Why Does My Cat Meow? Understanding Cat Communication

Have you ever looked at your cat and wondered what they are trying to tell you? Cats may not speak our language, but they are constantly communicating with us — through meows, purrs, body language, facial expressions, scent and touch. Once you start paying attention, you may find that your cat is actually giving you lots of clues about how they are feeling.

At Little Miss Cat, we’ve spent years observing our own cats, Misty and Boo, and learning just how individual every cat can be.So, why does your cat meow? And what do all those other little signals mean?

Let’s take a closer look.

How do cats communicate?

Cats communicate in several different ways:

• 🗣️ Vocal sounds – meowing, purring, chirping, hissing and growling
• 👀 Body language – ears, eyes, posture and tail position
• 🐾 Touch – rubbing, head-bumping, kneading and grooming
• 👃 Scent – rubbing, scratching and scent marking

The important thing to remember is that no single signal tells you everything. For example, a swishing tail doesn’t automatically mean your cat is angry. Look at their ears, eyes, body posture and behaviour as a whole, as well as what is happening around them. And every cat is different.

Why does my cat meow?

Meowing is one of the sounds cats use most often when communicating with humans. Interestingly, adult cats don’t generally rely on meowing to communicate with other adult cats in the same way they do with people. Much of the meowing we hear from our cats is directed towards us.

Your cat may meow because they:

• want food or water
• want attention
• are greeting you
• want to go outside
• want to come inside
• are asking you to do something
• are feeling excited
• are frustrated
• are lonely or bored
• are uncomfortable or unwell

Cats can also develop their own individual “language” with their owners. If your cat discovers that a particular meow gets them food, attention or a door opened, they may learn to repeat it.

Why does my cat meow at night?

Cats are naturally most active around dawn and dusk, although individual cats vary considerably. A cat that is awake and active while the rest of the household is sleeping may vocalise because they are bored, want attention, are hungry or simply want interaction.

However, a sudden change in vocalisation should not simply be dismissed as attention-seeking. Older cats in particular can develop changes in behaviour or vocalisation that warrant a conversation with a vet.

Why does purring mean?

Most of us associate purring with a happy, relaxed cat — and often that’s exactly what it means. But purring isn’t always as simple as “my cat is happy”. Cats can also purr when they are frightened, stressed, uncomfortable or trying to comfort themselves.

So rather than assuming that purring always means happiness, look at the rest of your cat’s behaviour.Is their body relaxed? Are their ears in a natural position?Are they approaching you for affection?Or are they hiding, tense or showing other signs that something isn’t right?

Your cat’s whole body tells the story.

What does it mean when my cat chirps or chatters?

Some cats make delightful little chirping, trilling or chattering sounds. You may notice this particularly when your cat is watching birds or other animals through a window. These sounds can be associated with excitement, attention and hunting behaviour, although the exact reason for chattering isn’t completely understood.

If you’ve ever watched Boo at the window, you’ll know just how fascinating these little sounds can be!

What do hissing, growling and yowling mean?

These sounds are generally much easier to interpret.

Hissing

A hiss is usually a warning that your cat is uncomfortable, frightened or wants something to keep its distance.

Don’t punish a cat for hissing.

Instead, try to understand what has made them feel threatened and give them space.

Growling

Growling is another warning signal and can accompany fear, anxiety or defensive behaviour.

Yowling or loud calling

Loud vocalisation can have many causes, including mating behaviour, stress, frustration, attention-seeking or discomfort.

If your cat suddenly becomes much more vocal than usual, particularly if there are other changes in their behaviour, it’s sensible to speak to your vet.

How do cats communicate with their ears?

Your cat’s ears can give you some excellent clues.

Relaxed ears

Ears held naturally, usually facing forward or slightly to the side, often indicate a relaxed cat.

Forward-facing ears

Your cat may be interested in something and concentrating on a sound or movement.

Ears turned sideways or backwards

This can indicate that your cat is becoming uncomfortable, worried or overstimulated.

Flattened ears

Ears held tightly against the head can indicate fear, stress or defensive aggression.

Again, look at the whole cat rather than the ears alone.

What are my cat’s eyes telling me?

Cats communicate a huge amount through their eyes.

The slow blink

A relaxed, slow blink is often associated with calm, friendly interaction. Try slowly blinking back at your cat when they are relaxed. You may even get one in return!

Dilated pupils

Large pupils can occur when a cat is excited, frightened or highly stimulated. Lighting also affects pupil size, so it isn’t possible to interpret this signal on its own.

A fixed stare

A direct stare can be part of a threatening interaction between cats, particularly when combined with a tense body, flattened ears or other defensive signals.

