Characteristics of Cat
Habitat
Domestic environments worldwide
Diet
Carnivore - commercial food, small prey
Lifespan
12-18 years
Weight
3-10 kg
Length
0.46-0.9 m
Region
Worldwide
Cat Sound Characteristics
The cat sound is one of the most diverse vocal repertoires among domestic animals. From the soothing cat sound of purring to the demanding cat sound of meowing, cats use various cat sounds to communicate with humans and other animals.
Purr
The most recognizable cat sound is the purr, a continuous, soft, vibrating cat sound made during both inhalation and exhalation. This cat sound is typically associated with contentment, though cats may also purr when injured or stressed as a self-soothing mechanism.
25-150 Hz
25-30 decibels
Continuous, can last minutes to hours
When content, relaxed, nursing kittens, or sometimes when in pain
Meow
The classic cat sound used primarily to communicate with humans. The cat sound of meowing varies widely in pitch, length, and volume depending on what the cat wants to communicate. Adult cats rarely meow at each other, making this cat sound primarily for human-cat interaction.
300-800 Hz
45-70 decibels
0.5-1.5 seconds
When requesting food, attention, or access to something
Hiss
A defensive cat sound made by forcing air through an arched tongue. This cat sound serves as a warning and is accompanied by defensive body language. The cat sound of hissing is instinctual and even newborn kittens can hiss when threatened.
2000-10000 Hz
60-80 decibels
1-3 seconds
When threatened, scared, or establishing boundaries
Growl
A low-pitched, rumbling cat sound produced as a warning. This cat sound indicates aggression or extreme discomfort and should be taken seriously. The cat sound of growling often precedes more aggressive actions if the threat doesn't retreat.
100-225 Hz
50-65 decibels
2-5 seconds
When feeling threatened, aggressive, or extremely uncomfortable
Chirp/Trill
A bird-like cat sound that combines a meow with a purr. This friendly cat sound is often used by mother cats to call kittens and by adult cats to greet humans they like. The cat sound of chirping is generally considered a positive, welcoming vocalization.
250-600 Hz
40-55 decibels
0.3-0.8 seconds
When greeting, showing affection, or calling for attention
Interesting Cat Sound Facts
Each cat has a unique cat sound signature that their owners can recognize
The cat sound of purring occurs at a frequency that promotes bone growth and healing
Cats develop specific cat sounds that work best with their particular owners
The cat sound repertoire of feral cats is much smaller than domestic cats
Siamese cats are known for having a more frequent and louder cat sound pattern than other breeds
Interesting Facts about Cat Sound
Cats spend 70% of their lives sleeping
A cat's purr can heal bones and muscles, and reduce stress
Cats can make over 100 different vocal sounds
A cat's nose print is unique, just like a human's fingerprint
Cats have better night vision than humans and can see in one-sixth the light we need
The first cat in space was French and named Félicette
FAQs about Cat Sound
Find answers to all your questions about Cat sounds
Q Why do cats purr?
The cat sound of purring serves multiple purposes. While most commonly associated with contentment, the cat sound of purring also has healing properties. The frequency of this cat sound (25-150 Hz) can stimulate bone growth, heal muscles, and reduce pain. Cats produce this soothing cat sound by vibrating their vocal folds with their diaphragm muscles. Interestingly, cats may also produce this cat sound when injured or stressed as a self-healing mechanism, not just when they're happy.
Q Why do cats meow at humans but not other cats?
The cat sound of meowing is primarily used for cat-to-human communication. Adult cats rarely use this cat sound with other cats, reserving it almost exclusively for humans. Kittens meow to their mothers, but as cats mature, they develop other cat sound types for cat-to-cat communication. The cat sound of meowing evolved as domestic cats learned that humans respond to vocal cues. Over time, cats have refined their meowing cat sound to effectively communicate specific needs to their human companions.
Q What does it mean when a cat makes a chirping sound?
The chirping cat sound, sometimes called a trill or chirrup, is generally a friendly cat sound. Mother cats use this cat sound to get their kittens' attention, and adult cats often use it as a greeting for humans they like. The cat sound of chirping usually indicates excitement or interest, such as when a cat spots a bird through a window. This distinctive cat sound combines elements of a meow with a purr and is typically a sign of positive emotions.
Q Why do cats hiss and what does it mean?
The cat sound of hissing is a defensive warning signal. When a cat makes this cat sound, they're communicating that they feel threatened and are prepared to defend themselves if necessary. The hissing cat sound mimics the sound of a snake, an instinctual strategy to make potential threats think twice. This cat sound is often accompanied by defensive body language like arched back, puffed fur, and flattened ears. Even kittens can produce this cat sound instinctively when frightened.
Q Can cats control the sounds they make?
Yes, cats have remarkable control over their vocalizations. The cat sound repertoire includes over 100 different vocalizations, and cats can modify these cat sounds based on context and past success. For example, a cat might develop a specific cat sound that successfully gets their owner to provide food. The cat sound patterns vary widely between individuals, with each cat developing their own unique 'voice' and communication style that works best with their particular human companions.
Q Do different cat breeds make different sounds?
Yes, certain cat breeds are known for distinctive cat sound characteristics. Siamese cats, for instance, are famous for their loud, frequent, and demanding cat sound patterns, often described as yowling. Maine Coons are known for their unique chirping and trilling cat sound rather than standard meows. Oriental breeds generally produce more cat sounds than Western breeds. The cat sound differences between breeds are due to both physical differences in vocal anatomy and behavioral traits that have been selectively bred over generations.
Q Why do cats sometimes make chattering sounds at birds?
The chattering cat sound, made when cats observe prey they cannot reach (like birds outside a window), is a fascinating behavior. This distinctive cat sound involves rapid jaw movements and a series of quick, clicking vocalizations. Some experts believe this cat sound represents frustration, while others suggest it might be an instinctive 'practice' of the killing bite. Another theory proposes this cat sound mimics the calls of birds to lure them closer. This unique cat sound demonstrates the complex hunting instincts still present in domestic cats.
Q How do cats communicate with each other if not by meowing?
Cats communicate with each other through a complex system of cat sounds, body language, and scent marking. Rather than meowing, cat-to-cat vocal communication includes growls, hisses, yowls, and chirps. The cat sound of growling or hissing establishes boundaries, while chirps might be used by mothers calling kittens. However, much of cat communication is non-vocal, involving ear positions, tail movements, and body posture. Cats also leave scent messages for other cats through rubbing, scratching, and spraying, creating a rich communication system beyond just cat sounds.
Most Downloaded mammals Animal Sounds
Discover our most popular mammals animal sounds