Which sound may indicate that a cat is feeling stressed?

Vocalizations made by cats can be indicative of various emotional states, including stress. When a cat is feeling anxious or stressed, its vocalizations may change in tone or frequency, producing sounds such as yowling, growling, or even excessive meowing. These vocalizations can signal discomfort or unease in a cat and often indicate that the animal is experiencing a heightened state of distress.

In contrast, other sounds, such as purring, are typically associated with contentment and relaxation. While cats can purr when they are in pain, it is generally more often linked to a sense of security and comfort. Chirping, on the other hand, is a sound that cats might make when they are excited, often in response to watching birds or other prey animals, and does not generally signify stress. Meowing, while it may express a range of emotions including attention-seeking or fear, is frequently used by cats to communicate with humans rather than as a direct indicator of stress as seen in more vocal and distress-related sounds.