If you are wondering whether feral cats meow, let us tell you that they don’t. Their behavior is different from that of domesticated cats. Generally, cats are fascinating creatures with their soft fur, pointy ears, and mesmerizing eyes. Whether domestic or feral, they have a certain allure that has captivated humans for centuries. Feral cats, in particular, are a subject of intrigue, as they are often misunderstood and feared. So, in this blog, we will explore the meowing behavior of feral cats.
The Meowing Behavior of Domesticated Cats
Feral cats are different from domesticated cats. Domesticated cats are known for their distinctive meowing behavior, which they use to communicate with their owners. Meowing is not a natural behavior for cats in the wild but a learned behavior reinforced by humans.
Domesticated cats meow for various reasons, including getting attention, expressing their emotions, and communicating their needs. For example, a cat may meow to be let outside, fed, or petted. They may also meow to greet their owners when they come home or to get their attention when they want to play. Additionally, some cats are more vocal than others and may meow more frequently than their feline counterparts.
Why Don’t Feral Cats Meow?
Feral cats, unlike domesticated cats, do not meow. This is because meowing is a behavior specific to cats that have been socialized with humans. On the other hand, feral cats are not socialized and are afraid of humans, so they do not meow to communicate with them. Instead, feral cats have a unique communication mechanism to speak with each other.
Feral cats communicate with each other through a variety of means, including body language, scent marking, and other vocalizations. For example, feral cats may use body language to signal to other cats that they are afraid or angry. They may puff up their fur and arch their backs to appear larger and more intimidating. Conversely, they may flatten their ears and tuck their tails between their legs to indicate submission.
Scent marking is another important means of communication for feral cats. They use scent to mark their territory, to identify themselves to other cats, and to communicate their reproductive status. Feral cats may use urine, feces, and glandular secretions to mark their territory and leave messages for other cats.
So, if you are planning to tame a feral cat, you must be well-acquainted with its communication modes. Also, you should keep them engaged and entertained to gel in your home ambiance. For instance, you can purchase Cat Bed Hammock Window Perch so that it can enjoy its cat time.
Other Sounds That Feral Cats Make
Feral cats do not make sounds like domesticated cats but make other sounds to communicate. Below, in the table, we’ve put forth the common sounds produced by ferals and the reason behind them.
| Sounds | Reason |
| Hissing | It is a warning sound that feral cats make when they feel threatened or afraid. Alongside producing a hissing sound, a change in the cat’s body language is also witnessed. These include bared teeth, arched backs, puffed hair, and twitched tails. |
| Growling | Feral cats may growl when they are feeling defensive or aggressive. This sound is often made during territorial disputes or when the cat protects its food. |
| Chirping/Trills/Chirrups | Feral chirrups are much more declarative cat noises. Mother cats mostly use these to alert kittens to follow them. These cats may also chirp when they see prey, such as birds or insects. This sound is a type of hunting vocalization. |
| Yowling | These cats mostly yowl when they are ready to mate. It is a long-pitched moan that lasts much longer. It is primarily a medium of communication between cats. A feral cat’s yowling can also indicate that it is annoyed, bored, or lonely. |
Apart from these, feral cats also use other vocalizations to communicate with each other. These sounds warn other cats of potential danger or establish territory. They may also make a variety of other vocalizations, such as yowling, trilling, or purring, depending on the situation.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that feral cats are a unique and often misunderstood part of the feline world. While they may not meow like domesticated cats, they still have a rich communication system that allows them to thrive in the wild. By understanding their behavior and vocalizations, we can better appreciate these fascinating creatures and learn to coexist harmoniously.
