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Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean
Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean

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Different Types of Cat Sounds

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Have you ever wondered about the mysteries behind a cat's purr? It is not just a simple sound, but a blend of feline physiology at work. Cats achieve their signature purr through rapid contractions and relaxations of their laryngeal muscles, around 150 times per second. This creates that familiar, soothing and resonant sound we all adore. And as your cat takes each breath, the airflow caresses these vibrating muscles adding more depth to its purr. In this blog, we will look into the secrets behind this enchanting feline phenomenon. 

Why do cats purr?

Purring is a feline’s versatile tool of communication. Sure, cats purr when they are happy and comfy, but they can also purr when they are stressed, in pain, or even when they are hungry – it is like a cat crying for some attention. And here is a fun fact: mama cats purr to bond with their kittens, and kitten sounds are indicators of the little ones telling mom everything is fine. 

Let us dive into the details of different cat sounds because they might just be trying to tell you something important. 

Decoding the purrs: what does it mean?

Cats are like mysterious little furballs, and their purring adds another layer to the enigma. So, what exactly are they trying to convey when they turn on the purr engine? 

  1. Happiness

    When your cat is in its happy place – curled up on your lap or basking in a sunbeam – that gentle purring is often a sign of pure contentment. In cat language, it means, 'Life is good right now.'

  2. Bonding and affection

    Cats are known for their independent streak, but when they snuggle close and start to purr, it is a clear sign of love and bonding. It is a cat’s way of saying, 'You are my favorite human, and I adore you.'

  3. As a location signal

    Ever noticed your cat purring when you are in the same room but cannot see her? That is her way of announcing her presence, like a cat crying as a GPS locator, 'Don’t worry, I am nearby.'

  4. Because they are in pain

    It is not all sunshine and rainbows. Cats may also purr when they are in pain or discomfort, which can be akin to a kitten sound or cat cry, meaning something is not quite right.

  5. To self-medicate and heal

    Cats are remarkable self-healers, and purring may have therapeutic effects. The vibrations produced during purring may promote the healing of bones and tissues. I is their natural way of saying, 'I will make myself better,' and it is not unlike the comforting kitten sound that a mother cat makes to communicate love to her babies.

  6. A reaction to being pet or tickled

    That ecstatic purring when you stroke cats’ fur or tickle them? It is the feline version of laughter. They are loving every moment of your attention, and their purr is a joyful response.

  7. To calm themselves down

    Cats have a unique ability to use purring as a stress-relief mechanism. When faced with a tense situation, they may start to purr to calm their frayed nerves. It is like their built-in stress buster.

  8. To let you know they are hungry

    Sometimes, it is all about the food. Cats can be quite vocal when they are hungry, and this may include the sound of a cat crying. When being loud, it could mean that the cat said it is dinnertime. It is like a polite request for a meal. 

    With this information up your sleeve, the next time your furry friend starts to purr take a moment to decode the message. It is like having a heart-to-heart conversation in your cat’s language!

Why does my cat meow so much? 

If your feline friend seems to be a chatterbox, you might be wondering what is behind your cat’s meowing. Cats are quite expressive through their meows, and the reasons can vary. A cat’s meow sound may be to seek attention, express hunger, combat loneliness, or signal stress or discomfort. Older cats may meow more due to cognitive changes, and sometimes, boredom can lead to cats meowing excessively. Paying attention to the context and your cat's specific meowing patterns can help you understand its needs and ensure its well-being.

Different cat sounds: what is the kitty trying to tell you?

Cats are vocal creatures, and they have an impressive range of sounds to express themselves. Here are five of the most common cat sounds and what they typically mean.

  1. Meow

    Meowing is an all-purpose communicator in cat language. Cats meow to get your attention, ask for food, or simply say hello. The tone and intensity can convey their emotions, from friendly greetings to a cat crying for urgent demands.

