In a cacophony of purrs, meows, hisses, chirps, and growls, you kitty is trying to communicate with you. Though there’s no way to communicate with your cat in their language, or understand a word-for-word interpretation of what they are saying, with a little bit of research and observation, you may be able to get the gist of what your cat is communicating. Purring is the most common sound that is issued by cats. According to the ASPCA, most people don’t really understand what their feline is saying when they omit that low rumbling sound. The purr is a sound that cats make on their inhale and exhale with an instant break between breaths.

The built-up pressure created by the opening and closing of the glottis results in a split of the vocal folds, and that’s what creates the purring sound. While the purr is normally a sign that your cat is content, felines that are sick or dying also tend to purr. Therefore, never mistake the purr as a sign that your cat is feeling perfect. The reason that cats purr in pain is still unknown, but it has proven that this is not a sign that your cat is healthy or free of hurt. Another common sound that cat’s vocalize is the meow. Cats don’t normally communicate to each other with this sound, but they certainly communicate with humans this way. Early on in their growth, kittens often notice that when they meow the loud sound brings attention. If they need contact, food or play, they note that their meow can send humans their way.

Some animal behaviorists believe that cats alter their meows depending on what service they need. For example, a kitten that wants food may yowl in a different manner than a kitten that simple wants attention. You may have heard your cat chirp in the past, which is a shortened version of the meow, usually vocalized while the mouth is still closed. Felines normally make this sound when they are aroused by the sight of prey. A cat who is stick inside and sees a bird out the window, or another situation where the cat is frustrated because he or she cannot attack nearby prey, may produce a noise that scientists call chatter. Cats who chatter will chirp rapidly while they are fixated on the object that they intend to catch.

When a kitten is small, he or she will issue a distress call. This wailing is used when the kitten wants his or her mother, or when the baby animal is cold. Often when cats grow up they will use this noise to express when play is too rough or when they are agitated. This is more of a loud and urgent sound, and probably means that your cat is not very happy for some reason. If your cat hisses, then this is his or her way of showing that he or she is in an intense emotional state. All hostile cat noises are made with the mouth open. A cat will hiss when he or she is surprised or intimidated by an enemy. Often if the kitty shrieks or screams, this is when he or she is in pain or is being aggressive.

A low pitched growl is used to warn a predator of danger. When a cat snarls, it means that that animal is being protective over a female cat or property. Males tend to be more possessive than female cats. However, some say that female cats are needier than males, and may be more likely to meow for attention. By paying attention to the various noises that your kitten makes, you will be able to make sure that your animal is in the best of health and is being taken care of properly.