Understand Your Cat's Unique Meows and Sounds

Brief, high-pitched meows

A quick, sharp meow is often your cat’s way of giving you a friendly greeting, according to Rubin. When these meows are repeated or combined, they might express joy at seeing you or could be an invitation to play.

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Extended meow

A drawn-out, almost pleading meow—a mix between a cry and a softer sound—typically signifies that your feline friend wants your attention. Rubin suggests it might demonstrate anxiety or neediness, whether for food, affection, or access to something.

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Distressed cry

The crying meow, longer and more desperate in tone than the pleading one, often signals urgency or distress. Dr. Sung explains that kittens use this cry to prompt their mothers to find them if they’ve wandered from the nest.

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Short, angry meow

Unlike a yowl, an aggressive, sharp meow carries a tone of irritation or frustration. Rubin points out that this is often your cat’s way of scolding you for something you’ve done—or left undone—that displeases them.

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Yowling

For chatty cats, yowling might be a regular occurrence, but if it appears unexpectedly, it could signal distress, warns Dr. Richter. Persisting vocalization over a day or more may even suggest an underlying health concern. Yowling can also relate to mating behavior or cognitive issues in senior cats.

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Hissing

Hissing is an unmistakable sound, often accompanied by fear or anger. Rubin describes it as a defensive warning when your cat feels threatened, with the intention of deterring perceived predators or threats.

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Growling or snarling

Growling and snarling are firm warnings to keep away, says Dr. Sung. If the target of these aggressive sounds doesn’t back off, a physical confrontation could occur.

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Soft purring

Purring—ranging from faint murmurs to audible vibrations—is often a sign of contentment, explains Delgado. Cats purr while being petted or during feeding, but it can also occur during times of discomfort or fear as a self-soothing behavior.

Trilling

Trills, a mix between purring and meowing, often convey excitement or happiness, according to Dr. Richter. Cats may trill out of enthusiasm for your presence, cuddles, or even anticipation of mealtime.

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Chattering or clicking

Chatter or clicking—a rapid “ack-ack-ack” sound—is often heard when cats spot birds or prey they can’t reach. Delgado suggests this behavior could stem from either frustration or an instinctual form of mimicry to lure prey.