Veterinarians may not be able to translate your cat’s purrs or hisses verbatim, but they can certainly let you know what these and other sounds mean. The next time your cat makes a series of noises, here's what he or she may be trying to tell you. 

What Is Your Cat Trying to Tell You?

1. Meowing

From birth, cats meow to let their mothers know they need something. When a person takes on the role of caretaker, the cat will transfer that meowing to him or her. In other words, cats rarely—if ever—use meowing to communicate with one another.

They will, however, meow for their owners when they need food, water, stimulation, or companionship. As such, constant meowing warrants a trip to the veterinarian because it may mean your cat is consistently uncomfortable for some reason—injury or illness—and needs relief.  

2. Chattering 

Just because cats are domesticated doesn't mean they've lost their instinct to hunt. Chattering serves as a reminder of this fact. Cats tend to chatter their teeth in excitement when their predatory nature kicks in.

You might hear this distinctive sound when your furry friend is playing with a toy mouse or staring at a bird or squirrel through the window. Chattering isn't a cause for concern and doesn't require veterinarian attention. 

3. Yowl

A yowl is a long, low moan that can sound quite alarming, especially when it comes from a reasonably quiet cat. This sound could be indicative of fear or pain. If the cat yowls at you, he or she may need something stat, and a mere meow isn't enough to illustrate the urgency.

When cats yowl at one another, on the other hand, it may be to indicate their mating desires (or lack thereof). They may also yowl if they're upset about losing cherished territory. Since cats will yowl out of boredom, as well, you don't necessarily have to rush them to the vet as soon as you hear it. If the yowling is uncharacteristic, though, schedule an appointment right away. 

If your cat is consistently making sounds that are indicative of distress, take your furry friend to Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital. With two convenient locations in Columbia, MO, this full-service practice provides comprehensive care for cats, dogs, and other household pets. For nearly 50 years, their friendly team has been treating every patient who walks through the door like family. To schedule an appointment with a qualified veterinarian, call (573) 449-3791 for their location on Keene Street or (573) 449-7387 for their location on Buttonwood Drive. Then, visit their website for new patient information.