Why Do Cats Meow? These Are the Top 6 Reasons

You hear it when it’s time for dinner and during snuggle sessions: a familiar kitty meow. If your BFF is a furry feline, you’re probably familiar with the sound. And there’s a good chance you’ve been wondering: Why do cats meow?

We’re here to help you translate this secret cat language. Keep reading to find out what pet experts say are the top reasons why cats meow. Once you’re done, be sure to learn about other interesting cat behaviors, like why cats purr, hiss, and chirp.

What does it mean when a cat meows?

Your cat’s meowing is a sign to pay attention to it.

“A meow is not just a simple cat sound; it’s actually a method of communication,” says Mikel Delgado, a cat behavior expert with pet-care company Rover. Your cat may be trying to communicate the fact that it’s hungry, wants attention, or is bored. Or it might just be saying hello.

Cats are smart creatures, and they’ll quickly learn that when they meow, you meet their demands. Armed with that insight, they may meow to get you to give them what they want, whether that’s a treat, a snuggle, or something else.

In short, the question “Why do cats meow?” has an endless list of answers. The more you get to know your cat, the quicker you’ll understand what it wants from you. And that’s not just the case for meowing; it’s also true for kneading, tail-wagging, and other feline behaviors.

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Do cats meow to talk to humans?

Though you might think that meowing is a secret language between cats, they generally don’t meow with one another, says Delgado. Cats began meowing to interact with humans specifically.

The exceptions? Mother cats may meow to help their kittens if they get lost, and kittens will meow at their mothers when they are hungry. But here’s a fascinating cat fact: once they mature into adults, they no longer communicate with one another through meows.

“When cats are communicating with each other, they make a sound similar to a meow but more drawn out, like a yowl,” says Delgado.