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HEALTH

Photos: Decode your cat's communication

Madeline Gunderson
June 4, 2026Updated June 12, 2026, 6:47 a.m. ET
A cat's meow can mean many different things. They use meows to issue commands, announce or object to things.
A cat's meow can mean many different things. They use meows to issue commands, announce or object to things.
Wirestock, Getty Images
Mother cats use chirps and trills to instruct their kittens.
Mother cats use chirps and trills to instruct their kittens.
Alantobey, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Cats use meowing to remind their owners to feed them.
Cats use meowing to remind their owners to feed them.
Lulu Studio, Getty Images
Purring is usually a sign of happiness, cats will purr when they are totally content. Sometime cats will purr to soothe themselves when sick or anxious.
Purring is usually a sign of happiness, cats will purr when they are totally content. Sometime cats will purr to soothe themselves when sick or anxious.
Michellegibson, Getty Images
Oftentimes, bored or lonely cats will meow at their owners for attention.
Oftentimes, bored or lonely cats will meow at their owners for attention.
Marieclaudelemay, Getty Images
Yowling is a long, drawn-out meow that can often be a sign of distress.
Yowling is a long, drawn-out meow that can often be a sign of distress.
Ardasavasciogullari, Getty Images
Cats will use meows to get what they want, asking to be let inside or outside the house.
Cats will use meows to get what they want, asking to be let inside or outside the house.
Alex Schadnev, Getty Images
Cats use meows to communicate with humans, not other cats. Often, they use meows to say hello.
Cats use meows to communicate with humans, not other cats. Often, they use meows to say hello.
Chalabala, Getty Images
Cats make chattering noises out of excitement, typically when they are watching birds or squirrels.
Cats make chattering noises out of excitement, typically when they are watching birds or squirrels.
Kozorog, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hissing is a sign of a defensive, distressed cat.
Hissing is a sign of a defensive, distressed cat.
Moostocker, Getty Images/iStockphoto
When cats reach their senior age, they often become confused or disoriented, causing them to meow more frequently.
When cats reach their senior age, they often become confused or disoriented, causing them to meow more frequently.
Chalabala, Getty Images
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