The 13 Noisiest Cat Breeds (And What They're Trying To Tell You)

Will a cat's meows wake up the entire neighborhood? Unlikely. But are some cat breeds noisier than others, making their needs known with meows, chirps, and trills? Absolutely. In fact, many people would argue that some cat breeds are louder than some dogs! Cats boast 21 unique vocalizations, though every single cat might not be able to tap into each of them, and humans who are especially in sync with their feline friends can tell what they mean. To the trained ear, a meow for attention will sound very different than a yowl that screams, "Hey! Someone stepped on my tail!"

So, what are the noisiest cat breeds? Those originating from Asia, such as the Siamese and the Oriental shorthair, are known for being especially vocal. Certain designer breeds, like the hairless sphynx, are also reputed for being talkative. That said, whether a cat is conversational or not ultimately boils down to individual temperament, as even some of the loudest cat breeds have some quiet members, and a cat's age, disposition, and environment arguably play a larger role in their noise level than breed. Still, if you're looking for a conversational kitty, checking out these breeds that are notoriously louder than their peers can't hurt.

One of the Siamese cat breed's most notable characteristics is its reputation for being noisy, although nobody's exactly sure why. Some speculate that these cats are so talkative because of their long relationship with humans, with the earliest record of Siamese cats dating back to 1350 A.D. Siamese cats may have developed their love of conversation through wanting to bond with humans for hundreds of years. After all, if you were faced with two cats, one meowing and one silent, which would you pet? This is an incredibly social breed that will make itself known by any means possible. With the Siamese cat, it just happens to be trills, meows, and purrs.

So, what does a meowing Siamese cat want? It largely depends on context, but more often than not, a Siamese cat, thanks to its loyalty and friendliness, emits its distinctive meow because it wants snuggles, attention, playtime, or all three. If you're looking for an independent cat breed, steer clear of Siamese. Many breed enthusiasts describe them as dog-like, even known to loudly protest when their owners want some alone time!

As a breed, Bengals can be something of a wildcard because there's lots of variation among individuals. The reason? Some members of the Bengal cat breed have closer ties to their wild ancestors than others. Domesticated Bengal cats are classified by filial generation, signified by the letter "F" and a subsequent number. The higher the number, the further the cat is removed from their wild ancestor.

For example, F1 Bengal cats are 50% Asian leopard cat and 50% domestic cat. They share many traits with their wild parents, which may lean toward being silent and stealthy. On the other hand, F3 Bengals, which are only about 13% Asian leopard cat, may vocalize more because they're more closely related to domestic cats, and research shows that domesticated cats evolved to adjust and increase their vocal patterns to communicate better with humans.

But even then, genetic makeup isn't an indicator of how noisy a Bengal cat will be because every cat is an individual. Still, when Bengals do vocalize, it's largely to engage with their human owners, whether that's requesting attention or demanding food. It's tempting to give into a Bengal cat's demands, but stay strong! Giving in too frequently could cause your Bengal to think they run your household.

Siamese cats are among the oldest cat breeds, and consequently, they have served as the foundation of other breeds, including the Oriental shorthair — yet another noisy cat breed. Known for being incredibly social, once you bring one of these broad-eared cats home, you'll basically have a second shadow. Driven by their natural curiosity and attachment to their owners, Oriental shorthairs will concern themselves with every aspect of your routine, emitting a soundtrack of chirps, trills, and meows. Upon sitting down, your Oriental shorthair is likely to curl in your lap, purring the entire time.

So, how loud are Oriental shorthair cats? There isn't necessarily one cat breed that's louder than the rest. However, there is some data regarding how loud cats are in general. Cats' vocalizations generally reach around 45 decibels, the same volume as an ambient refrigerator. However, some cats (such as those in distress or in heat) can exceed 80 decibels, which is about as loud as a lively restaurant. An Oriental shorthair might not wake up your apartment building in the middle of the night, but a demanding kitty could certainly prevent you from sleeping soundly.

