Vocalising

As well as using body language, our cats can communicate by vocalising. There can be lots of reasons a cats communicate. Purring involves the muscles in the larynx contracting, and purring can happen when a cat is happy but also when they are passing away too.

Caterwauling can be heard when a cat is having challenges and conflict with another cat. Hissing can occur when a cat is frightened. ( Denenberg, Sagi, Small Animal Veterinary Psychiatry).

Here are some types of meow (from The Secret Language of Cats, Susanne Schötz)

• Mew

Bright and high pitched. Young cats may use this around their mother. Also a cat may use this when older if distressed or afraid.

• Squeak

Raspier and hoarser (but similar to a mew). The melody rises at end. It can be a request for play or food.

• Moan

Woeful  - often level and rises at end. It can occur if a cat is anxious nervous or stressed.

• Meow

Common meow sound

Meowing can be used the get attention from us – this could be a closed door obstacle or a request for attention. Cats rarely meow at other cats.

• Trill meow

Deeper tone. They may do this for attention

If you are finding your cat is over-vocalising, and you don’t know why, please reach out.