You’ve probably noticed that your cat has a lot to say — especially around mealtime! As you spend more time with your furry friend, you’ll also realize that cat communication sounds can vary dramatically. In addition to hissing and purring, there’s the short mew, the classic meow, the prolonged yowl, and the high-pitched yelp. Each one carries an emotion or want that your furbaby is trying to convey.
Here’s a quick cat translation guide to help you navigate the meaning of your cat’s meows, so you can purrfect your conversations!
The Brief Meow
Also known as a “mewl” or “mew,” this short vocalization is your furbaby’s way of saying hello. Whether you’ve returned from a long day at work or just come home after a quick errand, your cat will likely greet you with a brief meow. It means “Hi, nice to see you again!”
If your cat is especially excited to welcome you home, they might treat you to a whole series of these short mews. You can respond with physical affection, upbeat words, or even a quick play session, depending on how your cat prefers to be loved.
Your cat might also mew because they miss you and are hoping to summon you home! With the Furbo 360° Cat Camera, they won’t have to go unanswered. Furbo’s Real-Time 2-Way Audio lets you chat with your cat and shower them with love, no matter where you are.
The Mid-Pitched Meow
The classic mid-pitched meow is your cat’s way of politely saying “please.” They might be requesting food, water, attention, or a favorite toy — or even reminding you to clean their litter box. If your cat thinks you’re taking too long to respond, they’ll probably turn up the volume to grab your attention.
🐱 Fun fact: Kittens and their mothers meow back and forth to communicate, but adult cats don’t meow at each other! They save that for chatting with their pawrents.
What if your cat is asking for something while you’re out and about? Furbo Cat Nanny’s AI-powered Continuous Meowing Alerts will notify you in real time, so you can figure out what your furbaby needs. You can even respond to their request by using the Treat Tossing feature to send them a comforting snack!
The Prolonged Meow
Loud, prolonged meows, also known as “yowls,” sometimes sound like crying. They can just mean that your furbaby is particularly eager to get your attention, but they can also be a sign of stress, boredom, or unhappiness.
Many cats yowl excessively when they’re experiencing separation anxiety. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your precious kitty content and yowl-free while you’re away. Here are some tips:
- Provide something to snuggle. Leave something that smells like you — like your most-worn sweater or favorite t-shirt — in a part of the house where your cat likes to spend time.
- Play music or turn on the TV. Let your kitty rock out to the music you two listen to together when you’re home. Or find a TV channel or YouTube video designed for cats, with plenty of birds, fish, squirrels, or mice to entrance your little apex predator.
- Keep ‘em busy! Just like their doggo counterparts, cats can benefit from home-alone enrichment items, like puzzle feeders, hidden treats, or unfamiliar scents.
😺 Furbo tip: Furbo’s Interactive Feather Wand Toy is great for distracting your kitty from separation anxiety by engaging their natural instincts and encouraging them to stretch their legs. You can even swap it out for a different toy to keep your cat interested!
Worried that your cat is yowling up a storm while you’re away? With Furbo Cat Nanny’s Crying Alert, you’ll never have to wonder! A convenient push notification will let you know exactly when it’s time to check in on your furry friend.
The High-Pitched Meow
Just like hoomans cry out when they’re frightened, startled, or experiencing sudden pain, cats let out a distinctive high-pitched meow or “yelp.” It’s a sharp, abrupt noise that indicates unexpected, but fleeting, distress.
⚠️ If your cat yelps frequently or continuously, particularly while using the litter box, it might indicate a serious medical issue. Call your vet right away; better safe than sorry!
But how can you know whether your cat is yelping while you’re away? Furbo Cat Nanny is here to give you peace of mind! Thanks to carefully curated Kitty Diary footage, you can review your furbaby’s day and see what’s been going on. Meanwhile, the real-time Home Emergency Alerts, Cat Vomit Alerts, and Cat Activity Alerts will instantly let you know if something’s wrong, so you can keep your furbaby safe and happy even while you’re out.
Live In The Meow!
By becoming fluent in your cat’s language, you can strengthen your precious bond and become the best pawrent you can be. Furbo is here to help you enjoy some kitty chit-chat with your furry friend, no matter where you are!
Order your Furbo 360° Cat Camera today, and keep the catversation going! 😸🐾
