“Meows”, what do they mean?

“Hairy Maclary heard a STRANGE sound, a yowling, a wailing that echoed around . . .”  What Hairy Maclary could hear in Lynley Dodd’s well-renowned book, Hairy Maclary’s Caterwaul Caper was a cat (Scarface Claw in this case) ‘caterwauling’.  Caterwauling is a long hollow sort of yowl that can be described as ‘bone-chilling’; it is often made by female, unspayed cats to attract male cats, and may be accompanied by some anxiety to get outside to a male cat, however, caterwauling can also indicate that your cat is stressed or in pain. If you hear a caterwaul or a yowl (or even a really high pitched meow) from your cat this is definitely not a noise to ignore, pay attention to what your cat is doing and what he or she may be trying to tell you or if you can’t find a cause, it could definitely warrant a visit to the vet. 

A cat’s meow, on the other hand, is usually less urgent and, if we listen to the different types of meow, can give us a clue about what our cat is trying to communicate. The first thing to know is that cats don’t generally meow to communicate with fellow felines but rather to talk to their parent/ carer (which may be their feline parent or us, their owners); so it makes sense that they are often trying to ask you for something, express their dissatisfaction about a situation or they may just be saying they are happy to see you!

Here are some of the cat meows you are likely to hear, and what message you can glean from them:

Short meows:
These are usually a greeting, your cat is happy and excited to see you. If these short meows come in multiples, your cat is likely SUPER happy and excited to see you. You might notice these meows when you arrive home in the evening, although your cat has been missing you she is generally content with life. 

Elongated meows:
This usually means that your cat needs something and really wants your attention. Whether it is an empty food or water bowl or a closed door, your kitty is demanding that you fix the situation, and now. If elongated meows are ignored, sometimes cats can ‘up the ante’ by starting a behaviour they know will get your attention, for example ripping up the carpet or scratching the door.

Low-pitch meows:
Not unlike a grumble, a low-pitched meow indicates that your cat is a little disgruntled with you. Perhaps you left him outside or he is just feeling like you haven’t been giving him enough attention; now is a time to make amends and give your cat some extra love. 

Chirping noises:
Also termed ‘trilling’, or even ‘chatters’. These almost bird-like noises can be a mix of excitement and frustration, for example, if your cat can see prey outside of the window and can’t get out to hunt this can be a source of frustration or annoyance. Watching your cat and where he is looking, is a good clue and will usually let you know what is going on for him.

Purring:
My favourite! A purr, or a purr mixed with a meow, indicates that your kitty cat is content and happy. Perhaps she is curled up on your lap enjoying a cuddle or in her favourite spot in the sun; whatever it is, take note as this is something she really enjoys and something you can possibly replicate in future. 

Many long-time cat owners report having no trouble understanding their cat’s needs and feel that their pets are able to effortlessly communicate with them; this, of course, comes from time spent observing and listening, noticing and responding to your cat. Note that there are a few breeds of cats (such as some American and British short-haired varieties) that vocalise a lot less than most cats, but generally if you talk with your cat as you would a human friend you will find that they will be responsive.

Trying to understand what your cat is communicating to you is an integral part of establishing a strong, life-long bond.