Maine coons aren't just loud; they have an expressive lexicon that alerts owners to their many whims and wants. From meowing and trilling to hissing and chattering, the massive Maine coon always has something to talk about. And they're not just noisy; these cats are known for being demanding. You might have to shut your bedroom door to prevent your needy Maine coon from talking your ear off!

It's important to note that while the Maine coon is a breed with a lot to say, if you notice an increase in vocalizations in yours, you should consider the reason. For instance, an un-neutered male Maine coon will become consumed by reaching a queen in heat, even if that means tearing through a screen door or escaping through a cracked-open window. If he can't get outdoors, he'll yowl, scream, and make his frustrations known to everyone in earshot. This is one of many reasons why cat owners neuter their male cats.

In another situation, a cat suffering from medical problems (such as an injury) may vocalize more as a way to express pain and get attention from their owners. Understanding your Maine coon's normal behavior and recognizing the signs of distress can help you act quickly.

Picture this: You're a hairless, 8-pound cat, and you rely on external heat sources to keep warm. Not only is your skin sensitive to temperature fluctuations, but years of selective breeding have also left you as an affectionate, people-centered cat. So, what's your favorite heat source? Your owner. Unfortunately, they're busy at the moment. Your best bet? Start making noise. It's for reasons like this that sphynx cats are among the noisiest cat breeds. 

With a sphynx cat, you'll never be left wondering about their needs, wants, or overall state of mind; they'll let you know. This is why sphynx cats don't make great companions for everyone. They're not low-maintenance pets, requiring specialized grooming needs for their fragile skin. These cats don't enjoy being left alone for long periods, which is why some owners elect to get a pair. Even then, two sphynx cats mean double the attention and double the noise!

The Japanese bobtail is an affectionate breed that goes as far back as the Middle Ages, when they were imported from Korea to Japan to hunt vermin. Because of their origins working and living alongside humans, Japanese bobtails evolved into the deeply devoted cats that people know and love today. And how do these cats profess their dying love? Through a series of soft, almost lyrical chirps. These sounds aren't necessarily loud, but they can certainly create a lot of chatter!

This unique voice has cemented the Japanese bobtail's place in folklore and other storytelling traditions in its native country. Some legends tell of singing Japanese bobtails — and if you've ever heard this cat's melodic meow, you would see why. Japanese bobtails are also a symbol of good fortune, commonly portrayed as a calico cat lifting one paw. That portrayal originates from a legend in which a man, who was sitting under a tree, was beckoned from his resting place by a Japanese bobtail. Moments later, a giant branch crashed down where the man was sitting. The cat had saved him from being crushed! Ultimately, if you're lucky enough to welcome a Japanese bobtail into your home, your days will more than likely be punctuated by its cheerful, musical voice.

When you adopt a Burmese cat, you're not just getting a four-legged companion; you're getting a mini housekeeper. These tenacious cats will concern themselves with every aspect of your household, supervising your day-to-day routine with their massive, globe-like eyes. While not known for being loud, a Burmese won't hesitate to alert you when something is wrong, rivaling the closely related Siamese and Tonkinese in terms of chattiness. Unlike some one-person cat breeds (meaning a cat learns to deeply trust one human but might be hesitant of others), Burmese will typically talk to anyone who will listen, brightening visitors' days with curious chirps that encourage interaction.

Burmese cats aren't for everyone. They're best suited to households teeming with activities that the Burmese can join. Yet, their vocalizations can be just as loud as a baby's crying, and they have a quaint-yet-deep meow that some find irritating. When choosing the ideal cat breed, it's important to consider your expectations, routine, and experience owning attention-loving cat breeds. These reflections will provide insight into what cat best suits you.

The Tonkinese breed originates from two very chatty cats: the Siamese and the Burmese. But there's something unique about how noisy Tonkinese cat breed is; these cats are known to chirp, trill, and meow in full sentences! They make a seemingly endless array of noises that leave nobody wondering about how they feel. Because of this, it's not uncommon to hear a Tonkinese before they even walk into a room. Not only are these cats known for their love of conversation, but they also adapt easily to multi-pet households and those with small children. In fact, many love this cat for its dog-like nature. They're known to eagerly greet their owners when they come home from work with a chorus of inquiring purrs and meows.

