"A Picture Tells A Thousand Yells": 50 Dramatic Cats Who Were Shouting "Meow" In Capitals (New Pics)

If we were to believe childhood cartoons, meowing is just the way cats communicate with each other. Humans use words, cats use meows – it's as simple as that. But is it really, though? Is there a simple explanation for why cats meow? And are they really talking to each other through these meows?

Turns out, it's their way of communicating with people, not with other cats. According to the ASPCA, kittens meow at their mothers when they are hungry or want attention. But they rarely meow at each other once they're adults. Grown-up cats meow at their owners or other humans for the same reasons: when they want affection, attention, or food.

How do cats "talk" to each other, then? They use other forms of vocalization. They hiss and yowl, and use their body language, facial expressions, and even pheromones. These are the most common non-verbal ways of communication between cats:

1. Putting their tail in the air. A cat with their tail up in the air usually means openness to play. A 1997 study showed that cats were more likely to approach a cat-like silhouette that had a raised tail.
2. Rubbing against each other. By rubbing their faces against each other, cats are marking other cats with their scent as if to say, "You're part of my tribe!" They have pheromone glands on their heads, and rubbing is their way of creating social bonds.

1. Sitting beside each other. Cats who like each other will willingly spend time next to one another. Cat behavior consultant Joey Lusvardi writes that the best way to test this is to leave your cats at home alone. If they're in the same room while the owner, the "highest value resource" to the cats, isn't home, that means they like each other.
2. Grooming. It's not just about hygiene; cats groom each other to create a unified group smell. That way, there's less animosity between them and a better sense of community. Sometimes, it's about establishing hierarchy. The more submissive cats will let the others groom them to show their lower rank. Yet it's also about reducing anxiety and stress: a cat might groom another kitty to calm it and provide him or her with a sense of security.

Cats also try to tell us things with their meowing. When an owner comes home, it's often their way of greeting us. According to cat behavior specialist Amanda O'Brien, cats give you a quick meow as a "hello" after you enter the same area.

A long and drawn-out meow usually means your cat wants attention—most often food. A cat is certainly hungry if he or she meows in a high-pitched voice. If the meows are more persistent and playful, they might want to be petted or have a little fun with you and their toys.

Other times, persistent meows might indicate that a cat is unwell. An owner who has had their cat for a long time should be able to discern when the cat's meows are unusual, of a higher pitch, or more frequent than usual. A cat might ask for help by meowing when it has kidney disease, urinary tract problems, or arthritis. Older cats can also start meowing at night because of cognitive dysfunction syndrome. So, always talk to your vet about your kitty's health – it's better to be safe than sorry!

Veteran cat owners might think that they know what their cat is saying just by looking at them. But research shows the opposite: humans are actually quite bad at understanding what their cats are trying to tell them. Understanding of cat vocalization depends on gender (women are apparently better at it), experience with owning a cat (long-time owners tend to catch a cat's drift sooner), and how empathetic we are toward them.