A short meow is a basic greeting or request for attention from cats to humans. They seek acknowledgment.
Short Meow
Drawn out meows communicate urgency about something. Your cat likely wants food, help accessing a space, or attention.
Long Meow
A frustrated cat may emit a fast chattering meow. Something they want is out of reach, like a bird in the yard.
Chattering Meow
Purring signals contentment. But cats also purr to comfort themselves when nervous, so context is important.
Purring
Trills combined with squinty eyes are indicative of happiness in cats. It often means they like something you're doing.
Trilling
Chirps are friendly vocalizations cats use during greetings. Squeaks are higher pitched chirps when very excited.
Chirps & Squeaks
Growling and hissing expresses irritation, overstimulation, fear or confrontation. Leave an agitated cat alone.
Growling & Hissing