If you’re a cat owner, you’re familiar with the scenario.

One minute, you’re lounging on your couch binge-watching the Animal Planet with your feline friend. Then, you hear it: a sweet, reassuring rumble that vibrates her little, curled-up body.

While a purr is one of the most common sounds cats make, it’s far from the only one. Today, we’re discussing a few more noises you might hear from your kitty, and what’s behind them.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

1. Meowing

One of the first concepts we teach babies is that dogs say “woof,” pigs say “oink,” and of course, cats say “meow.”

What we don’t usually discuss with tykes is that it’s not quite that cut and dry.

Though it’s one of the most widely known sounds cats make, a “meow” can mean many different things coming from behind those whiskers.

When your kitty says “meow,” take a look at her environment. Is her water bowl empty? Are you distracted and not watching her cool yarn tricks?

Sometimes, it’s simply a greeting. Other times, it’s a call for attention or a plea for food.

2. Purring

Ah, the glorious cat purr.

It can be soft and subtle, or it can sound like it’s coming from a grown man.

Either way, it’s a gentle way your kitty can let you know she feels safe and content.

Keep in mind, however, that a purr can sometimes mean your kitty isn’t feeling well or is uneasy. When this is the case, her purr is less of an affectionate response and more of a self-soothing mechanism.

Again, the key to discernment is analyzing her environment. Are there other animals around that might be causing her anxiety? Or, are you stroking her ears as she lies on your pillow?

If it’s the former, she may feel threatened and is purring defensively. If it’s the latter, consider it her way of saying, “I love you, too.”

3. Hissing

Of all the sounds cats make, hissing is arguably the least precious — and for good reason.

When a cat hisses, she’s not trying to get your attention or return your affection. Rather, she needs a little space and it’s wise to give that to her.

If the ominous, snake-like sound isn’t enough to push you away, her body will also relay the warning. Often, a hissing cat will flatten her ears against her head, open her mouth widely, and move her tail quickly back and forth as an alert.

Though a hiss can seem threatening to you, it’s likely that your cat is actually the one who feels vulnerable. Let her hang out for a while alone in her favorite hiding spot. She’ll come out when she feels the danger has passed.

4. Chattering

Have you ever watched your cat eyeball a squirrel outside the window, then express frustration when she couldn’t swat at it with her paw?

If so, you’ve likely heard her chatter. Also known as “chirrup,” this noise sounds like a combination of a “meow” mixed with a sheep’s bleat.

When a cat chatters, she’s expressing excitement, mixed with a little frustration. It’s especially common to hear chattering when two or more cats are joined together and spot something interesting!

5. Caterwauling

You might not have known what to call it, but chances are you’ve heard your cat caterwaul.

A kitty in heat will make this sound, as will one that’s seeking a mate. The irony? It’s a loud, shrill wail that sounds about as romantic as a root canal.

Yet, what might not make sense to us is perfectly understandable in the animal kingdom, so don’t be surprised if the call attracts the attention of nearby cats!

Understanding Your Kitty and the Sounds Cats Make

Your cat is a bonafide member of your family. As such, it’s helpful to understand when she needs your help, when she’s looking for your attention, or when she just wants you to keep rubbing her belly.

As Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, we know how important your pets are to you. That’s why, for more than 20 years, we’ve provided our clients, and their humans, with expert medical care and attention.