Cats vocalize to get our attention, and whining is often done when cats are stressed or frustrated. These feelings can come about as the result of a variety of triggers, including hunger, boredom, or loneliness, which can usually be identified fairly easily.

Can cats whine?

Cat whining is different from normal, everyday meowing due to the way a feline pronounces her cat vowels. ... “When a cat is tense or stressed or perhaps in a weakened state, the meow can become lengthened, vowels become flattened, and also become higher pitched,” she says.

Is my cat yowling?

The yowl is often a cat-to-cat communication; it can mean “I want to mate,” or “I don't want you coming around my place.” It can also occur when a cat isn't feeling well, when senses or cognitive functions decline, or when something in her environment (perhaps a new cat on the block) isn't to her liking.