why do cats meow at each other

Cats meow at each other primarily as a form of communication. While adult cats rarely meow to communicate with one another in the wild, domesticated cats have adapted this behavior to interact with humans and sometimes with other cats. A short, high-pitched meow might signal a friendly greeting, while a longer, more intense meow could indicate annoyance or a demand for attention.

Meowing between cats can also be a way to establish territory or express emotions. For example, a low-pitched growl-like meow might be a warning to another cat to stay away, while a series of quick, chirpy meows could signal excitement or playfulness. Mother cats also meow at their kittens to guide or reassure them, and this behavior sometimes carries over into interactions with other adult cats.

I've heard that cats only meow at humans, not at other cats. Is that true?

Gabriel That’s a common misconception! While it’s true that cats meow more frequently at humans, they do occasionally meow at each other, especially in domesticated settings. These meows can convey different emotions or intentions, depending on the context and tone.

Levi Feral cats rarely meow at each other—they rely more on body language, scent marking, and other vocalizations like growls or hisses. Domesticated cats are more likely to meow at each other because they’ve learned that vocalizing is an effective way to communicate, both with humans and their feline companions.