What is my pet telling me?

Cat vocalizations dictionary

How does your cat's vocalizations show how they feel? This blog post will help you understand what your cat is expressing. Part 6 of 15.

A vector illustration of Violet on a lime green rectangle. Violet is a medium-sized cat with white fur and only her left eye. Her left ear and tail are dark aubergine. She’s sitting facing you, with her mouth open and a sequence of curved lines next to each side of her head, her tail horizontal on the ground, in front of a paper-textured aubergine paw shape on the right side of the rectangle.

Pets are part of our families, but we speak different languages. To help you, we created a  pet language investigation method for you to understand your pet better.

 For your investigation to create a successful translation and lead to many joyful interactions with your cat, we begin by gathering clues in your cat’s body language.

 To dig deeper into the complete process of this investigation, check out our previous blog post on how to investigate pet body language.

Let's begin!

Look for the clues
Every clue is crucial and meaningful in studying the message your pet is sending you.  

Cat vocalizations dictionary

Learning about cat vocalizations and sounds

Your cat may use many kinds of vocalizations to express themselves, but each cat uses them according to their personality, situation, and past experiences. Observe your cat and learn their unique language!

Meow

Meow

Naturally more predominant sound in kittens to communicate with their mother. When adults, cats don't use meowing with other cats. But they may use it to call for your attention. 





Trill, chirp, or chirrup

Trill, chirp, or chirrup

These are used mainly by female cats to address their kittens and are considered a positive response when used in different situations. 





Purr

Purr

 There is no consent on why cats purr, but it is mainly associated with contentment. However, sometimes a cat may purr when they are anxious or sick, probably as a way to comfort themselves. 





Chatter

Chatter

 Is used by your cat in predatory situations, like watching a bird through the window, and it can be interpreted as a sign of excitement.





 Caterwauling

Caterwauling

Is a sexual call made by female or male cats in the reproductive season to attract a partner. 





Snarl or growl

Snarl or growl

 Is a deep tone warning sound for you to stay away when your cat is afraid or insecure and needs some space.





Hiss or spit

Hiss or spit

Sounds like a whistle that lasts around a second. If the emission of air lasts only a fraction of a second is called a spit. Your cat may do it when they feel the need to defend themselves. 





Yowl or howl

Yowl or howl

Your cat may be distressed if they feel pain, trapped, or threatened. It is a high pitch sound and very high volume when used as a warning and serves to avoid direct conflict between cats.





Scream

Scream

This is a sudden, high-pitched sound that your cat emits when they have hurt themselves. 





If your cat is a senior, they may suffer from eyesight and hearing loss or mental disease and start expressing distressing sounds out of context. If you notice any pronounced behavior change, take them to the veterinarian for appropriate guidance and treatment.

 Don't miss out on the opportunity to check our previous blog post to find more clues:
 Cat Tail Dictionary
Cat Eye Dictionary

That’s it! Practice investigating your pet's language every now and then. After a while, most steps will become natural to you!  Stay tuned for our next blog post. We'll explore how your cat's body posture can tell you how they’re feeling. 

Can't wait to explore the FBI Investigation Method?

Can't wait to explore the FBI Investigation Method?

  You can now access the complete Method in the ebook.  Start investigating today!

Thank you for reading!
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References
  1. Galaxy, Jackson (2017). Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life with Your Cat. TarcherPerigee Book.
  2. SCPA- Cat communication 101
  3. Hattori, Dr. Yuki (2020). What Cats Want. Bloomsbury Publishing.
  4. Liesbeth Puts (2021). THE HANDBOOK FOR A HAPPY CAT: Speak Their Language, Decode Their Quirks, and Meet Their Needs— So They’ll Love You Back! Kosmos Publishers
  5. Schӧtz, Susanne(2017). The secret language of cats. Benevento Publishing
  6. Humane Society, Cats meow
  7. 10 Main sounds cats make
  8. cat meow II by tuberatanka
  9. Cat purr.wav by Trautwein
  10. Cat_Hunting.wav by 16H_Panska_Rudenko_Angelika
  11. cat in heat.wav by Noise Cuisine
  12. Cat Growl.m4a by Christyboy100
  13. hiss2.wav by Reitanna
  14. Cat Howl/Growl (2) by RICHERlandTV
  15. Cat, Screaming, A.wav by InspectorJ

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