The Science Behind Meow and Roar

Have you ever looked at your cat and wondered why they meow rather than roar? Or why some cats make more noise than others? We know cats are vocal creatures, but what’s the science behind their sounds? Let’s take a look at the mysterious noises cats make and why some cats meow and others roar.

Why Are Cats Vocal Creatures?

Cats are known for being loners, but even lone wolves need someone to talk to every once in a while. That’s where their vocalizations come in. Cats use vocal communication to communicate with other felines as well as humans. In fact, housecats have learned how to adapt their meows to sound more like human babies, making them especially effective when it comes to communicating with us humans.

The Difference Between Meow and Roar

So why do some cats meow while others roar? There are two main reasons for this. The first is that it is part of the cat's genetic makeup. For example, lions and tigers don’t meow; they roar because it is part of their natural behavior patterns. On the other hand, domestic cats have evolved to be relatively quiet animals, so they usually just meow instead of roaring or hissing like wildcats would.

The second reason has to do with how much noise a cat makes. Generally speaking, cats that live outdoors tend to be noisier than indoor cats because they have more opportunities—and reasons—to communicate with other animals (and humans). Indoor cats tend to be quieter because they rarely interact with other animals outside of their household, so there is less need for them to make noise in order to communicate with each other or express themselves in any way. 

Cats are fascinating creatures whose vocalizations can tell us a lot about them and how they communicate with us humans and other animals alike. Whether your kitty meows or roars, understanding the science behind their vocalizations can help you better understand your furry friend and provide them with the best care possible!

Understanding why some cats meow while others roar may be difficult but it certainly doesn't detract from our love for these adorable little creatures!