Kitty Vocalizations

Do you have a chatty cat? Or does your furball only speak when she wants to demand food, treats, cuddles, or lap space? Kitties are definitely big on purrsonality, and they all have their own unique characters. One element where this is very apparent is in Fluffy’s speech … or lack thereof. An Omaha, NE vet discusses the cat’s meow below.

Chatty Cats

Some breeds are more talkative than others. The Maine Coon, for instance, is typically very chatty, and often communicates with adorable squeaks. (This, combined with that iconic bushy tail, basically makes the Maine Coon the squirrel of cat breeds.) Many Oriental breeds, such as the Siamese, are also very vocal. Actually, Siamese cats sound quite a bit like babies, a trait they quickly realized is quite useful when it comes to melting hearts.

Changes in Vocalization

As you get to know your kitty, you’ll become familiar with her purrticular talking style. Pay attention to any changes in Fluffy’s usual vocalization styles. This can be a sign of sickness. For instance, a chatty cat that is suddenly quiet may be sick. Contact your vet right away.

Kitty Sounds

Technically, the meow is an all-purrpose sound. It’s a command, request, warning, and soliloquy. However,  it isn’t Fluffy’s only vocalization. For instance, kittens often make squeaky little calls of distress. Cats also trill, chirrup, growl, hiss, and yowl. You may even notice your furry pal making little clacking or clattering noises. This is something kitties do when they spot something that triggers their inner predators. Last but not least, there’s singing. Or, what our feline pals consider singing. (Spoiler alert: Fluffy is a terrible singer.) 

Meow History

Curiously, cats don’t usually talk to one another. They may chirp or yowl at each other, but they save those cute meows for their humans. Kitties apparently figured out long ago that sounding cute and helpless really yanks at our heartstrings … which in turn leads us to offer food, shelter, lap space, and, eventually catnip. Well played, Fluffy. Well played.

Talking To Fluffy

Believe it or not, there are now devices that ‘translate’ Fluffy’s vocalizations. These include apps that directly translate meow to words and buttons that speak specific words. You can teach Fluffy how to directly request things like food and attention. Proceed at your own risk.

Contact us, your Omaha, NE animal clinic, anytime! We’re here to help!