Why Are Cats Meowing

 

Listening to my cat purring after, settling comfortably on my lap, I began to wonder why cats emit such a sound. The fact that all member of feline family can purr is know to all. Even jaguars, cheetahs, pumas and ocelots purr. But wild cats emit a prolonged roar instead of familiar gentle purr.

But why, why do cats purr and meow?

Purr - cat's way of expressing affection and thanking you for your kindness, food, warmth and love. 

Mother cats purr when licking their kittens and during feeding, teaching them this sound of pleasure. And when the kittens get into a new family, they purr in gratitude to their masters.

Scientists conducted a research and it turns out, that purring (production of continuous sounds waves) restores bone and other body tissues. Perhaps that is why some cats purr during illnesses or diseases, as well as having a tendency to "feel" when their masters are hurt, and climb on the sore spot, accelerating the healing process.

Reason for meowing is much more straight forward. It is the cats "language". But nonetheless, it is hard to know why your cat is meowing, especially when there is no apparent reason, or it is continuous and "suspicious".

So what our cats are trying to say when they purr or are meowing?

♦ If the cat emits a long and loud meow, then he is dissatisfied with something and wants to draw attention to himself. Maybe he's hungry, or lacks your affection. Or his toilet is dirty and he asks you to clean it. But some breeds emit such sounds when they greet their owner at the door, just being talkative.

♦ If purr starts from a higher tone and becomes much "deeper" and muffled - a cat is saying "thank you".

♦ If the cat emits a short meow - it is asking you a question. (ex: "What's up?" "Could you help me?").

♦ Plaintive and prolonged meowing should alert you, it may mean that the cat is in pain. Kittens emit such a sound when they are looking for their mom.

♦ If the cat emits a single purr or meow and runs away from you - means the cat wants you to follow him. Or he is inviting you to play with him.

Some cats purr and meow softly, while others resemble the rumbling sound of the tractor. There are talkative breeds, that constantly mumble something, and there are silent breeds.

Only one thing is common - if the cat is meowing, he is trying to say something to you or to other cats. And while it is hard, we need to learn to understand them, like they seem to understand human language.