Top 12 Cat Sounds & What They Mean: 1. Meow – General communication with humans. 2. Purr – Contentment or self-soothing. 3. Trill/Chirp – Friendly greeting or excitement. 4. Chatter – Frustration or excitement when spotting prey. 5. Hiss – Fear or aggression. 6. Growl – Warning or displeasure. 7. Yowl – Distress or mating call. 8. Scream – Pain or intense fear. 9. Caterwaul – Mating call, often loud and drawn-out. 10. Snarl – Aggression or threat. 11. Spit – Defensive warning. 12. Murmur – Soft,