Cats have always had their unique sound, meowing, which accompanies owners throughout the process of raising cats. Of course, the cat’s meow is also their way of trying to communicate with the outside world and with us, their owners. Although many times we cannot specifically describe what a cat’s meow means, it certainly is the cat telling us something. Sometimes it may be about some happy events, and sometimes it may express the pain the cat is experiencing. Therefore, by understanding how cats perceive human communication, you can better understand and connect with your cat.

　　1. Understand the reasons and ways cats make sounds.

　　In fact, generally speaking, making sounds is not cats’ primary way of communication. A cat’s “first language” is actually a relatively complex system, including scents, facial expressions, body language, touch, and other elements. But cats quickly realize that we don’t understand the languages cats use when communicating with each other, so they use sounds—“human language”—to communicate with people. Cats learn by observing what kinds of sounds cause their owners to take certain actions, thus continuously learning how to express their needs.

　　2. Observe the surroundings when cats make "meowing" sounds.

　　Pay attention to what a cat is doing when it meows, as this helps identify what different sounds represent in terms of requests.

　　Although the specific sounds vary among cats, there are indeed several types of meows generally related to specific emotions, such as purring or hissing. Short meows usually serve as greetings or a way to say hello. A series of meows represents very excited greetings. If you haven’t seen your cat for a while, the cat will emit a series of meows to welcome you.

　　Moderate-toned meows often indicate the cat has some need, generally hunger or thirst. Prolonged meows indicate a stronger demand. Low-pitched meows indicate complaints, unhappiness, or may be a precursor to aggression. Loud but lower-pitched meows than usual usually mean urgent needs, possibly severe hunger.

　　Additionally, Bradshaw, a professor of animal behavior at the University of Georgia, notes that cats do not meow when communicating with their own kind; they are silent most of the time. House cats sometimes meow all day, which people think is normal behavior … but actually, they do this just to get human attention. They use meowing to communicate with humans. The meaning of cat meows varies depending on the cat and its owner. In 2003, Cornell University researchers recorded behaviors of 12 cats over 5 days. Then they showed these recordings to the cat owners and found that only owners could accurately understand what the cat’s meows meant, such as "feed me" or "I'm bored," with very casual meanings. Besides, cats use specific sounds to communicate with their owners. For example, when the owner comes home from work, the cat will rub against the owner’s calf, continuously emitting a happy purring sound, which is the cat greeting the owner.

　　3. Pay attention to other special sounds.

　　Although these sounds are less common than meowing, hissing, and purring, understanding them helps improve your communication with your cat. Loud growling usually signals anger, pain, or fear. Trembling meows indicate excitement, nervousness, or confusion. There is also a sound between meowing and purring; if the pitch gradually rises, it means a friendly greeting. Mother cats typically use this sound to call their kittens. Loud, sharp cries, or sounds that resemble “uuu meow” mean sudden pain—for example, if you accidentally step on the cat's tail, it will make such a sound.

　　Additionally, veterinarians have confirmed that when cats feel unwell, they also emit purring sounds. Many cats lying on the examination table purr when sick or in pain. This is likely the cat trying to soothe itself and feel a bit more comfortable.