These sounds are part of a varied feline vocal repertoire. Researchers have described many types of cat vocalisation, while also noting that the boundaries between sounds can be difficult to classify. The same sound may serve different functions depending on the situation and the individual cat.

Here are some of the unusual noises you might hear and what to look for.

1. Chirping

A chirp is a short, high-pitched sound that can resemble a bird call. Cats may chirp when watching birds or other movement, or during social interactions.

What to notice: Is your cat focused on something outside? Are the ears forward and the body alert? Does the sound happen when you approach or when your cat wants something?

2. Chattering

Chattering often sounds like a rapid series of clicks or jaw movements. It is commonly heard when a cat watches prey through a window or from another inaccessible place.

The behaviour is associated with hunting-related arousal, but its exact function is not fully settled. Some sounds described as chattering may be difficult to distinguish from chirping.

What to do: Offer safe interactive play with a wand toy or another suitable toy. Keep windows and balconies secure, and do not allow your cat to hunt wildlife as enrichment.

3. Trilling

A trill is a short, rolling, often rising sound. Many owners hear it as a greeting when they enter a room or approach their cat.

What to notice: Does your cat walk towards you, hold its tail upright or rub against your legs? These surrounding behaviours can help you understand the interaction.

4. The soft “mrrp” or murmur

Some cats make a quiet, closed-mouth sound that sits somewhere between a purr and a meow. It may occur during friendly approaches, play or everyday interaction.

There is no universal translation for this sound. Learn when your cat uses it and what happens next.

5. Squeaking

A squeak is a short, high-pitched or slightly raspy call. Some cats make squeaky sounds during play, excitement or anticipation.

If your cat has always had a naturally squeaky voice and is otherwise well, it may simply be an individual vocal trait. A sudden change in voice deserves more attention.

6. Yowling

Yowling is a longer, louder call. It may occur during conflict, reproductive behaviour or distress. Cats that are not neutered may make intense mating-related calls.

Do not assume a yowl is harmless. If it is new, repeated or accompanied by changes in behaviour, contact your veterinarian.

7. Growling and hissing

Growling and hissing are defensive warning sounds. A cat may make them when frightened, threatened, in pain or trying to increase distance.

Give the cat room to retreat. Avoid punishment, forced handling or trying to soothe it by moving closer when it is clearly asking for space.

8. Purring that sounds different

Purrs vary between cats and can change with context. A purr may be soft and steady during rest, or combined with other sounds when a cat is seeking attention.

If the sound changes suddenly, or seems to come with coughing, gagging, noisy or difficult breathing, weakness or distress, seek veterinary advice. Do not assume every unusual rumble is a purr.

Why does my cat make noises at the window?

A window can provide a cat with a rich source of visual stimulation: birds, insects, people and other animals. Chirping or chattering may occur when the cat is highly focused on movement outside.

Make the viewing area safe. Secure windows, prevent falls and ensure the cat cannot escape. Add interactive play and enrichment so the cat has appropriate outlets for its interest in movement.

Why does my cat make noises when I come home?

Some cats greet familiar people with meows, trills or chirrups. Others rub against legs, hold their tails upright or follow the person into another room.

A greeting is not necessarily the same in every cat. Pay attention to your cat’s individual routine and the combination of sound and body language.

Are unusual cat noises ever a sign of a problem?

Yes. A sudden change in vocalisation can be associated with pain, stress or illness. Contact your veterinarian if your cat becomes unusually vocal or quiet, cries when moving or using the litter tray, hides more than usual, stops eating, or shows other changes.

Seek urgent veterinary care for breathing difficulty, collapse, severe distress, or repeated attempts to urinate with little or no urine.

How to learn your cat’s personal sound patterns

Try keeping a simple sound diary:

  • Record the sound in plain language: short chirp, rolling trill, long yowl or low growl.
  • Note the situation: greeting, mealtime, play, window watching or handling.
  • Observe the body: relaxed, alert, crouched, tense or trying to move away.
  • Note what happens next.
  • Compare it with your cat’s usual behaviour.

A recording can be useful for comparing sounds or showing your veterinarian, but do not delay care to capture one.

Every cat has its own voice

The most useful way to understand an unusual cat noise is to combine what you hear with what you see. A chirp at a bird, a trill at the front door and a growl during a tense encounter are different situations—even if they all sound unusual to a human.

For a broader overview, read 12 common cat sounds and their meanings and our guide to cat body language.

The Cat Translator helps cat owners explore possible meanings behind vocalisations. Use it to spark curiosity about your cat’s communication, while remembering that no app can provide a definitive translation of a cat’s thoughts or diagnose a health problem.

Sources and further reading

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