Do cats cry? Explore different meow sounds and their meanings

If you're a cat parent, you've probably heard all the different types of meows your fur baby makes. Maybe you've noticed that they're extra loud when you're preparing food, or that their meows become smaller and softer when they're getting ready for a nap. You may feel that your cat is trying to communicate and express their emotions with you through meowing, and want to get to know them on a deeper level. Here, we discuss whether cats cry and the meanings behind their different sounds.

A long-haired brown tabby cat meows while standing on the hardwood floor

Meows and other sounds made by cats can mean many different things.

1. Can cats cry?

As humans, we often cry over something that bothers us, whether it's pain, sadness, or anger. However, cats usually do not cry with their eyes, but with their voices. If you hear your cat making low, long meows and notice other behavioral changes, these may be their way of expressing physical or emotional pain.

Understanding the various ways cats meow and what they mean can help you understand them better. This way, the more connected you are to them, the closer you'll feel and the easier it will be for you to notice when they're not feeling good.

Howling or howling may be a sign that your cat is stressed, lost, or worried. If you hear your cat making this unusual noise in the hall, be sure to get it checked out. They probably just want to know where you are!

2. What do different cat meows mean?

Just like human speech, the tone, volume, and type of sounds a cat makes can be its way of communicating different things. Let’s explore some of the most common sounds our feline friends make and the possible meanings behind them.

hissing and roaring

When your cat starts making a low growl or a strong hiss, it's easy to tell that they're in a mood and they're not very positive. Often, cats will growl or hiss at something they're not happy with. This could be a person, another cat, another animal, or even a person being placed in the bathtub. These sounds may indicate that the cat is feeling very angry or anxious, and it is important to avoid getting too close to the cat in this state if possible. Even if you've done nothing wrong, they'll be quick to lash out at you.

trill or chirp

Have you ever noticed that your cat is making "brrr" noises at you while barely able to open its mouth? These chirping sounds or trills are what kittens learn from their mothers! Mother cats often use this sound to get their babies' attention when they move around together. So, when your cat trills at you, it could be their way of saying they want your attention or are happy to see you. How sweet is that? Cats can also chirp with their own kind. This sound usually indicates that your cat is feeling happy and positive.

chatter

Chattering (also known as chirping) is when a cat makes a chirping-like sound while rapidly chattering its teeth. If you've never seen this happen before, you might be worried. However, in most cases, there is nothing to worry about when you see this common behavior in your feline. When cats have a strong desire to hunt, they will begin to chatter their teeth, just like they would in the wild. In indoor cats, this behavior can easily be triggered by the sight of a bird flying outside their window, or even one of their favorite toys. This sound may indicate that your cat is frustrated and/or excited at the opportunity to exploit its predatory instincts.

3. Contact them

Cat lovers always want their cats to be healthy and happy, and they also want to understand them better. These are the most common meanings behind typical cat noises, but as always, always consult a professional veterinarian if you think something else is going on.

Continue to bond with your cat by playing with them, giving them their favorite treats, and spending time with them. This will help to better understand their personality and emotions.

animal tags：