There's A Group Where People Share Pics Of Cats Meowing So Loud You Can Almost Hear These Images (30 Pics)

From short etudes to full-on performances, most cats would never miss a chance to show their vocals off as if they were competing in the X Cat-Factor. So we reached out to Celia Haddon, a certified cat behaviorist and the author of "A-Z. A Cat's Guide to Humans,” who helped us to navigate in the loud world of meowing.

It turns out, cats rarely meow to each other. “Communication between cats is by smell and tactile signals, and, of course, body language,” explained Celia. That means that most meows, with an open then closing mouth, are used more often towards their humans.

“Humans are vocal, so cats become more vocal as they get better at communication with us.” As a result, cats meow to get our attention, demand food, announce their arrival, and for many other reasons.

The cat behaviorist asaid that while some cats are very vocal, others are completely silent. “They may do a silent meow with the mouth opening and closing with no sound at all.” But you can train your cat to get more vocal by responding every time he or she meows.

Celia also added that “Siamese and the pedigree breeds related to them are very vocal” and “they emit a longer, more wailing kind of meow.”

When it comes to feline vocals, there is a wide variety of different sounds coming out of their mouths that signify completely different things. “For example, when cats get angry, they do a yowl and not meow.” If the cat is terrified it makes “a kind of shriek.” “A kind of sexy, long, drawn-out yowl” is made when roaming cats are looking to mate.

However, when a cat is in pain or suffering, they usually remain silent, “which is why it is so difficult for us to recognize when they are in pain.” Celia explains that “making a noise when they are in pain just might get the attention of a larger animal that would come and eat them.” Thus, felines don't whine or whimper like a dog.