The experts tell us how cats communicate. 

Helen Pringle is a small animal vet at Vitalvet Animal Medical Centre in George, Western Cape. We asked her some questions about the different sounds that cats make, and what they’re trying to say. 

 

Do cats only purr when they’re happy?  

“I thought they only purred when they were happy but little did I know how much they can say with purring. They purr when they’re stressed, when they’re subtly begging for a treat, and most importantly – they purr when they’re completely relaxed and feeling pampered and spoiled.” 

What are the reasons for a cat meowing?  

“A meow means ‘I need you to hear me now’. Either ‘I’m upset because I’m stuck in a cat box’ or ‘I’m stuck where I don’t want to be’. ‘I’m so happy to see you’ when you’ve been away or ‘I’m having a conversation with my fellow feline’.” 

Which other sounds do cats make?  

“The most interesting sound I’ve ever heard is the ‘ek...ek…ek…ek…ek...’ sound. It sounds like a bird call and that’s exactly what it’s meant to be. Cats being the super predators they are, call in the birds so they can catch them with ease.” 

Do cats have their own way of growling and/or howling?  

“Cats are loud about it. If a cat growls... you’ve been warned. If we progress to a howl, then all hell is about to break loose or it’s kitty world war three.” 

Which cats tend to be more vocal?  

“In my opinion the Oriental or Siamese is the most vocal of all the breeds. They’ve invented their own language. All my Oriental patients talk from the time they arrive until they leave.” 

 

Learn more about our Vet Of the Month (VOM): 

Helen has a special interest in soft tissue surgery, dentistry, oral surgery, and imaging – especially ultrasound. She strives to be the best clinician she can possibly be and to remain on the cutting edge in her areas of interest. She also loves connecting with people, and building relationships with clients is a huge part of her job satisfaction.  

 

Helen, when did you decide to become a vet? 

“My late Dad was a vet, so I literally grew up in a vet practice. I felt as though I was just being true to what was already part of my genetic makeup. No other career options even existed for me.” 

Do you have any pets? 

“I am a self-confessed crazy cat lady. I have two very spoilt felines. Andy, who is now a very youthful 13-year-old that was born on the streets of Northwest London. He was abandoned on the doorstep of our practice at 5 days old and lovingly hand-reared by myself. He is a typical British male, grumpy with a floppy belly.  

Gandalf was a lockdown gift. A very timid little character who hid from me for 2 weeks, he is now (after 2 years) finally realising that the Pringle household is indeed a very soft place to land. He has many beds to choose from, the best food, and unlimited treats.”