  2. Hiss

    In cat language, this is a clear sign of displeasure or fear. When a cat hisses, it is a warning to back off, and it is best to respect their boundaries.

  3. Chirp 

    This quirky cat sound often happens when a cat spots a bird or other prey through a window. It's like their way of expressing excitement and frustration at not being able to catch it.

  4. Growl 

    This kitten sound is a signal that your cat is feeling threatened or territorial. It is a low, guttural sound meant to deter potential intruders.

  5. Yowl or caterwaul

    This is the sound of a cat crying, meaning it is mating season. This cat crying sound is also heard when an unspayed female is in heat. It is a cat's way of announcing its presence and seeking a mate.

    Understanding these sounds can help you connect better with your feline friend and respond to its needs and emotions appropriately.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What does it mean when a cat goes meow?
  2. A cat’s meow sound can mean various things, from seeking attention or food to expressing discomfort or simply saying hello.

  3. Why is my cat meowing loudly nonstop?
  4. A cat’s meow sound may be due to hunger, discomfort, illness, or anxiety. It is essential to investigate the cause and address its needs.

  5. How can I get my cat to meow more?
  6. You can encourage your cat to meow more by engaging in interactive play, offering treats, and spending quality time with it. Building a strong bond can lead to more vocal communication through your cat’s meow sound. 

  7. What does it mean when a cat purrs?
  8. In cat language, purring can signify contentment. But in certain cases, it can also indicate pain, stress, or a desire for attention, depending on the context. Sometimes, it might even be confused with the sound of a cat crying when they are in distress.

  9. Does purring mean my cat is happy?
  10. Purring does not always mean your cat is happy. While it is often a sign of contentment, cats can also purr when they are in pain, anxious, or unwell.

  11. Why do cats purr when cuddling?
  12. Cats purr when cuddling to express comfort and contentment. It is their way of saying they enjoy the affection and feel safe with you.

Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean
  • Feeding Guidelines For Your Cat
    Feeding Guidelines For Your Cat
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    How To Take Care Of A Cat?

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    Cats are known to be solitary creatures and enjoy spending time with themselves. However, as a pet parent, you must ensure that your cat remains healthy. It is advisable to keep an eye on your cat’s behavior to detect a sudden change, even what it eats, and in how much quantity. A regular health checkup is one of the most basic yet essential steps to a cat/kitty care guide. Taking care of cats is comparatively easier than taking care of kittens. A diligently followed routine for cat care can also be quite helpful. So, before we tell you how to take care of cat, here are few dos and don’ts every cat owner must know.

    Do's & Don'ts Every Cat Parent Should Know:

    Here’s your cat care 101 –

    • Medical care -

      Adult cats should be taken to the vet for a complete checkup at least once a year. This will ensure that your cat is in good health and will also catch any disease symptom overlooked by you.
    • Hygiene –

      Hygiene is one of the most basic cat care tips. Cats usually lick and clean themselves, but it is always advisable to bathe your cat every 4-6 weeks. Their crates should also be cleaned regularly to make sure they do not fall sick.
    • Feeding –

      Till the time your kitten is four months old, it can be fed three times a day. Post four months, you can begin the transition to feeding it twice a day. It is still advisable to consult a vet before deciding the frequency of the meals.
    • Dental care -

      Your cat’s dental care is just as important as yours. It is advisable to set a dental care routine right from its kitten phase. You can dip your gloved finger in a little toothpaste made for cats in its mouth to clean their teeth and gums. If your cat’s mouth smells bad, it may be an indication of a disease. So, book an appointment with your vet without any delay.
    • Socializing -

      You can get your cat to socialize too, but you have to keep a few things in mind. You may get down to its level to initiate contact and speak in a calm voice. You may also pat its head to let it get familiarized with your touch.
      Now that you know these cat care tips, let’s understand how you can housetrain your cat.

