CAT VOCALISATIONS

Cats have a diverse vocal range of sounds. In fact they have one of the largest patterns of vocalisation of all carnivores, they can express around 100 different phonations as compared to dogs who can only communicate about 10 sounds.

Cats communicate between members of their own species and with other species to express how they feel in their own unique way. Researchers have found that the environment plays a crucial part on the vocal behaviour with untamed cats and pet cats vocalizing inversely.

The some of the most common vocalisations made by cats and the meanings are:

Meow or Miaow
Cats make a widespread of meowing sounds, differing in intensity, length and frequency occurring in a wide selection of contexts with an oversized amount of variation accustomed to communicating various messages.

Cats tend to direct meows more to humans instead of other cats. Although meows are heard between mother-kitten exchanges, they’re rarely heard during domestic cat-cat interactions.

The function of the meow is commonly solicitation (greeting, attention, food related or when a kitten is separated from the queen). If the meow motivation is frustration (not having the ability to gain access outdoors or obtain food), the meow may be longer and more frequent.

Purr
Purring is the most recognised murmur sound with one among all time low pitch tones made by felines.

Purring is produced by muscular narrowing of the laryngeal muscle when the mouth is closed for the duration of respiration, it will be heard both during inhalation and exhalation, giving it a rhythmic feature which will be continued for extended periods.

Felines can adjust the volume at which they purr, depending on their emotional intensity, the most foremost changeable is the purr volume between individuals, with some purring at hardly audible levels whilst other purring loudly keeping owners awake night-time.

Cats purr in many situations – both positive and negative contexts. Queens purr whilst nursing kittens while kittens purr during nursing sessions. Cats also purr when resting or rubbing alongside a feline companion, when greeting their owners and when being stroked or groomed on an owner’s lap, it’s thought in such instances purring communicates contentment.

Veterinarians and cat owners have noticed that some cats purr when they’re in pain and a few have seen queens purr during labour.

There isn’t sufficient evidence to conclude the function of purring during negative contexts, however, purring in such situations has a likelihood of self-healing functions and pain relief.

Trill/Chirrup
The trill’s function is to communicate a greeting, get attention and incite friendly interactions with other cats. The queen uses the chirrup form of the trill to call her kittens; however, it also happens between adult cats.

Trills and chirrups are directed towards people and appear along with meowing. The chirp's high-pitched sound has also been thought to mimic a rodent's chirp to entice prey.

Chatter/Chitter
Cat chatter occurs when a cat is viewing prey that’s unattainable. It’s usually directed towards birds, but may be targeted towards other prey and even toys. The clicking sound is produced in sequences with the jaw and a tensely open mouth.

No one is certain of the true function of this behaviour, however, there are a few theories that include signs of conflict or frustration in attaining prey, prey capture anticipation, impersonation of prey vocalisations and therefore the kill bite theory.

Hiss
The hiss is identifiable because of its distinct sound. The hiss is a lengthy exhalation produced while a cat’s mouth is wide open with teeth exposed.

There’s a slight variation between cats in the hiss sound made in comparison to meows, yowls and shrieks. The hiss sound is produced in agonistic situations or defensive encounters to warn others and is accompanied by changes to body posture.

Shriek
When a cat shrieks, it communicates intense negative emotions like fear and/or pain. If the threat intensifies by moving nearer, a feline may emit a sudden loud shriek to startle the opponent and allow the cat a fast escape or attack.

Pain shrieks are short, intense cries of tense vowels depicted by a great strain of the mouth plus throat and therefore the force of breath.