Cats communicate with their human caregivers using a combination of body language, facial expressions, and vocalizations. Here are some common vocalizations and what they might mean:

• Meowing: Cats generally only meow to humans, and rarely to other cats. Meowing can be used for getting their humans attention, such as a greeting, approval, or demanding food. A short meow is like a standard greeting or hello, while a drawn-out meow can be a demand for something immediately like feed me now or open the door. A higher pitched longer meow, or yowl could mean pain or anger.

• Hissing: Hissing is a warning that a cat is feeling threatened or frightened by something in their immediate surroundings. This may be another cat, owner, or vet.

• Chirping or trilling: This kind of cat noise can be tough to describe. Some people think the cat is chirping like a bird, others think theyre simply chattering their teeth. Whatever you call it, its often part of a cats natural hunting instinct. A mother cat tells their kittens to follow them with chirps and trills, and aimed at you, it probably means your cat wants you to follow them, usually to their food bowl.

• Yowling: Female cats in heat often make this sound, trying to lure tomcats to ease their desire. Intense yowling can also mean the final warning that a major cat fight is about to begin, and it can also mean the cat is in pain.

Its important to note that context matters hugely when interpreting a cats vocalizations. The tone and body language of the cat can give clues as to what they are trying to communicate.