The Magic of Meows: Why Do Cats Meow and What Are They Really Saying?
, by Robert Price, 2 min reading time
Why do cats meow? Discover the meanings behind different meows, from greetings to demands, and learn how to understand your cat’s unique voice.
Your cat meows. Sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s demanding, and sometimes it sounds like they’re narrating their own drama series. But here’s the secret: cats don’t meow to each other once they’re grown. They meow almost exclusively for us humans — it’s their custom-built language for getting what they want. Gwen’s soft, polite mews are usually code for “I’d like food, please.” Cosmo’s loud, theatrical meows? Translation: “Where have you been? I thought you were never coming back.”
Why Do Cats Meow?
· Attention seeking: “Notice me! Pet me! Play with me!”
· Food requests: The classic “feed me now” soundtrack, often timed with dinner.
· Greeting you: Cats meow to say hello when you return home.
· Discomfort or health issues: Excessive or unusual meowing can be a red flag for pain or illness.
· Stress or confusion: Changes in the home can make cats vocal.
· Learned behaviour: If meowing gets results, your cat will happily keep it up.
What Different Meows Might Mean
· Short meow: A casual greeting.
· Multiple meows: Excitement — “You’re back, hooray!”
· Drawn-out meow: A demand — usually food.
· Chirps or trills: Friendly communication (or gossip about birds outside).
· Loud yowls: Discomfort, confusion, or mating behaviour if not neutered.
How to Respond to Your Cat’s Meows
· Acknowledge them: Cats meow to connect, so respond gently.
· Don’t reinforce demands: If they’re meowing for food constantly, stick to a feeding routine.
· Check for changes: Sudden increases in meowing may need a vet visit.
· Enjoy the chat: Some cats are naturally talkative — lean into it and enjoy the dialogue.
Why does my cat meow at night?
Often boredom, hunting instincts, or simply seeking attention when the house is quiet.
Do some breeds meow more?
Yes — Siamese, Bengals, and Orientals are famously chatty.
Is it bad to ignore my cat’s meows?
It depends. Ignoring demand meows can be helpful, but never ignore sudden, unusual vocalisation.
TL;DRC
Cats meow to talk to you, not each other. From greetings to dinner requests to midnight concerts, every meow has meaning. Learn to decode the sounds, and you’ll unlock the secret language of your cat.
Every meow is a little piece of magic — and another reminder that cats have trained us far better than we’ve trained them.