Anxiety may cause cats to meow out of fear or aggression. Separation anxiety, situational distress, or conflict can cause an otherwise quiet cat to become vocal. Cats who are in heat or are fearful of encroachments on their territory may yowl, growl or otherwise vocalize instinctively.

What does it mean when a cat groans?

Caterwauling is sometimes interpreted as melodramatic because it sometimes is melodramatic — your kitty is being ignored, and they're tired of it! If you think your cat is caterwauling as a way to illicit pets, treats, or another form of attention, don't reward them by giving them what they want while they yowl at you.

What does a low groan from a cat mean?

“It implies unhappiness from annoyance, anger, aggression or fear. It is a signal to back off. Growling can occur from a variety of triggers. Some cats can be food or toy aggressive and growl to show possession. If a cat is annoyed from physical contact, he or she may growl.”