The Meow:
Generally, a meowing cat wants something—attention or food or perhaps access to a room. Sometimes though, meows simply serve as a “welcome home” salutation. There are lots of variations: a short, soft-spoken “mew” is your cat’s way of saying “hello”, how are you? A loud and drawn-out “meo-o-o-o-ow” is usually a demand for food or attention. The frequency of meowing is also an indicator of a cat’s frame of mind; multiple meows in a row mean ‘hey, pay attention to me!’
Sometimes, a meow can signify illness or even loneliness. Older cats often meow more because of failing senses or due to anxiety over not being as nimble as before. In younger cats, the meow often gets shortened to an interrogative “mew?”
A longer, more plaintive “meowww” can indicate worry, annoyance, or objection to something. This type will often have a throatier quality to it, almost as if kitty is saying, “oh, come on.” If they exhibit incessant meowing, this might be caused by an illness or injury. If you suspect this, consider a trip to the vet.
Next up…the Ears…
There really is a lot more to cats than meets the eye. Listen to what they say and learn.
My cats have taught me a lot about life and what’s truly important. They are wise creatures.
If I’ve learned a lesson from my cat (Chester) – it’s that the present moment is all we have. Cats aren’t scrambling to meet a deadline or race the clock. Sometimes it’s wise to stop and smell the roses.
My cat always believes in the principle of ‘why do today what can wait until tomorrow’ 🙂
Something I learned from my cat – she will always seek out the sunniest, warmest spot in the house to sleep the day away.
My cat Simon has at least 5 different types of meows. I can understand each and ever one of them now.
I have regular conversations with my Persian (Samantha)
Been watching my cats tail after reading this – mostly upright…means she adores me I assume. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this. I adore my sweet cat. Now I can understand her vocalizing.
Love cats..have 3 in my home.
My sweet Lola would talk to me. I would meow and she always answered. She would come into the bathroom while I was either in the shower or tub. Walk around meowing so loud and actually stand or sit on the edge and talk to me while I bathed. It was the best part of my day.
I listen to what they say, and love all 3 of them for the wonderful friends they are,
and thank them for the lessons they have taught me.
My old man Sox who is 16 years old has recently started getting in my lap. Love it.
We talk all the time he meows and I meows back. I always know what he talking about, my boyfriend says I crazy lol.
Cats are wonderful and adoring creatures. My grandcat Fiona Glenn Anne is a loveable and quirky girl. She will let you know what and when she wants it! Every time I see her she rubs her face gently all over mine. Cats have scent glands in their face she makes sure everyone knows I belong to her!
Hi there,
I have a cat name Mickey Jr. Mickey is my brid and
Joel to me. He always tells me went he wants his wet food. There a time when he wanted to go out side. I tell him no and he meow back to me.
My eldest cat has a large vocabulary compared to other cats I know. He makes dozens of different sounds all with their own unique meaning.
Fell out of bed feeling down. This has brehitgned my day!
Very true! Makes a change to see soneome spell it out like that. 🙂
We loved our amazing, giant Tabby cat and Since he was the quintessential absolutely perfect everything a Tabby Cat could or should look like and be like, we called him TABBY! The largest and Most beautiful cat I have ever seen! We loved him and he loved us back in his natural, regal and always dignified manner. He amazed everyone who met him. He acquired feline leukemia as a young adult and though we did have a vet who followed him and prescribed meds, Tabby passed away before he reached middle age. We lost him but we will never forget him🐾💕
Love cats..have 5 in my home.