Frequently asked questions about cats
1. Why do cats meow?
Cats meow to communicate with us—to greet, request, express discomfort, or just say hello. They’ve adapted this vocal behavior to our responses, making it a key tool in feline–human interaction.
If your cat suddenly meows more than usual, especially at odd hours, it may indicate stress, pain, or illness—and a vet check is a good idea .
Kittens meow to their mothers when they’re cold, hungry, or lost. While most cats stop meowing as they grow, those living with humans continue to use this instinct—and refine it—to communicate with us
2. Do adult cats meow to each other?
No, adult cats typically do not meow at each other. Their meows are reserved for us—a unique form of communication they’ve adapted. Amongst themselves, they rely on gestures, scents, and other vocal signals like hisses, growls, trills, and yowls.
Adult cats use meows to interact with people, not other cats. It’s learned behavior: kittens meow to their mothers, but once grown, cats mostly switch to body language, scent, and vocalizations like hissing or growling when they communicate with peers.
3. Why do kittens meow?
From birth, kittens use high-pitched cries called mews to alert their mother if they’re cold, hungry, or distressed. These “distress calls” signal important needs and elicit care.
Kittens meow to convey needs (food, water, safety), emotions (fear, loneliness, excitement), or even to greet. Their tone, length, and pitch can reveal what they want—e.g., long meows for demands, short ones for greetings .
4. What do different meows mean?
Here’s what different types of meows typically mean—broken down by tone, length, and context—based on insights from multiple trusted sources:
1.Short, high-pitched meow – “Hello!”
Often a greeting or friendly check-in. Your cat might rub against your legs or trills softly when you come home
2. Mid-pitched, mid-length meow – “I want something”
The standard meow that usually indicates a request—food, attention, or to go outside
3. Long, drawn-out meow – “Attention now!”
More insistent than the standard meow, often used when they are impatient or demanding (“fill my bowl”, “pet me”)
4. Low-pitched meow – “I’m annoyed or warning”
A deeper meow usually signals displeasure or a warning. Could accompany growls if irritated
5. High-pitched meow – “I’m in pain or upset”
This sharp cry often means pain, discomfort, fear, or a strong need (possibly injury)
6. Repeated meows – “I’m really excited”
Rapid multiple meows often express excitement, joy, or urgency (e.g. greeting you)
7. Silent meow – “I’m content or trusting”
When they open their mouth but no sound comes out—often an affectionate gesture, though if new, it may signal throat issues
8. Chirps or trills – “Follow me” (welcome/home)
Happy, bird-like sounds used often when greeting you or inviting interaction—sometimes while pointing to something
9. Chattering at prey – “Frustrated hunter”
That rapid clicking/pouncing sound when they watch birds or insects—usually excitement + mild frustration .
10. Yowling or caterwauling – “Stress or mating call”
A long, moaning cry—for distress (lost, trapped, ill) or for calling mates if unspayed/unneutered
5. Why do cats purr?
Why do cats purr? Cats vibrate at 25–150 Hz using a rapid on/off movement of the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles (or, as new research suggests, passive “pads” in the vocal folds) to create the soothing sound we know as purring. These low-frequency vibrations aren’t just feline “happy talk”—they serve multiple biological and social purposes, from bonding newborn kittens to mother, to self-healing fractured bones, to a clever “solicitation purr” that hijacks our caregiving instincts. Below you’ll find every major reason cats purr, the science behind the frequency, and the keywords you’ll need if you’re optimising pet-care content for search engines.
6. Can cats “talk back”?
Yes, cats can “talk back” to humans. While they don’t use language like we do, many cats respond vocally when spoken to, using meows, trills, or chirps. This behavior is a learned form of communication—cats rarely meow at other cats but quickly discover that vocalizing gets human attention. Studies show cats recognize their owner’s voice and respond more to cat-directed speech, such as high-pitched tones. So, when your cat meows back during a conversation, it’s their way of engaging with you and expressing needs or affection in a uniquely feline way.
7. Why do cats hiss, growl, or yowl?
Cats hiss, growl, or yowl as a form of vocal communication to express fear, stress, territorial behavior, or discomfort. Hissing is typically a defensive reaction meant to warn off perceived threats, often accompanied by body language like arched backs and flattened ears. Growling signals aggression or extreme irritation, while yowling is a more intense, drawn-out vocalization that can indicate mating behavior, distress, pain, or confusion—especially in senior cats. These vocal cues are part of a cat’s instinctive response to feeling threatened, challenged, or emotionally unsettled.
8. What is chirping/chattering?
Chirping or chattering is a unique vocalization that cats make, usually when they are watching birds or small prey through a window. It’s a series of quick, stuttering, high-pitched sounds that resemble a mix between a squeak and a trill. Experts believe this behavior is driven by excitement, frustration, or instinctual hunting anticipation. Some theories suggest it mimics the killing bite or expresses eagerness to pounce, especially when the cat is unable to reach the prey. It’s a normal and fascinating part of feline communication.
