why do cats cry like babies

Why Do Cats Cry Like Babies?

In the realm of peculiar cat behaviors, one that often surprises and confuses pet owners is the remarkable similarity between the cries of newborn babies and the sounds that cats make. This peculiar vocalization, colloquially referred to as “crying,” has astounded and puzzled humans for centuries. This article explores the reasons why cats cry like babies and sheds light on the significance behind this behavior.

The Myth of Cat Tears

Contrary to popular belief, when cats “cry,” they are not shedding emotional tears. Unlike humans, cats lack the physiological system necessary for proper tear production and expression of emotions through tears. Instead, a cat’s cries are primarily vocalizations used for communication in various contexts.

Petition for Attention

One of the primary reasons why cats cry like babies is to gain attention from their human companions. Cats, being highly independent creatures, often resort to vocalizing to convey their needs or desires. They have learned that mimicking the sounds of a crying baby can grab their owner’s attention quickly.

By crying, cats can communicate their hunger, thirst, or request to go outside. They may use this behavior to remind their owner about mealtime or inquire about the state of their water bowl. In some instances, cats may even cry to indicate a desire for interaction, playtime, or simply to be petted.

Expressing Discomfort or Pain

Crying like a baby can also be a sign that your feline friend is experiencing discomfort or pain. Cats, being masters of disguise, often hide their illnesses or injuries. By crying or vocalizing in an unusual manner, they attempt to convey their distress and seek assistance.

If you notice your cat crying persistently, accompanied by signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior, it is essential to consult a veterinarian. These behaviors could be indicative of an underlying health issue that requires prompt attention and professional diagnosis.

Seeking Comfort or Security

Cats are known to be creatures of comfort, and when they cry like babies, it may be a manifestation of their need for security and reassurance. Just like human babies who cry to seek comfort in their parents’ arms, cats may vocalize to solicit attention and feel safe within their human’s proximity.

This behavior is particularly common in kittens who have recently been separated from their mother and littermates. The baby-like crying helps them attract attention and ensures they receive the care and protection they need to thrive in their new environment.

Mating Calls

In the feline world, crying can serve as a way for cats to communicate during mating season. Female cats in heat produce unique vocalizations that mimic the cry of a newborn baby. These sounds are intended to attract males and signal their readiness to mate.

By emitting these baby-like cries, female cats increase their chances of finding a compatible mate. These mating calls are often heard during particular seasons and can be quite loud and persistent as the female tries to maximize her chances of reproduction.

Attention-Seeking Versus Excessive Crying

While crying is a natural form of communication for cats, it is important to distinguish between attention-seeking cries and excessive or abnormal crying. Persistent crying that appears out of the ordinary may indicate an underlying medical condition or distress that requires immediate attention.

In Conclusion

The cries of cats that resemble the sounds of human babies can be attributed to their innate ability to communicate and their clever use of vocalization to grab attention or express their needs. By understanding why cats cry like babies, we can better respond and cater to their unique requirements and foster a harmonious human-feline relationship.

why do cats cry like babies