One of the most endearing things about cats is that they’re such a mixed bag personality-wise. Some are real snuggle bugs, whereas others will only deign to acknowledge your existence with an occasional head bump. Some will have no issue telling you what’s what if they’re unhappy about something (like an empty food dish), while others are calm and quiet. Ragdolls generally fall into the latter category.
Famous for their relaxed, laid-back personalities, the sweet Ragdoll was so named after their tendency to fall contentedly limp in your arms when carried. These cats are not typically excessively vocal, though they may express their feelings with various vocalizations. Read on to find out more about the kinds of vocalizations cats make and what they might mean.
Cat Vocalizations: The Basics
It’s pretty rare to find a cat that never vocalizes in some way or other, whether that is meowing, purring, chirruping, chattering, hissing, or growling—even if they are a typically quiet breed like the Ragdoll. If you’re curious about what your Ragdoll might be trying to tell you when they “speak up”, here are what cat vocalizations often mean.
Meowing
Cats meow to convey a real mix of emotions. Meows are used as friendly greetings, as a means of getting your attention, to alert you to the cat’s needs (i.e. thirst, hunger, bathroom needs, etc.), or, in some cases, simply because the cat in question has a chatty disposition. Though Ragdolls are generally thought to be a quiet kind of cat, this doesn’t mean they’ll never meow—some may even be surprisingly verbose!
Chattering
If you’ve seen your Ragdoll chattering while sitting next to a window, it’s likely that they have got their eyes fixed on a bird or another small creature scurrying by. A chattering cat indicates that they’re feeling tantalized and excited.
Purring
Purring is often a way of expressing contentment, like when your Ragdoll is snuggled up on your lap (a favorite pastime for many Ragdolls) or enjoying being petted. In some cases, though, sick or injured cats purr as a means of comforting themselves.
Growling
Growling—sometimes accompanied by spitting or hissing—is a sign that your Ragdoll is afraid or is warning someone or something not to come any closer. Avoid approaching your Ragdoll if they display this kind of behavior—remove whatever it is that’s scaring or angering them and leave them alone to calm down.
Yowling
Cats that have not been neutered or spayed sometimes yowl when in heat as a way of attracting a mate. Other causes of yowling include being in pain or feeling confused—for example, a senior cat with feline dementia might yowl and/or display other symptoms like being more anxious or irritable than usual, becoming incontinent, and vocalizing more in a variety of ways.
What Are the Most Vocal Cat Breeds?
Every cat’s unique, and breed is not always a factor in how a cat will behave or what their personality will be like. However, some cats are known for being a tad—or a lot (looking at you, Siamese cats)—more vocal than others.
What Are the Least Vocal Cat Breeds?
On the other hand, some breeds are famously quiet and not prone to excessive meowing or chattiness.
Final Thoughts
Ragdolls are considered far from the most vocal cat breed, though there are always exceptions. As mentioned, it’s never a good idea to use breed as a marker for choosing a cat based on how vocal they are—there’s no way of knowing until you get to know the individual cat better.
Adopting a cat from a shelter is a great way to know more about your prospective feline friend, as the staff will already have an idea of a cat’s personality and mannerisms and are in the best position to advise whether a specific cat would be a good match for you.
Featured Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
Cat Vocalizations: The Basics