9. Why do cats knead (“make biscuits”)?
Cats knead, or “make biscuits,” as an instinctive behavior that begins in kittenhood when they knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. This motion is associated with comfort, security, and contentment, which is why adult cats often knead soft surfaces—or their owners—when they feel relaxed, happy, or safe. Kneading may also serve to mark territory, as cats have scent glands in their paws.
10. Why do they rub against you?
Cats rub against you to mark their territory and show affection. When they rub their face or body on you, they’re depositing scent from glands located around their cheeks, chin, and flanks. This behavior helps them feel secure by marking you as “theirs” and also serves as a way to bond and communicate trust and comfort with you. It’s both a social and instinctive action that strengthens the connection between you and your cat.
11. How long are cats pregnant?
Cats are pregnant for about 63 to 65 days, which is roughly nine weeks, although the gestation period can range from 60 to 70 days depending on the individual cat.
12. What are the pregnancy stages?
The pregnancy stages in cats, also known as gestation, typically last about 63 to 65 days and are divided into three trimesters of roughly 21 days each. During the first stage, early changes occur but are often subtle, including hormonal shifts and slight behavioral adjustments. The second trimester brings noticeable physical changes like the enlargement of the abdomen and the pinking of the nipples as the kittens develop. In the final trimester, the cat may exhibit nesting behaviors, increased appetite, and visible weight gain as she prepares for birth. Monitoring these stages closely with veterinary guidance ensures the health of both the mother and her kittens throughout the pregnancy.
13. How do I know if a cat is pregnant?
You can know if a cat is pregnant by observing several signs. Around 16 to 20 days after mating, the cat’s nipples may become swollen and pinker, a change known as “pinking up.” As the pregnancy progresses, you might notice weight gain and an enlarged abdomen. Behavioral changes like increased affection or nesting behaviors can also occur. For confirmation, a veterinarian can perform an ultrasound as early as three weeks into the pregnancy or an X-ray around six weeks to detect developing kittens. If you suspect your cat is pregnant, it’s best to consult a vet for proper care and guidance.
14. Why do cats chase toys or small prey?
Cats chase toys or small prey because it taps into their natural hunting instincts. Even domesticated cats retain the drive to stalk, pounce, and capture moving objects as part of their predatory behavior. This chasing provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, helping them satisfy their innate need to hunt, stay active, and hone their skills. Play also mimics real hunting scenarios, allowing cats to practice essential survival behaviors in a safe environment.
15. Why do they bring prey home?
Cats bring prey home primarily because of their natural hunting instincts and social behavior. They may see their human family as part of their social group and bring prey as a form of “gift” or offering, similar to how mother cats teach their kittens to hunt by bringing them prey. This behavior can also be interpreted as sharing food or teaching you to hunt. Additionally, it reflects their instinctual drive to catch and present food, even if they don’t need to eat it themselves. Bringing prey home is a way for cats to connect with their owners and demonstrate their hunting skills.
16. Why do they scratch furniture?
Cats scratch furniture primarily to mark their territory, sharpen their claws, and stretch their muscles. Scratching helps remove the outer nail sheath, keeping their claws healthy and sharp. It also releases scent from glands in their paws, which communicates their presence to other cats. Additionally, scratching serves as a form of exercise and stress relief, allowing cats to stretch and flex their bodies. Providing appropriate scratching posts can help redirect this natural behavior away from furniture.
17. Why do cats groom themselves and us?
Cats groom themselves and sometimes their humans primarily to keep clean, remove loose fur and dirt, and regulate their body temperature. Grooming also helps them reduce stress and calm themselves. When cats groom their owners, it’s a social behavior that signifies trust and affection, as they consider you part of their “family” or social group. This mutual grooming strengthens the bond between cat and human and serves as a way for cats to mark you with their scent, reinforcing their sense of security and belonging.
18. How do they communicate body language?
Cats communicate body language through a combination of tail movements, ear positions, eye shapes, posture, and vocalizations. For example, a raised tail usually signals friendliness and confidence, while a low or tucked tail indicates fear or submission. Ears pointed forward show curiosity or attentiveness, whereas flattened ears mean fear, aggression, or irritation. Slow blinking can express trust and relaxation, while wide-open eyes might indicate surprise or anxiety. Additionally, an arched back with fur standing on end is a defensive posture signaling fear or aggression. Understanding these subtle cues helps interpret a cat’s mood and intentions effectively.
19. Why do they slowly blink at me?
Cats slowly blink at you as a sign of trust and affection. This “slow blink” is often called a “cat kiss” because it shows they feel safe and comfortable around you. When a cat slowly closes and opens its eyes while looking at you, it’s a way of communicating relaxation and friendship. Returning the slow blink to your cat can strengthen your bond by signaling that you trust them too.
