Why Cats Purr: The Science Behind Feline Chirps

Agitated and Rapid: Anxiety and Loneliness

Reason: This type of meowing is most commonly heard when cats first arrive in a new home.

Newly arrived kittens find themselves in a completely unfamiliar environment, where everything is strange to them. It's as if they've been transported to a whole new world.

As a result, these cats, still adjusting to their surroundings and missing their familiar companions and mothers, become anxious and continuously meow. This behavior is a sign of their unease and loneliness.

Solution: In such cases, owners should not rush to worry. First, allow the cat to observe and get accustomed to the new environment. If the cat seems unresistant to the owner, who is still a stranger to it, the owner can pick up the cat and offer comfort.

However, if the new cat is reserved around the owner, it's best not to force affection. Let the cat adapt on its own:

Some cats may prefer to hide under the bed for a day or two before venturing out to explore their new home. Once they do, the process becomes smoother.

During the day, when the cat meows, owners can soothe it, offer favorite treats, play with the cat, and provide companionship to give it a sense of security. This can also help shift its focus and accelerate its adaptation to the new home and owner.

At night, it may be comforting to let the cat sleep beside the owner's bed. After all, the cat is used to sleeping with familiar friends in a known environment. Being alone in an unfamiliar place can amplify its sense of loneliness, making the meowing more understandable.

The amount of time a kitten meows or hides is often inversely proportional to its age; younger kittens may take longer to adjust, while older cats adapt more quickly. Regardless of the duration, adaptation is a process that requires time. Owners should offer plenty of comfort and assistance to help the cat adjust.

Warm Greeting: "Hello"

Cats often greet their owners with a gentle meow, followed by a playful retreat. This is a sign of their greeting.

For instance, when owners return home from work, cats might meow as a polite greeting, akin to us saying, "I'm back?"

Of course, if the cat doesn't leave or its attention shifts to something else, but it continues to watch the owner, it might be seeking a cuddle or a treat. In such cases, the owner should respond promptly.

Rumbling Sounds: Affection, Relaxation, and Healing

Complex and Mysterious.

Cats produce a rumbling sound often referred to as "cat chanting." This sound is not made by opening their mouths but rather by a vibration from the throat.

The rumbling sound can convey several meanings:

1. The cat is in a good mood and feels happy.

2. The cat feels comfortable, relaxed, and content.

3. The cat likes someone or something (the cat will rumble when near its favorite person or object).

For example, when a cat is being petted, it may rumble, indicating its happiness, enjoyment, and comfort.

Additionally, this rumbling sound has a神奇 healing power. Through the vibration, cats can repair certain body injuries and restore themselves to optimal health.

Owners can also benefit from this "sound therapy," which can bring many positive effects to their own bodies.

It's important to note that cats can rumble not just during positive emotions but also during negative ones or discomfort. This can happen during events like giving birth, bathing, or visiting the vet. In these cases, the rumble serves as a selfsoothing and healing mechanism.

These rumbling sounds can be distinguished from the ones made when the cat is comfortable, and experienced owners can often tell the difference.

LowPitched, Melodious Calls: Begging and Pouting

When a cat stares at the owner or rubs against them, even going so far as to hug their leg, it often accompanies a gentle, drawnout meow. The actions speak louder than words:

The cat is撒娇, seeking a cuddle and comfort, or perhaps hoping for a treat like a piece of fish. In essence, it's asking for something from you.

Hisssing Sounds: Stay Away

When startled, cats emit a distinctive hiss, which is hard to mimic in words but is easily recognizable once heard. This sound indicates the cat is tense and has entered an aggressive state, warning you to stay away or face consequences.

For example, when a cat encounters a dog, it may hiss, often accompanied by standing on its hind legs, arching its back, and raising its tail. This posture signifies the cat's tension and readiness to defend itself. It's a clear signal to leave it alone.

Ugly Howls: Estrus

The estrus calls of cats are wellknown, especially during spring and summer nights. These calls can continue throughout the night.

Cats typically go through estrus two to three times a year, lasting about three to four days, though this can vary from cat to cat. Male cats may scratch furniture and spray urine to mark their territory, while female cats will respond to these calls. This can be quite distressing, but it is a normal physiological phenomenon.

There are ways to address this. Temporarily distracting the cat with food or other items can help, but this may only provide a shortterm solution. A more lasting approach is to feed the cat a hormonal inhibitor, a drug that can suppress estrus and eliminate the calls.

Ultimately, the most effective solution is to have the cat neutered or spayed. This not only alleviates the cat's discomfort but also resolves any issues with the owner and neighbors.