If you share your home with a cat, you have probably noticed that it meows at you far more than it meows at other cats. That is not a coincidence. Adult cats rarely use meows with one another; instead, they rely mostly on scent, body language and the occasional hiss, growl or trill.
A sound that starts in kittenhood
Kittens meow to get their mother’s attention when they are cold, hungry or separated from her. Most cats gradually stop meowing at other cats as they grow up. Around people, though, many keep meowing, likely because it works: we respond with food, attention or an open door.
Cats learn what gets a response
Studies of cat–human communication suggest that cats may adjust their vocalizations based on how their owners react. Research has also found that people are generally better at interpreting meows from their own cat than from unfamiliar cats. In other words, many households develop a small, shared vocabulary of sounds.
Common reasons cats meow
- To greet you when you come home
- To ask for food, especially near mealtimes
- To request access to a door, window or room
- To seek attention or play
- Out of boredom, loneliness or stress
When meowing changes
A sudden increase in meowing, night-time yowling in an older cat, or meowing combined with changes in appetite, litter box habits or activity can be a sign that something is wrong. In those cases, a visit to the veterinarian is the best next step.
Curious about a particular meow? Record it with Cat Translator for an AI-generated interpretation, and compare the result with what you already know about your cat.
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