Why Cats Scream

Cats, both domesticated and feral, have distinctive personalities which at times can toggle between aggressive and passive. House cats communicate with owners by purring, meowing and even wailing or screaming. Knowing reasons why a cat would scream can help you better understand your cat and know whether or not something is wrong.

  1. Heat / Mating

    • Cats that have matured enough to be capable of bearing kittens go through heat, which can last anywhere from two to 21 days each cycle. Compounding the problem, cats can repeatedly go back in to heat until they become pregnant. When a cat is in heat, or seeking to mate, she will cream out to let makes know she in fact in heat. This guttural wail almost resembles the cries of a newborn baby at times.

    Pain / Discomfort

    • Cats cannot communicate in the same manner as humans. Cats rely on behavior and meowing to express feelings. A cat that is in pain or discomfort due to a medical condition, illness or injury may scream out in pain. Pay attention to a creaming cat, especially if it is exhibiting other signs of malaise.

    Attention

    • Cats, though seemingly independent creatures, do prefer to have human comfort and attention. A cat can scream if it has become accustomed to receiving attention and affection and is not receiving enough. If your cat is not in heat, is healthy yet is screaming, it may be trying to get your attention for affection.

    Anger / Annoyance

    • One other situation which could cause a cat to scream out, whether for attention or merely out of frustration, is if the cat is unhappy. This can be due to the cat being annoyed or irritated by something or someone else. Examples if why a cat may scream to show displeasure include a dirty litter box, new pets in the home or even stray animals wandering outside of the house that the cat can smell.