There’s something about a meow that just makes your heart melt. Those little kitties know just how to work us, humans! But have you ever stopped to think about why they meow? Or what do different types of meows mean? Here are 9 facts about cats’ meows that will help you better understand your feline friend. (And maybe even score some extra cuddles!)
1. Cats meow to get our attention
If your cat is meowing and you’re not paying attention to her, she’ll keep meowing until you do. Cats learn early on that meowing gets them the attention they want from their humans. Whether it’s food, water, or just some good old-fashioned love and affection, cats will meow until they get what they want. so the next time your cat is meowing up a storm, try to figure out what she needs and give her what she wants. Chances are, she’ll stop meowing pretty quickly.
2. Cats also meow to communicate with other cats
While we may think of meowing as a way for cats to communicate with humans, they also meow to communicate with other cats. Cats use different types of meows to let other cats know what they’re thinking or feeling. For example, a happy cat may meow with a high-pitched tone, while an agitated cat may meow with a low-pitched tone.
3. Kittens meow to get their mother’s attention
When kittens are first born, they can’t see or hear very well. So, they meow to let their mother know where they are and that they need her help. As kittens grow older and start to explore the world around them, they’ll meow less often because they don’t need their mother’s help as much.
4. Adult cats typically don’t meow at other cats
Adult cats usually only meow when they’re trying to communicate with humans. That’s because they’ve learned that meowing gets them the attention they want from their favorite people. So, if you see an adult cat meowing at another cat, it’s probably because he thinks the other cat is a human!
5. Cats meow for different reasons at different times
Cats typically meow when they’re hungry, thirsty, or want to be let outside. But they may also meow when they’re feeling anxious, scared, or even lonely. If your cat is meowing more than usual, take some time to figure out why she might be doing it. Once you know the reason, you can help her feel better and get back to purring in no time.
6. Cats meow in different ways depending on their mood
Cats’ meows can vary based on their mood or the situation they’re in. For example, a content cat may have a lower-pitched meow, while an agitated cat may have a higher-pitched meow. Paying attention to the pitch of your cat’s meows can help you better understand how she’s feeling and what she needs from you.
Learn More: 10 Things People Do That Cats Hate
7. Some cats “speak” with their tails
Did you know that some cats “speak” with their tails? That’s right – if a cat’s tail is twitching or moving around, it could be her way of trying to communicate something to you. So, if you see your cat’s tail moving, pay attention to see if she’s trying to tell you something.
8. Cats also communicate through body language
In addition to meowing and using their tails to communicate, cats also use body language to let us know how they’re feeling. For example, a happy cat may have her tail held high in the air, while an anxious cat may have her tail tucked between her legs. Paying attention to your cat’s body language can help you better understand what she’s trying to say.
9. Some cats only meow when they’re in the heat
If your female cat is meowing more than usual, it could be because she’s in heat. When cats are in heat, they often meow excessively in an attempt to attract a mate. So, if your cat is meowing more than normal and seems to be in heat, it’s best to take her to the vet for a check-up.
Conclusion
Cats are fascinating creatures, and their meows are just one of the many things that make them so special. The next time your cat starts meowing, take a moment to listen and see if you can figure out what she’s trying to tell you. Chances are, she’ll be happy to let you know!
If you want to learn more about cats and their behavior, check out this book: “The Secret Language of Cats: How to Understand Your Feline Companion.” It’s sure to give you a better understanding of the wonderful world of cats!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a variety of reasons why cats meow, but the most common reason is to communicate with humans. Cats have learned that meowing gets them the attention they want from their favorite people, so they continue to do it throughout their lives.
No, not all cat’s meow. In fact, some breeds of cats (like Siamese) are known for being relatively quiet compared to other breeds. However, the vast majority of cats do meow, and they usually do it when they’re trying to communicate with humans.
If you’re not sure what your cat is trying to say, pay attention to the pitch of her meow. A content cat will typically have a lower-pitched meow, while an agitated cat will have a higher-pitched meow. You can also look at your cat’s body language to see if she’s communicating something specific. For example, a happy cat may have her tail held high in the air, while an anxious cat may have her tail tucked between her legs.
If your female cat is meowing excessively and seems to be in heat, it’s possible that she’s trying to attract a mate. However, it’s best to take her to the vet for a check-up to be sure.
No, not all cats understand human meows. In fact, most cats really don’t care much for the sound of human voices. However, some cats may be curious about the sound and may even try to mimic it back to you.
