A chirp is usually a very quick, repetitive, “bird-like” sound your kitty makes very quietly. Some cat owners think of it more as a “chatter.” He’ll often make this sound when he’s looking out the window and sees a bird. The sound typically means he’s happy, excited, and focused on a potential hunt.
Read on for 12 cat sounds your cat makes and what they mean
Of all domestic pets, cats have the widest range of vocalizations, second only to birds. Cats are known for their meows, purrs, hisses, and growls, but they also make a wider variety of sounds on a regular basis. Your cat can make a variety of distinct sounds depending on the circumstance, and each sound can have several subtle variations depending on importance. While some show ease and contentment, others display anxiety, fear, or even rage. All, however, are a sign of your cat’s emotional condition.
An adult cat’s meow, which is arguably the most commonly heard sound in cats, is almost exclusively used to communicate with humans—not with other cats. When kittens are in need of their moms, they first vocalize, but as wild cats get older, they stop doing so. However, cats that live in domestication retain this charming vocalization throughout their adult lives because they believe they are our eternal children. A meowing cat usually wants something, such as food, attention, or maybe entry to a room. Sometimes though, meows simply serve as a “welcome home” salutation.
Occasionally, a cat meow can signify loneliness or even illness. Due to deteriorating senses or worry about losing their agility, older cats frequently meow more. When a younger cat is hungry or lonely, the meow is frequently abbreviated to an inquisitive “mew?” Additionally, a cat’s mood can be inferred from the frequency of their meows; loud, rapid meows indicate that they are trying to get your attention.
An extended, more pleading “meowww” can convey concern, annoyance, or disapproval of something. This version frequently sounds throatier, almost like she’s saying, “Oh, come on.” Additionally, continuous meowing may be a sign of disease or damage; if this is the case, think about visiting the vet. (If your cat meows at night, try these tips.) ).
The purr, a deep, throaty rumble that is soft and usually produced when your cat is in a good mood, is one of the most soothing and enjoyable sounds that cats can make. A gentle pet while your cat nestles in your lap will definitely cause her to make this happy, motoring sound.
Rarely, purring may indicate that your cat is upset about something. It’s like when you hum or whistle nervously while waiting for your in-laws to get home for supper. Body posture is crucial in identifying this “worry-purr”; if your cat’s ears are back and her body appears tense, the purr indicates worry about something.
Cat Chirps, Trills, and Chirrups
These birdlike sounds, which are learned during the kitten stage, are a little more declarative than a meow. Your cat may chirp to get your attention or to draw your attention to something she thinks is important. Chirping is a behavior that was originally used by mothers to instruct kittens to pay attention and follow them. A happy and excited cat may also give off chirrups and tiny, squeaky trills.
Perhaps when your cat was staring longingly out of a window at a squirrel or sparrow perched in a tree, you heard her chattering teeth. The chatter is a cat noise that is sometimes accompanied by a chirp, squeak, or faint cry. It is believed to be a sign of a cat’s predatory excitement and of her stress at being unable to get to the prize. Some say the chatter is actually a mimicked call of a bird or rodent, but this is merely anecdotal since cats rely on stealth and silence for their hunting success.
There is no mistaking the intent of a cat’s hiss. This cat noise, which sounds like a steak sizzling on the grill, indicates that your cat feels threatened and is prepared to fight if necessary. A large, silly dog that becomes overly affectionate with your cat will undoubtedly cause a hiss and possibly more. A cat’s body language changes in response to a menacing sound, displaying traits like an arched back, puffed hair, twitchy tail, flattened ears, and an open mouth with ready-to-bite fangs. Spitting can also occur with a hiss. When your cat assumes this serpentine appearance, retreat and take whatever action you can to neutralize the perceived threat.
Hissing is highly dependent on the comfort level and perception of each individual cat. Some cats who are gregarious and gregarious may not hiss very often, but shy and reserved cats will hiss when they are unsure of something. More often than not, abused, stray, or feral cats will enter “hissing mode” as opposed to well-adjusted, social pets.
The yowl is a longer, more drawn-out moan that indicates anxiety, discomfort, territorial concern, or mating issues as opposed to the generally happy, searching sound of a meow. Cats frequently communicate with one another by yowling, which can indicate “I want to mate” or “I don’t want you coming around my place.” It can also happen when a cat isn’t feeling well, when her senses or cognitive abilities deteriorate, or when she doesn’t like something in her surroundings, like a new cat on the block. When a cat is adopted into a new home or relocated to a new territory, they frequently let out regrets about their previous residence. And some cats will yowl simply out of boredom.
Check for symptoms of illness if your cat starts yowling nonstop; a visit to the vet may be necessary. Take care of him or her right away if they haven’t already, especially if you let your cat outside. Keep an eye out for any cats that you think might be “invading” your cat’s territory. Feral or stray cats occasionally need to be trapped, neutered, and then adopted into a suitable home. Make sure your cat has lots of toys and that you give her enough attention. Sometimes a little extra playtime each day is all that’s needed to put an end to a case of the yowls.
This short, mournful, hollow-sounding yowl is used by females in heat to attract potential mates. It sounds almost like the word “ahh-roo-ugh?” The unspayed female will make every effort to get outside during the caterwaul in order to meet up with the male cats, who will probably be gathered around, yowling and squabbling for the honor.
What Do Cat Chirps Sound Like?
The cat chirp, sometimes referred to as a chirrup or a trill, is a brief, peep-like noise that sounds a lot like the warble of a songbird.
According to International Cat Care, cat vocalizations fall into three categories: murmuring, meowing and aggressive. A chirp is considered to be a type of murmur (the other, more common murmur is purring), described by ICC as a sound thats “mostly formed with the mouth closed.”
FAQ
What does it mean when a cat chirps at you?
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