20. Why do cats lick themselves bald?
Cats lick themselves bald usually because of overgrooming, which can be caused by stress, anxiety, allergies, parasites like fleas, skin infections, or underlying medical conditions. This excessive licking damages the fur and skin, leading to bald patches. If you notice your cat licking bald spots, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to identify the root cause and get appropriate treatment.
21. Why do they sneeze?
Cats sneeze for several reasons, including irritation from dust, allergens, or strong smells; upper respiratory infections caused by viruses or bacteria; or foreign particles stuck in their nasal passages. Frequent sneezing accompanied by nasal discharge, coughing, or lethargy may indicate illness and should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out infections like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. Environmental factors such as smoke or household chemicals can also trigger sneezing, so maintaining a clean, dust-free space helps reduce occurrences.
22. Do cats sweat?
Cats do sweat, but only through the pads of their paws. Unlike humans, they don’t have sweat glands all over their bodies. Instead, cats mainly regulate their body temperature by grooming themselves and through behaviors like panting when they are overheated or stressed. Sweating through their paw pads helps a little with cooling, but it’s not their primary method of temperature control.
23. Why do they pant?
Cats pant primarily when they are stressed, overheated, or experiencing respiratory distress. Unlike dogs, panting is not a normal way for cats to cool down, so if a cat is panting frequently, it can indicate anxiety, pain, or a medical issue such as heart or lung problems. Panting may also occur after vigorous exercise or in response to overheating, but persistent or heavy panting should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately to rule out serious health concerns.
24. How many vocal types do cats have?
Cats have more than 20 distinct vocal types that they use to communicate various emotions and needs. These include meows, purrs, trills, hisses, growls, yowls, chirps, and chatters. Each vocalization serves a different purpose, such as greeting, expressing contentment, signaling distress, warning of danger, or showing excitement. The variety and complexity of their sounds enable cats to convey a wide range of messages both to humans and other cats.
25. Why are some breeds more talkative?
Some cat breeds are naturally more talkative due to their genetic makeup and temperament. Breeds like the Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, and Burmese are known for their vocal nature because they have been selectively bred for traits that include strong social communication skills and a tendency to use a wide range of vocalizations. These cats use meows, chirps, and other sounds to express their needs, emotions, and to interact more actively with their human companions. Their talkative behavior is often linked to their high intelligence, curiosity, and desire for social interaction, making them more likely to “talk back” and engage in vocal exchanges compared to quieter breeds.
26. Why do cats wake you at night?
Cats wake you at night because they are naturally crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. This instinctual behavior leads them to be energetic and playful during nighttime hours. Additionally, cats may wake their owners to seek attention, food, or playtime, especially if they feel bored, lonely, or hungry. Sometimes, medical issues like discomfort or anxiety can also cause night waking. Understanding this natural rhythm and providing sufficient play and feeding before bedtime can help reduce nighttime disturbances.
27. Can cats recognize us?
Yes, cats can recognize their owners. Research shows that cats distinguish their owner’s voice from strangers and respond more attentively to familiar voices. They also recognize visual and scent cues, such as their owner’s face and smell. While cats may appear independent, studies prove they remember and identify their human companions, responding to their presence with affection or specific behaviors. This recognition strengthens the bond between cats and their owners, making interactions more meaningful and rewarding.
28. Why do they avoid eye contact?
Cats avoid eye contact because, in their natural behavior, direct staring can be perceived as a threat or a sign of dominance. Unlike humans, where eye contact often shows attention or trust, for cats it can signal aggression or challenge. To communicate friendliness or trust, cats often use slow blinks instead of staring directly. Avoiding eye contact helps them feel safe and less threatened, especially in unfamiliar situations or around other animals.
29. Why do they chirp at birds outside?
Cats chirp at birds outside because it’s an instinctive hunting behavior. The chirping or chattering sound often occurs when they spot prey but cannot reach it, expressing excitement, frustration, or anticipation. This vocalization mimics the sound of bird calls or small prey noises, possibly to lure prey or as a reflex triggered by the sight of potential food. It’s a natural way for cats to channel their hunting instincts even when indoors.
30. Are cats manipulative?
Yes, cats can be manipulative in subtle and clever ways. They often use a special “solicitation purr,” which mixes a typical purr with a high-pitched, baby-like cry that triggers humans’ nurturing instincts, making it hard to ignore their demands for food or attention. This behavior is not malicious but rather a learned adaptation; cats figure out which sounds and behaviors get the best responses from their owners and use them strategically. Many cat owners report their pets faking injuries, weak meows, or other attention-getting behaviors to get what they want. So while cats aren’t manipulative in a human sense of deceit, they do skillfully use vocalizations and actions to influence their humans.