    Housetraining Your Cat

    Now that you have brought your cat home, the next step is to comfortably settle it in your house. Housetraining might sound like a tedious task, but it isn’t. With a little practise and lots of patience, you can easily housetrain your cat. Some of the most basic things to keep in mind while housetraining your cat include providing a proper litter box, spaying your cat, toilet training and cat proofing the house. Given below are some tips that may help you easily housetrain your cat:

    • Litter box –

      It is advisable to place the litter box in an easily accessible location. You should avoid moving the litter box unless necessary. And even if you have to move it, shift it a few inches every day. Also, keep in mind that your cat will not use a dirty or smelly litter box. Hence, scoop out the solid waste at least once a day and clean it using mild detergents.
    • Cat-Proofing –

      It is important that you keep harmful things out of reach from your cat. First and foremost, tie up all loose cables and wires so that your cat won’t get tangled in them. Make sure candles and other flaming substances are kept at an unobtainable distance from the cat. If you use essential oils frequently, make sure your cats do not come in contact with them either, because certain ingredients in these oils may be toxic for your feline friend.
    • Spaying –

      Spaying your cat has several health benefits and ensures your cat lives a healthy life. You may fix an appointment to spay your kitten when it is as young as eight weeks old. If you have a cat, it is advisable to get it spayed before it reaches five months of age.
    • Toilet Training –

      This is one of the major concerns of all cat parents. Here’s how you can toilet-train your cat with a few simple steps –
      1) Place the cat’s litter box closer to the washroom.
      2) Raise the height of the litter box a little every day.
      3) Slowly, transition your cat to use the actual washroom every time it wants to go.
      4) Give your cat a treat each time it uses the washroom. This will encourage good behavior.

    Common Cat Diseases

    Taking care of your cat’s health comes first in the cat/kitty care guide. Even though cats lick and self-groom themselves, they cannot get better on their own if they contract the following diseases:

    • Vomiting –

      This is one of the most common health issues in cats and is caused by various factors. Hairballs, eating something inedible, or a urinary tract infection are some of the reasons why your cat may be vomiting.
    • Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD) –

      Both male and female cats can contract FLUTD and its main cause is obesity or only eating dry food. Some of the symptoms of FLUTD are bloody urine, crying while urinating, straining to pee, licking around the urinary area due to pain, dehydration, and vomiting.
    • Diarrhea -

      Cancer, infection, allergy and bad food can be the causes of diarrhoea. It is advisable to give your cat a lot of fresh water to drink if it has diarrhoea.
    • Tapeworms –

      Tapeworms can cause extreme discomfort to your cat as they reside in its intestines. You can spot tapeworms with your naked eye in your cat’s stools. The symptoms of worms are vomiting and weight loss.
    • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) –

      This virus can make the immune cells attack the white blood cells in the cat’s body. This gradually weakens the cat’s immune system. FIV’s symptoms are poor coat condition, persistent diarrhea, seizures, eye problems, lack of appetite, and recurring fever.
      If you notice unaccountable minor changes in your cat, then it is advisable to rush to the vet to rule out any of the above-mentioned diseases and seek proper treatment on time.

    Cat Care Tips for First Time Owners

    ‘How to take care of a cat’ is a question asked by many first-time cat owners, as cats can be difficult to figure out. But with a few careful steps, you can easily take care of your cat. Here are some cat care tips for first-time cat owners:

    • Cats are not easily adaptive to change.

      So, when you bring your cat home for the first time, you need to help it familiarize with the new surroundings by setting up its own space in the house. You can also add a cheery vibe to its crate by adding toys and a blanket.
    • Find a vet you can visit for your cat’s timely checkups.

      It is not advisable to ignore even the smallest recognized change in its health, and it is better to get it checked by the vet.
    • Cats love quality playtime as well.

      We recommend you get adorable toys for your feline friend to play with. You, too, can bond with your cat during this time.
    • Give

      it time to adapt to its new surroundings and the new people around them.
    • Ensure

      you buy healthy cat food for your new friend in advance and set a timetable for its meals.

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