Meow

Pre-domesticated felines are believed to have communicated with each other mainly via their sense of smell and marking behaviors which provide a superior means of communication with other cats, but as they were domesticated they learned to vocalize to humans. Their vocalizations can signal hunger, desire to go outside, or simple greetings.

Types

• A "now meow" is a meow mainly produced by cats when they want or need something, for example food.
• Cats make a "low pitched meow" when they are unhappy or as a warning before they lash out.
• A "short meow" usually means that they are greeting, for example after their owner returns home.
• A "long meow" is made by cats when they are demanding something and want it as soon as possible.
• A "mew" is a high-pitched meow often produced by kittens. It is apparently used to solicit attention from the kitten's mother, and adult cats may use it during periods of distress or sadness, or to signal submission.