What sound does a cat make when it calls to a male cat? - briefly
When a female cat is in heat and calling for a male cat, she makes a distinct sound known as "mewing." This sound is typically loud and persistent, designed to attract males over long distances.
What sound does a cat make when it calls to a male cat? - in detail
When a female cat is in heat, she will emit a specific set of vocalizations to attract male cats. The most distinctive and well-known of these sounds is known as "calling." This behavior is part of the cat's estrus cycle, which typically occurs every three weeks during the breeding season, usually from late winter to early fall.
The calling sound made by a female cat in heat is characterized by a series of loud, long meows that are often described as wailing or crying. These vocalizations can be quite persistent and may continue for several days until the cat is mated or the estrus cycle ends. The purpose of this sound is to signal to male cats in the vicinity that she is ready to mate.
In addition to the calling meows, a female cat in heat may also exhibit other behaviors designed to attract males. These can include rolling on the ground, rubbing against objects or people, and assuming a specific mating posture with her hindquarters elevated. The combination of these behaviors and vocalizations creates a strong signal that she is receptive to male attention.
Male cats are highly sensitive to these signals and can detect them from considerable distances. Once a male cat picks up the scent or hears the calling sounds, he will often follow the trail to find the female. This behavior is driven by the desire to mate and continue the species.
It's important to note that if you have an unspayed female cat and are not planning to breed her, it may be beneficial to spay her to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the frequency of these calling behaviors. Spaying also offers health benefits by reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.
In summary, when a female cat is in heat and wants to attract male cats, she will make distinctive wailing or crying sounds along with other behaviors to signal her readiness to mate. This natural process serves an essential function in feline reproduction.