 

What does my cat’s tail mean?

Your cat’s tail is one of their most expressive communication tools.

Tail held upright

A relaxed upright tail is generally a friendly greeting and can indicate confidence.

Tail tucked or held very low

This can indicate fear, anxiety or insecurity.

Puffed-up tail

A bottle-brush tail is a classic sign of a highly aroused cat who may be frightened or defensive.

Rapid tail movements

A rapidly flicking or thrashing tail can indicate agitation or overstimulation.

But don’t rely on the tail alone. A cat’s tail needs to be interpreted alongside their ears, eyes, posture and the situation around them.

How does my cat communicate through touch?

Cats use physical contact to communicate with other cats and with people.

Rubbing against you

When your cat rubs against your legs, they may be greeting you, seeking attention and leaving familiar scent. It’s one of those lovely little behaviours that makes living with a cat so rewarding.

Head-bumping

A gentle head bump or “head bunting” can be a friendly social behaviour. Your cat is using scent glands around the head and face as part of their communication.

Kneading

That familiar rhythmic movement of the paws is often associated with contentment and comfort. Some cats knead blankets, beds and their favourite humans.

Grooming another cat

Cats that live together may groom one another as part of their social relationship. Our own Boo famously greets Misty by licking and gently nibbling her ears when she returns home — one of the behaviours that originally made us wonder just how much our cats were communicating with each other.

What does my cat rub against my leg?

It’s tempting to think your cat is simply saying hello — and they may well be! But rubbing also allows cats to exchange and deposit familiar scents. Cats have scent glands around areas including their cheeks, chin and head. So when your cat rubs against you, they are communicating in a very cat-like way. It can be a greeting, an invitation for attention and part of maintaining familiar social scents.

How do cats communicate through scent?

Scent is incredibly important to cats. They use scent to communicate with other cats and to understand their environment.

They may leave scent by:

• rubbing their face against objects
• scratching
• rubbing against people
• urine marking
• grooming

Scratching therefore isn’t simply about sharpening claws.It can also have a communication and scent-marking role.

How can I communicate better with my cat?

The best way to communicate with your cat is to learn their individual language. Spend time watching them.

Notice:

• what their relaxed body looks like
• how they greet you
• which sounds they make when hungry
• what they do when they want attention
• how they behave when they are frightened
• how their ears and tail change
• what happens immediately before a particular behaviour

Over time, you’ll begin to recognise your own cat’s patterns.

Try the slow blink

When your cat is relaxed, look towards them and slowly close and open your eyes. Don’t stare continuously. Keep your expression relaxed and allow your cat to decide whether they want to interact.

Give them space

One of the best ways to communicate with a cat is sometimes to do nothing at all. If your cat walks away, hides or turns their head, respect their decision. Cats communicate through choice and body language as much as they do through sound.

For an insight into communicating energetically with your cat please see our article ‘The Energetic power of cats and their Spiritual meaning’. 

When should I be concerned about my cat’s communication?

The best way to communicate with your cat is to learn their individual language. Spend time watching them.

Notice:

• what their relaxed body looks like
• how they greet you
• which sounds they make when hungry
• what they do when they want attention
• how they behave when they are frightened
• how their ears and tail change
• what happens immediately before a particular behaviour

Over time, you’ll begin to recognise your own cat’s patterns.

Try the slow blink

When your cat is relaxed, look towards them and slowly close and open your eyes. Don’t stare continuously. Keep your expression relaxed and allow your cat to decide whether they want to interact.

Give them space

One of the best ways to communicate with a cat is sometimes to do nothing at all. If your cat walks away, hides or turns their head, respect their decision.Cats communicate through choice and body language as much as they do through sound.

The more you understand your cat, the stronger your bond becomes

Cats may seem mysterious, but they are constantly communicating.

A meow.

A slow blink.

An upright tail.

A gentle head bump.

A little chirp at the window.

A paw kneading your favourite blanket.

Once you start paying attention to these little signals, you begin to see that your cat has been talking to you all along. At Little Miss Cat, that’s one of the things we’ve enjoyed most about living with Misty and Boo — there is always something new to learn. So next time your cat looks at you, flicks their tail or gives you a little meow, take a moment to watch what they’re doing.You might just discover what they’re trying to tell you.

A note from Little Miss Cat:
This article is intended as general information about cat behaviour and communication. Every cat is different. If you are concerned about a change in your cat’s behaviour, health or wellbeing, speak to your vet.

 

Other articles you may find of interest:

Why do cats have whiskers? And fun facts about cat’s whiskers!

Why do cats have tails? Do cats like their tails stroked?

Can cats see close up? Can cats see In the dark? Can cats See color?