Why do cats meow
Adult cats rarely meow to each other; the sound is a learned behavior evolved to solicit attention from humans, signaling needs like hunger or a desire to go outside.
Adult cats meow almost exclusively to communicate with humans, not with other cats. This vocalization is a learned behavior that evolved after domestication, effectively extending the kitten's call for attention into adulthood.
Domestication changed the rules
Feral cats and pre-domesticated felines communicate primarily through scent, marking behaviors, and visual signals, reserving vocalizations for specific contexts like mating or fighting. As cats were domesticated, they learned that vocalizing to humans is an effective way to get what they need. Consequently, adult meowing is a post-domestication extension of the mewing behavior kittens use to solicit attention from their mothers.
Studies confirm that domestic cats meow significantly more often than feral cats. While they can form social ladders and collaborate with other cats, they rarely use meows to communicate with fellow felines. Instead, they have adapted their vocal repertoire to signal hunger, the desire to go outside, or simple greetings to their human companions.
The anatomy of a meow
A meow is a sound produced when the mouth is first opened and then gradually closed. In 1944, Mildred Moelk classified this sound alongside howling and yowling as one of the three main classes of cat vocalizations. The sound can range from assertive and demanding to plaintive and friendly, and in rare cases, it can be silent, where the cat opens its mouth without producing noise.
While cats have up to 21 different vocalizations, the meow is the most familiar. Adult cats rarely meow to each other, so when an adult cat meows, it is almost always directed at a human. This suggests that the sound has been shaped by human interaction over thousands of years, becoming a primary tool for interaction in a household setting.
Types of meows and their meanings
Not all meows are created equal; the pitch and duration signal different needs. A "now meow" is produced when a cat wants or needs something specific, such as food. A "short meow" is typically a greeting, often heard when an owner returns home. In contrast, a "long meow" indicates a demand for immediate action.
When a cat is unhappy or issuing a warning before an attack, it will produce a low-pitched meow. A "mew" is a high-pitched variation, usually associated with kittens soliciting their mother. Adult cats may still use this high-pitched sound during periods of distress, sadness, or to signal submission, though they typically stop mewing altogether by four to five months of age.
Learning to converse
Meowing is fundamentally a learned behavior. Over time, cats may learn to meow in response to human vocalizations, creating a back-and-forth interaction that resembles a conversation, even if the content is limited to needs and wants. Some cats even modify their meows to mimic specific human words they hear frequently, such as using a low-tone "mow" if their owner often says "no."
This adaptability explains why cats can vocalize in a way that seems to mimic human language, even though their vocal tracts prevent them from speaking actual words. They are simply using the mechanics of the meow to achieve a specific communicative goal with their human caretakers.
When to see a vet
While most meowing is behavioral, sudden changes in vocalization can indicate pain or illness. If a cat that rarely meows suddenly becomes vocal, or if the meow sounds strained or accompanied by other signs of distress, it warrants a veterinary check. Pain, particularly in the mouth or throat, can alter a cat's ability to vocalize normally.
Other vocalizations like growls, hisses, and spits are associated with aggression and are usually accompanied by specific body language, such as arched backs or flattened ears. These are defensive displays intended to scare away threats, distinct from the attention-seeking nature of a meow.
In summary, the meow is a unique adaptation of the domestic cat, evolving from a kitten's survival call into a versatile tool for interacting with humans. It serves as a direct line of communication for needs ranging from hunger to affection, a behavior that wild felines do not employ with their own kind.