Did you know that adult cats almost never meow at each other? That’s right! According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), meowing is mostly reserved for humans. Your cat is talking to you, but what exactly are they trying to say? And should you meow back?
If you’ve ever had a full-on conversation with your cat, you’re not alone. Many cat owners meow back, hoping to “speak” their cat’s language.
But does your cat actually understand you? Or are they just judging your terrible pronunciation?
Let’s explore the feline mind and decode what your cat is really thinking when they meow.
- Why Do Cats Meow?
- Should You Meow Back ?
- Better Ways to “Talk” to Your Cat
- Do Cats Understand Human Language?
- What If My Cat Won’t Stop Meowing?
- Bonus Tip: The “Chirp” vs. The Meow
Why Do Cats Meow?
Cats meow for many reasons. Kittens meow at their mothers for food and warmth, but as they grow, they stop meowing at other cats. Instead, they develop this behavior specifically for communicating with humans.
So when your cat meows, they are expecting a response—just maybe not in the form of a meow!
1. They Want Something
Most meows are demands. Food, attention, playtime, or even just a freshly cleaned litter box—cats will let you know exactly what they want.
Example:
🐱: Meow! (Hey, my food bowl is empty!)
🐱: MEOW! (Are you ignoring me? I said FOOD!)
According to a study published in the journal Current Biology, cats can adjust their meows to sound more urgent when they really need something—kind of like a baby crying louder to get attention.
2. They’re Saying Hello
Not all meows mean trouble. Some are just friendly greetings! If your cat meows when you walk in the door, it’s their way of saying, “Welcome home, human!”
3. They’re Feeling Lonely
Some cats meow because they miss you. This is especially common in indoor cats who rely on their humans for social interaction. If your cat follows you around, meowing constantly, they might just want some extra snuggles.
4. They’re Annoyed (Or Angry!)
Ever tried to pick up your cat when they weren’t in the mood? That sharp, grumpy meow is basically their way of saying, “Put me down, now!”
Cats also meow when they’re frustrated—like when you’re taking too long to open a treat bag.
5. They’re Not Feeling Well
Excessive meowing, especially in older cats, can be a sign of medical issues. Hyperthyroidism, cognitive dysfunction, or pain can cause cats to vocalize more than usual. If your normally quiet cat suddenly won’t stop meowing, a vet check is a good idea.
6. They Just Want to Chat
Some cats are just talkative! Breeds like Siamese, Bengal, and Maine Coons are known for their chatty nature. If you have a talkative cat, they might just enjoy a good conversation.
Should You Meow Back ?
Now, here’s the big question—should you meow back at your cat?
The short answer: It depends on your cat!
Some cats enjoy the interaction, while others just stare at you like you’ve lost your mind.
Why Your Cat Might Enjoy if You Meow Back
- It’s fun! Some cats will meow back in a playful “call and response” game.
- It mimics their social behavior. Cats use vocalization with humans, so they might enjoy the back-and-forth.
- It strengthens your bond. If your cat seems interested, meowing back could be a way to engage with them.
Why Your Cat Might Not Care
- Your meow is probably terrible. Let’s be honest—your pronunciation is off.
- Cats don’t communicate the way we do. They rely more on body language and tone than actual words.
- Some cats find it confusing. Instead of meowing back, try responding in a way they understand—like petting them, playing, or feeding them (which is probably what they wanted in the first place!).
Better Ways to “Talk” to Your Cat
If you really want to communicate with your cat, here are a few more effective ways:
1. Blink Slowly
A slow blink is like a cat’s way of saying “I love you.” According to cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, if your cat blinks at you, try blinking back—it’s their version of a hug.
2. Pay Attention to Their Tail
A raised, slightly curved tail? Happy cat.
A flicking tail? Annoyed cat.
A puffed-up tail? Very, VERY mad cat.
3. Respond With Actions, Not Just Sounds
If your cat meows for food, don’t just meow back—feed them. If they meow for attention, give them some pets. This helps them understand that communication works!
Do Cats Understand Human Language?
Cats don’t understand words the way we do, but they recognize certain sounds and tones.
Research from the University of Tokyo found that cats can distinguish their owner’s voice from a stranger’s. They may not understand full sentences, but they associate words like “treat” or “dinner” with positive experiences.
So while your cat won’t understand your meows, they will pick up on your tone and body language.
What If My Cat Won’t Stop Meowing?
If your cat meows excessively, here’s what you can do:
✔️ Check for basic needs. Is their food bowl full? Litter box clean? Do they need attention?
✔️ Ignore attention-seeking meows. If your cat meows just to get what they want, rewarding them can reinforce the behavior.
✔️ Keep them entertained. A bored cat meows more. Try interactive toys, window perches, or playtime.
✔️ Visit the vet if needed. If meowing seems excessive or unusual, a vet check is a good idea.
Bonus Tip: The “Chirp” vs. The Meow
Ever heard your cat make a weird chirping or trilling sound instead of a meow?
This sound is usually used to get your attention or express excitement—especially when they see a bird outside! Some cats even chirp at their owners as if to say, “Come look at this!”
Read: Can cats taste food the way we do? Do they even care?
So next time your cat meows at you, feel free to meow back—just don’t be surprised if they look at you like you’re speaking nonsense. 😹
Final Thought: Your cat isn’t just meowing randomly. They’re talking to you—so take the time to listen, respond, and build that special bond!
Watch Videos about Cat & Kitten Care on Youtube @naowthecat