Answer: They use the same mechanism humans do: cats use their voice box to produce sounds.
It all starts with the air that comes from the lungs. That air is pushed through the trachea and into the vocal cords. This airflow causes the vocal cords to vibrate, which in turns produces the meow sound.
Cats then modulate each meow to express different things. Experts and cat owners agree that cats use different meows for different things.
Cats meow to communicate. They meow when they’re hungry, when they want to be let in (or out), and even to express their emotions.
How do you say meow (verb) in...
Dutch - Miauwen
French - Miaou
German - Miauen
Italian - Miagolio
Spanish - Maullir
Videos of Cats Meowing
These cute videos are brought to you in affiliation with YouTube.This kitty is clearly responding to the "other cat". Interesting because cats usually don’t meow to other cats.
Siamese cat talking with her "human"
Cats are one of the most vocal of the domestic cats. This kitty cat is a fine example.
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