Decoding Cat Growls and Squeaks: Understanding Feline Communication 

Cats can be mysterious. They have a large range of vocalizations, which can often leave their human owners perplexed. Meows, purrs, growls, trills, squeaks, whines, and more. Each of these serves a purpose in feline communication, sometimes with each other and other times with their owners. 

By understanding the difference between these vocalizations and what they mean, you can deepen the bond with your cat and better respond to their needs. 

In this article, we’re going to take an in-depth look at different cat noises and what they mean. 

Why Do Cats Growl?

A growl is a low, guttural sound. This can be a warning signal and is often accompanied by a defensive posture. It can signal that your cat feels threatened or that they are in pain. 

Cats may growl in various situations: 

• Territorial Disputes 
  Such as when another cat has entered their territory. 
• Fear or Anxiety 
  In the presence of new people, new animals, or in a new environment (like the vet’s). 
• Pain or Discomfort 
  If your cat is injured or unwell. 
• Resource Guarding 
  If your cat is protecting its food or toys from a perceived threat. 

Unlike meowing and purring, which can have various meanings, growling is always a sign of distress. Growls are usually nothing to worry about, but if your cat is continually growling with no external stimuli (like another cat), it could be a sign that they are in pain or have an injury. If you notice your cat doing this, you should take them to the vet for a check-up. 

Why Do Cats Meow?

A meow is the sound we most commonly associate with cats. An odd fact is that cats hardly ever meow at each other; it appears to be a vocalization they have developed specifically to communicate with humans. Meows can have different meanings depending on context and the cat’s individual needs. 

Cats may meow in various situations: 

• Attention Seeking 
  Cats will meow when they want attention. This can mean food, water, or playtime. One of my cats will walk around the house meowing as loud as possible when he wants me to open a window so he can go outside. 
• Greeting 
  A meow can be a greeting. One of my cats often meows at me when she walks into a room as a way of announcing her presence. 
• Loneliness or Boredom 
  Cats will sometimes meow if they are bored and require stimulation. 
• Discomfort or Pain 
  Meows from a cat in pain are usually identifiable by their more plaintive tone. 

Why Cats Make Distress Calls

A distress call is different from a miaow in that it tends to sound more strained, less playful, and is generally louder. It usually indicates immediate discomfort, pain, or danger. 

Cats may use a distress call in various situations: 

• Fear or Panic
  When your cat feels threatened, it might emit a distress call. 
• Physical Restraint
  If you’ve ever had to bundle your cat into a box to take them to a vet, you might already be familiar with their distress call. 
• Pain or Severe Illness
  While mild pain usually results in a groan, severe pain can induce a distress call in your cat. If your cat is making a distress call with no obvious external stimuli, you should take them to a vet immediately. 
• Separation Anxiety
  If a cat is lost, they may start producing a distress call. 

A distress call is always an indication that your cat needs help. You should immediately give your cat attention and try to remove whatever factor has caused them to become distressed. 

Why Do Cats Purr?

Purring is one of the most pleasant sounds your cat can make. A continuous, rhythmic sound associated with contentment. But there can be other meanings to purring too… 

• Contentment and Comfort
  When cats are relaxed, being petted, or happy to see you, they will often purr. 
• Self-Soothing
  If they are feeling anxious, scared, or in pain, purring can help your cat calm down. 
• Healing
  The frequency of cats’ purrs has been theorised to help with healing, and purring helps cats repair small fractures in their bones. 

Why Do Cats Make Trills?

Trills are high-pitched noises that cats make to communicate with both humans and other cats  

Cats may trill in various situations: 

• Greeting 
  Trills are a common way for cats to introduce themselves. Often, they transition from a trill to a meow within one vocalization. 
• Attention Seeking 
  Trills can be a way of drawing attention to themselves. One of my cats starts making trills if he feels like he’s being ignored. If I am paying attention to one of my other cats and not him, he’ll start making trills while staring at me. 
• Mother-Young Communication 
  Mother cats often use trills to guide their kittens. 
• Playfulness 
  Trills can be a sign that your cat is feeling playful. 

A trill is almost always a positive sound. It is sociable and friendly. 

Why Do Cats Hiss and Spit?

Hissing and spitting sounds are generally territorial sounds that cats make as a form of defence. 

• Threat or Danger 
  If a cat feels threatened, it may start hissing. 
• Territorial Disputes 
  My cats always start hissing when the neighbours’ cats come into the garden. 
• Fear or Anxiety 
  If your cat feels afraid and is unable to get away, they may start hissing. 

Hissing is a clear sign that they feel threatened, uncomfortable, or unable to defend themselves.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Cat Communication 

The better you understand your cat’s vocalizations, the better you can understand what they are trying to communicate. Recognizing the different sounds your cats can make and what each one means in context can help you care for your cat better.