Cat Meowing: What Does it Mean?

When your cat meows, they are seeking to communicate a message and expect you to understand them. Cat language can be complicated, but it is worth it to try to learn. Cats can meow for all different reasons. Your cat may be hungry, sick, in heat, or they are just saying hello. When your cat meows, it gets your attention, and cats are smart enough to know this. The next time your cat meows, listen to the way it sounds. Cats are incredibly vocal creatures, and they like to express themselves. You will want to understand what your cat is saying. If you want to know more about cat meowing, check out this article.

Different Cat Meow Sounds and What They Mean

It’s essential to know what your cat is trying to tell you when they speak to you. Understanding what your cat is communicating to you will help you take better care of them. Sometimes they may not be telling you something, and they may be asking you a question.

Listed below are the cat meowing sounds and meaning behind them:

The Short but Sweet Meow

When a cat’s meow is short and sweet-sounding, they are saying  “hello” to you. It is the way that they greet their humans and demonstrate their friendliness. This type of meow is reserved for the humans they recognize, know, or live with.

Many Meows in a Row

Some cats love the attention they get from humans. If your cat meows several times in a row, they could be telling you that they want attention, and they want it now! It could either come across as demanding or desperate. However, if you normally give your cat lots of affection, they may want you to pet them almost every time they see you.

The Feed Me Now Meow

If your cat makes this particular meow, they may sound like they are saying “NOW,” not meow. They are telling you they are hungry and want their food. This meow is the one that just does not know when to quit. Your cat will continuously meow until they get what they want!

The High-Pitched Meow

If your cat lets out a high-pitched meow, it could be an indication that they are either angry or in pain. They are trying to tell you that they are unhappy about something and want you to fix it! It may be a cry for help, such as they want to be let out of a room or go outside.

The Warning Meow

When you hear your cat meow in a lower tone that may or may not be accompanied by a growl, they are trying to warn you that they may be ready to lash out if you do not stop whatever activity you are doing is bothering them. For example, some cats do not like to be picked up and are not shy about letting you know that.

The Long Demanding Meow

This meow is another demanding meow. They want something new and are not afraid to tell you that! It could be something like they want to come inside, or they want to be pet. It is the same meow as the many meows in a row, except the sound is different.

Caterwauling Meow to Announce a Gift

This meow is an extended low guttural sound. Your cat will announce that they have a gift for you, which is usually a bird or rodent. Sometimes they will bring you their favorite toy and lay it at your feet.

The Yowl Meow

This meow could indicate that there is a medical issue that needs to be addressed with the veterinarian. It could signify hyperthyroid illness or dementia. If your cat is yowling and sounds upset, take them to the vet right away, just to be safe.

Why Do Cats Meow?

In addition to the different types of meow sounds your cat makes, you should also know why the cat meows. It is essential to recognize cat speak because you need to be able to help your fur baby with whatever problem exists at that moment. Cats meow because they are hungry or upset about something. They may also want affection. However, sometimes they cry when they are sick. If your cat’s meows sound frantic or drawn out, and they are meowing all the time, you may want to get them to the vet just to be safe.

The following include some of the other reasons why cats meow:

• If your cat is not spayed or neutered, and she may be in heat, or he is responding to the female in heat
• Your cat may be getting older and becoming confused
• Your cat may be stressed or anxious
• You did not clean the litter pan
• You did not leave them enough water
• They want to go outside
• They want to come inside
• They know you are leaving the house, and they have separation anxiety
• They want their treats, and they want them MEOW!
• They want to come up on the bed or somewhere, but they may not be able to make the leap

Contact Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie to Learn More About Cat Meowing

As you can see, there are many different reasons why cats meow. It is up to you to pay attention to your fur baby and understand all the different cries and what they could mean. If your cat is constantly meowing, you may need to take them to the vet to ensure they are not suffering from a health issue. For more information on cat meowing, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie.