meowing.
They use these sounds to convey their desires and needs.
As reported: Fakta.today
According to the Cambridge University Press, cats began to meow after domestication to communicate directly with humans. Conversely, among relatives, they use sounds less frequently and rely more on scents to communicate.
Amanda O'Brien, a cat behavior specialist from The Discerning Cat, explains that cats have learned that humans use different tones of voice to express emotions, and have developed their own way of speaking.
-Rapid meowing: a cat uses this as a greeting when it sees its owner entering the room.
-Long, drawn-out meowing: a cat wants something, like food or attention.
-Repeated meowing: if your cat is particularly excited or friendly, it may continue to "babble" just to get your attention.
-Piercing meowing: the cat is likely saying it's hungry.
Veterinarian Melissa Brock emphasizes that it's not just about the loudness or pitch of the sound, but how long the cat holds it. A short, piercing meow could be an invitation, like saying "hey, pet me." But if the cat meows only once or twice and stops when ignored, it's probably just bored and seeking attention.
What do other cat sounds mean?
Purring: a mother cat will purr to let her kittens know they're safe and close to her. Purring often indicates that the cat trusts the person and feels content. However, purring can also mean anxiety or excitement, such as when a kitten purrs to calm itself down.
Growling: growling can indicate anything from anxiety to terror. A cat that growls with its fur sharply bristled on its back or tail or with a sharply curved spine is likely very frightened or angry. It could also be a reaction to another cat or dog.
Hissing: a cat's hissing sounds like air coming out of a tire. Hissing means that the cat is very excited or upset. In such cases, the cat may twitch its tail or whip it from side to side. If the cat is constantly hissing or appears to be frequently upset, it may be worth visiting the vet.
Chronic nervousness can cause stress-related health problems, such as overeating or weakened immune systems, which can contribute to obesity and infections.
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