Cats can make a wide variety of vocal sounds, with experts estimating that they are capable of producing over 100 different vocalizations. However, the number of distinct types of vocalizations described in scientific literature typically ranges up to around 21 different sounds

Details on Cat Vocal Sounds:

• Scientific studies have identified about 21 different vocalizations in cats, but it is likely that the actual repertoire is even larger

• Historically, cats were thought to have about 12 distinct vocalization types, but newer research expands this number

• These vocalizations include a range of sounds such as meows, purrs, trills, growls, hisses, yowls, spits, snarls, chirps, and more

• Cats use different vocalizations to communicate in various contexts such as social interaction, aggression, mating, and communication with humans

• The most common and recognizable sound is the meow , which cats primarily use to communicate with humans rather than other cats

• Purring is another common vocalization, often expressing contentment but also occurring in other states like illness or stress

• Other vocalizations like growls, hisses, and yowls serve as warnings or expressions of distress or aggression

Summary:

• Cats can produce over 100 different vocal sounds according to some experts, though the number of distinct, categorized vocalizations in scientific studies is around 21.
• These vocalizations vary widely in sound, context, and meaning, showing a complex and flexible communication system

Thus, cats have a much richer vocal repertoire than many other domestic animals, with a diversity of sounds used for nuanced communication.