Member-only story
Why Do Cats Meow?
What Are They Saying? My Astonishing Cat 'talker.'
Quora's readers ask me questions and write sweet letters about their cats and why they meow.
So meowing is the cat's way of communicating with people. Adult cats meow at people to say hello, ask for food & and tell us if they're hurting. Kittens meow at their mother for attention. Adult cats yowl at each other, primarily heard during their breeding season.
Four days ago, I was astonished when, Sam, my adult indoor/outdoor cat, scratched vigorously at the door, meowing like he was in pain. On opening the door, the cat runs outside towards the curb with a bushy tail, meowing loudly. I investigate with a broom in my hand to find the annoyance. Well, whaddya know! Lying near the curb is my neighbor! She fell. When calling her name, she responds, saying she can't get up. I rush into my house, get a blanket & my phone & call 911.
I know from experience to never lift a senior person who falls since any injury can complicate. Warmth, reassurance & your presence is paramount.
The medics arrive & lift the lady on a gurney & into the ambulance. Sam sits high in the oak tree, watching from above. He is fearful of noises. Once the ambulance departs, I call out to Sam to come down…
