The language of cats is based on a combination of posture, vocalizations, and olfactory signals. Usually, we do not pay enough attention to their body language, and we are not able to perceive the different smells, but there is something that we all find impossible to ignore: the meow. This is especially true if your cat meows at night or in the early morning.<\/p>\n
Ever wonder why do cats meow? Take a look at the following Basic Guide for Owners and learn everything about the feline meow: why they do it, what it means and how you can manage it.<\/strong><\/p>\n Did you know\u2026? Cats meow at people, but not other cats. Cat-to-cat communication includes other vocalizations, such as feline “howls,” hisses, and squeaks.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n There is no doubt that the meow is the most common feline vocalization. Although cats do not typically meow when communicating with other cats, they do meow continuously to communicate with humans.<\/p>\n According to experts, a kitten may meow to attract the attention and care of its mother when it feels hungry, cold, or afraid<\/strong>, but this behavior will stop once it is grown. From that moment on, it will only meow to interact with its owner. Why? Simply put, meowing is a trick that works.<\/p>\n Some researchers have compared the vocalizations of the domestic cat to the vocalizations of its closest relative, the African wild cat. Interestingly, it has been observed that the sounds of the domestic cat, especially the meowing, have evolved to be more pleasant to the human ear (higher, less threatening).<\/p>\n People are known to be sensitive to this type of vocalization, hence we are more likely to respond positively, for example by providing attention. It is very similar to what happens when a baby cries.<\/p>\n Cats can learn to modify the characteristics of their meow, such as frequency or duration so that people know exactly what they want.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n It is worth mentioning that not all cats meow the same. The meow can vary depending on the breed, and even the particular cat. Oriental breeds, especially Siamese cats, are known to meow more than usual. In addition, there are cats that meow because they simply like to listen to themselves.<\/p>\n But in a general sense, cats meow because they are trying to communicate or achieve something. The more experience a person has as a cat owner, the better their understanding of what the pet means by each meow.<\/p>\n Experts usually talk about 6 different types of meows<\/strong>, which vary in duration, intonation, and volume. These are described as:<\/p>\n “Hello!”<\/p>\n This short, high-pitched meow is the most common of all. It means that your cat is greeting you.<\/p>\n “I feel happy because you are at home”<\/p>\n It usually occurs when the owner returns home from a day out, or when they haven’t seen each other in a long time. In that case, the cat meows to greet you and communicate that it is exciting to see you.<\/p>\n “My bowl is empty”<\/p>\n The low meow type is associated with complaints. It is very likely that your cat is unhappy about something that you have not done, or that you have done wrong.<\/p>\n “Give me food” “Give me attention”<\/p>\n If a cat meows in this way, it is probably trying to communicate some kind of plea. For example, he may want you to serve him food or give him attention.<\/p>\n “You have stepped on my tail”<\/p>\n It means that the cat is angry or in pain. A common example is when your tail is accidentally stepped on.<\/p>\n “Let me out now!”<\/p>\n When cats meow extensively for a while, it means that they are demanding or asking for something. The pet may be meowing for you to let him in or out.<\/p>\n Did you know\u2026? Cats make sounds and vocalizations that are imperceptible to the human ear. In that case, they can only be heard by other cats.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Cats meow for many reasons. This is a way of expressing different needs and emotions, from something as simple as a greeting to something serious like an illness.<\/p>\nWhy do cats meow? The evolution of the meow<\/h1>\n
How to interpret the meows of a cat? Types and Meanings<\/h2>\n
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What does each of them mean?<\/h2>\n
Short meow<\/h3>\n
Multiple meows directed at you<\/h3>\n
Low-pitched meow<\/h3>\n
Mid-tone meow<\/h3>\n
High pitched meow<\/h3>\n
Spread meow<\/h3>\n
9 reasons a cat can meow<\/h2>\n