What cat sounds mean
Cat-vocalisation clips across 10 behavioural categories. Each page explains what the sound is, what it signals, and whether it is something you should ever play at a cat.
Sounds you can play
Affiliative and neutral categories. Safe for short, gentle sessions with a relaxed cat.
Happy
What does it mean when a cat chirps or trills?Chirps, trills and greeting meows — the sounds cats make when they are pleased to see you.Read the explainer →Resting
Why do cats purr?Purrs and slow settling sounds — the low-frequency register cats use when winding down.Read the explainer →Hunting Mind
Why does my cat chatter at birds?Chattering, chittering and stalking sounds made at the sight of prey.Read the explainer →
Sounds for recognition only
Conflict, distress and mating vocalisations. Documented so you can identify them — never to be played at a cat to provoke a reaction.
Mother Call
Recognition onlyWhat sound does a mother cat make?The summoning calls a queen uses to gather, move and reassure her kittens.Read the explainer →Warning
Recognition onlyWhy does my cat hiss?Hisses and low growls — the clear “stop, back off” end of the feline range.Read the explainer →Angry
Recognition onlyWhat does it mean when a cat growls?Growls and sustained low calls that signal a cat has moved past warning.Read the explainer →Defense
Recognition onlyWhat sounds does a scared cat make?The startled, cornered vocalisations of a cat protecting itself.Read the explainer →Fighting
Recognition onlyWhat do cat fight sounds mean?The escalating shrieks and caterwauls of a genuine confrontation.Read the explainer →Mating
Recognition onlyWhy do cats yowl at night?Caterwauls and oestrus calls — the loudest sounds in the feline repertoire.Read the explainer →Pain
Recognition onlyWhat does a cat in pain sound like?Distress vocalisations — included so you can recognise them, never to play at a cat.Read the explainer →