To sum it up, feral cats do not meow as frequently or expressively as domestic or stray cats—if at all. Instead, they rely on non-verbal methods like scent marking and body language to communicate with fellow ferals. If a feral meows at you, they’re likely a stray, not a feral cat.
Cats meow at humans
The internet is a very cat friendly place. Even though there are numerous dog-related websites and social media groups, very few dogs have made it into viral memes the way a few well-known cats have. Keyboard cat, Grumpy cat, Maru, and Little Bub are four cats that became internet sensations after going viral. This elevated them to a distinct level of celebrity status. In contrast to well-known TV dogs like Wishbone or Lassie, these cats were just being themselves and not part of a character. Because of their distinctive looks and actions, they have been featured in viral memes and even commercial campaigns.
Some of these cats are known for their distinctive and adorable meows. Lil Bub in particular has an especially cute but unusual meow. Many cat owners are similarly charmed by their own cats’ meows. That is not a coincidence. Adult cats meow only at humans and for good evolutionary reasons.
House cats are distinct in that they rarely meow at one another; instead, they use their voices to communicate with their human companions. So what makes our feline friends so chatty with us?.
Isobel Whitcomb writes about health, animals, and the environment as a contributing writer for Live Science. Her writing has been published in Scholastics Science World Magazine, Fatherly, Atlas Obscura, Hakai Magazine, and the New York Times. Isobels roots are in science. She completed a fellowship at Crater Lake National Park, worked in two different labs, and studied biology at Scripps College in Claremont, California. She graduated from NYU’s Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program with a master’s degree in journalism. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon. Latest.
You can foster communication with your cat if you’re interested in hearing what it has to say, according to Wright. When people react to their cats’ chirps and meows with words and attention, they can establish a dialogue-like exchange. Wright stated, “She [the cat] can try and communicate with you if you make your responses positive enough and predictive enough that she can listen to your vocalization.”
Your cat comes into your office every day, gives you an angry look, and lets out a dejected “meowow.” “You haven’t fed me yet, you monster!” is what she’s saying, even if you can’t understand her.
Wright said to Live Science, “Why use vocalization when it’s so efficient to use the other senses?”
FAQ
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