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Why Do Kittens Say Mew? Unraveling the Mystery of the Kitten’s Vocalizations

The tiny, high-pitched sound of a kitten’s mew is one of the most endearing and universally recognized sounds in the world. But have you ever stopped to wonder why these little furballs make this particular noise? The simple answer is that kittens mew to communicate their needs and emotions, primarily to their mother. It’s their primary way of signaling “I’m here,” “I’m hungry,” “I’m cold,” or “I need help.” Understanding the nuances of these mews can provide valuable insight into your kitten’s well-being.

The Kitten’s Language: A Symphony of Mews

A kitten’s life, especially in its first few weeks, is entirely dependent on its mother. Because they can’t verbally speak a language, the mew serves as a lifeline, their only way to express their needs. This language of mews is complex, with different variations communicating different messages. As kittens mature, the use of meowing towards other cats diminishes.

Early Communication: Mews as Survival

From the moment they are born, kittens are equipped with the ability to mew. These early mews are often reflexive, triggered by discomfort or hunger. A cold kitten, for example, will instinctively mew to attract its mother’s attention. These meows are not always intended for humans.

The Development of Meow: From Kitten to Cat

Interestingly, cats primarily meow at humans, not other cats. This is thought to be because kittens learn that meowing is an effective way to get a human’s attention and elicit a response, such as food, petting, or playtime. This is a learned behavior.

Deciphering the Different Types of Mews

Just like human language, the language of “mews” has different forms. This is a break down of the types of mews there are:

Short, High-Pitched Mew: This often translates to a simple “hello” or a greeting. You might hear this when you approach your kitten.
Multiple Mews: This indicates excitement or a particularly enthusiastic greeting. “I’m so glad to see you!”
Mid-Pitched, Standard Meow: This is a plea for something, like food, water, or attention.
Long, Drawn-Out Meow: This signals a more urgent or specific need. For example, a kitten might use this meow when they are stuck somewhere or are in pain.
Low-Pitched Meow: This can indicate distress, fear, or even anger.

The Science Behind the Sound

While we understand why kittens meow, the how is also fascinating. The sound is produced by the vibration of the vocal cords, which are located in the larynx (voice box). The size and shape of the larynx, as well as the tension of the vocal cords, influence the pitch and tone of the meow. Studying animal behavior is a continuous, and collaborative effort. Many educators are using games to teach students about the different aspects of language, and animal language. To learn more about the intersection of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

When Mewing Becomes a Concern

While mewing is a normal behavior for kittens, excessive or unusual mewing can sometimes indicate a problem.

Medical Issues: Persistent mewing can be a sign of illness or injury. If your kitten is mewing excessively and exhibiting other symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or changes in litter box habits, it’s important to consult a veterinarian.
Behavioral Issues: Anxiety, boredom, or loneliness can also lead to excessive mewing. Providing your kitten with plenty of attention, playtime, and enrichment can help alleviate these issues.

FAQs About Kitten Mews

Here are some frequently asked questions about kitten mewing:

At what age do kittens start mewing? Kittens start mewing almost immediately after birth, using it as their primary form of communication with their mother.
Do kittens meow or mew? Is there a difference? Both terms are used to describe a cat’s vocalizations. “Mew” often describes a softer, higher-pitched sound, especially from kittens, while “meow” is the standard term for the general sound.
Why do kittens stop mewing at other cats when they grow older? Once kittens mature, they rely less on vocal communication with other cats and more on body language, scent marking, and other forms of non-verbal communication. Humans don’t understand these cues as well as we understand “meows”.
How can I get my kitten to stop mewing excessively? The best approach is to identify the cause of the mewing. If it’s attention-seeking, avoid rewarding the behavior by ignoring the meows. If it’s due to hunger, establish a regular feeding schedule. If it’s anxiety, provide more enrichment and attention.
What does it mean when a kitten is mewing loudly at night? Nighttime mewing can be due to boredom, loneliness, or hunger. Make sure your kitten has plenty of playtime during the day and a comfortable sleeping environment. If hunger is the issue, consider providing a small meal before bedtime.
What is fading kitten syndrome, and how does it relate to mewing? Fading kitten syndrome is a condition where newborn kittens fail to thrive and are likely to die prematurely. One of the symptoms can be excessive crying or mewing, indicating distress.
Why is my kitten constantly mewing and rubbing against my legs? This behavior is a combination of greeting and seeking attention or affection. The mew is a friendly “hello,” and the rubbing is a way of marking you with their scent and soliciting petting.
Can the tone of a kitten’s mew tell me anything specific? Yes, the tone can be very informative! A high-pitched mew often indicates urgency or excitement, while a low-pitched mew can signal distress or displeasure.
Is it normal for kittens to “talk back” when I talk to them? Yes, some kittens are naturally more vocal than others and will “respond” to your voice with meows. This is usually a sign of engagement and affection.
Why does my kitten suddenly start mewing more than usual? A sudden increase in mewing can indicate a change in their environment, a medical issue, or increased anxiety. It’s important to observe your kitten closely for other symptoms and consult a vet if necessary.
What should I do if my kitten’s mew sounds different than usual? A change in the sound of a kitten’s mew can be a sign of a respiratory infection or other health problem. Consult a veterinarian promptly.
How do I differentiate between a normal kitten mew and a distressed mew? A distressed mew is usually louder, more persistent, and often accompanied by other signs of distress, such as restlessness, hiding, or a change in posture.
Can ignoring my kitten’s mewing lead to behavioral problems? Consistently ignoring a kitten’s needs can lead to anxiety and other behavioral problems. It’s important to address the underlying cause of the mewing rather than simply ignoring it.
Do all kittens meow in the same way? No, just like humans, each kitten has its own unique “voice.” The pitch, tone, and volume of the meow can vary depending on the individual kitten and its breed.
Is there a way to teach my kitten to meow less? You can’t eliminate mewing entirely, but you can train your kitten to meow less by not rewarding attention-seeking meows and providing plenty of enrichment and attention at other times. Positive reinforcement of a “quiet” command can also be effective.

Understanding the language of your kitten’s mews can strengthen your bond and ensure their well-being. By paying attention to the nuances of their vocalizations, you can become a more attuned and responsive caregiver.

Why do kittens say Mew?