How Cats Speak To Their Owners And What Each of Their Meows Mean

BBC’s cat behaviourist and biologist Roger Tabor discusses cat vocalisation and how owners can listen, learn and start talking to their felines.

There are dozens of meow sounds in the cat language that vary in pitch, length and volume and understanding the meaning behind every meow, blink or tail-twitch is crucial to making cats feel safe and secure at home, experts say.

Tabor who co-presented BBC's Animal Magic with Johnny Morris, said: “The range of vocalisation by a cat is significant and if we listen, we learn, and we soon start talking to cats without realising we are doing it.”

Dr Pete Wedderburn, a leading vet and animal welfare commentator, explained: “Just as you meet a friend for coffee and say hello, you need to sit down with your pet. You need to watch them and understand them.”

“People just don't pay enough attention to their cats but if they spoke to them, they would have a better relationship.”

What Do The Different Meows Mean?

A short meow is a greeting of hello or “Hi”, while multiple meows show a cat's excitement to see you.

A mid-pitched meow means a cat is asking for something – probably food – while a low-pitched “mraaooww” is a sign of annoyance, and a high-pitched “rrrooowww” implies pain or shock.

A hiss is usually a sign of anger and a warning they are ready to scratch.

Cat specialists are speaking out after ownership soared during lockdown, with more than a million homes acquiring a kitten for the first time.

Without a close bond, the cat may end up leaving home and becoming a stray, experts have warned.

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