While Tonkinese are generally vocal, it's important to know the distinction between a chatty kitty and one that's in distress. You don't want to attribute signs of an underlying illness to your Tokinese's social nature! For example, Tonkinese are genetically inclined to develop feline lower urinary tract disease, which refers to an increased risk of bladder stones and infections. If you notice a sudden increase in your Tonkinese's vocalizations (along with other concerning signs), consult your veterinarian.

Meet the Singapura, one of the smallest purebred cats. Averaging between 4 and 7 pounds, these relatively rare cats retain their kitten-like traits well into adulthood, making them a favorite companion in quiet, stable households. Yet, make no mistake: Big things do come in small packages, and that's certainly the case for the Singapura's meow. When these cats decide to speak up, it can leave you wondering what your cat's noises really mean. This breed emits a distinctive sound that's sure to rouse anyone's attention, as a Singapura won't hesitate to speak its mind and will voice its opinion whenever it suspects something is wrong (such as you being a few minutes late with its dinner).

If you have your heart set on getting this small cat breed, it's important to exercise caution when vetting potential breeders. Always ask for genetic testing and information about the parents' health before putting a deposit down on a kitten. Singapura cats are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause blindness with age. By only conducting business with ethical breeders, you can rest assured that your kitten has everything they need to live a long life, which, for Singapura cats, is generally 11 to 15 years.

It's easy to see why the ocicat cat breed is commonly mistaken for Bengals, but make no mistake: Despite their leopard-spotted coats and love of conversation, they're not that similar. The biggest difference lies in their breeding. Bengal cats are the offspring of Asian leopard cats and domestic shorthairs, while ocicats are 100% domestic cats that have been selectively bred from Siamese cats, Abyssinians, and American shorthairs over time. Ocicats may have inherited their vocal nature from their Siamese ancestors, as they're undeniably among the most talkative cat breeds.

Ocicats may demand their owner's attention for many reasons, but the most common is generally snuggles and affection. However, they're not reputed for being overly needy, unlike the dog-like Tonkinese that can even be trained to walk on a leash. An ocicat will meow for its owner, relish the attention, and then disappear for a few hours, only to continue the cycle at its whim.

Weighing anywhere from 6 to 15 pounds, ocicats suit a variety of households, meshing well with socialized children and pets. Because of their parent breeds, ocicats are known for being healthy and vigorous, living up to 18 years without health complications. Yet, like many other breeds, genetic testing is best to prevent degenerative conditions, like progressive retinal atrophy.

Balinese cats resemble long-haired Siamese cats while also sporting the triangular ears found in Oriental shorthairs. In the 1940s, fanciers refined the Siamese breed, working to create a family-friendly cat with an aristocratic appearance. Because the breed was developed mostly from human intervention, Balinese cats possess many traits that people find desirable, including being interactive and vocal.

Perhaps that's why the Balinese is described as clown cats — they're always engaging in playful antics, like making noice, to attract attention and praise. They appear to enjoy co-existing with dogs, and they're great for households with older children, not because of aggression but because older children are more suited to their endless levels of energy. If you're wondering whether to get a Siamese or Balinese cat, the decision should boil down to how you feel about having a talkative breed. You may go with the Balinese if you're looking for a cat that loves conversation but won't chatter as endlessly as a Siamese.

Khao manee translates to "white gem" in Thai — and for good reason. These striking, white-furred cats are prized for their brilliant coats and crystal-colored eyes, with blue and yellow being the most common. The khao manee is more than a pretty face, though — it's also a fairly noisy cat breed. This cat is anything but shy, using combinations of hisses, purrs, howls, and yowls to get its points across. Khao manees are also masters of using body language as a method of communication. The position of a khao manee's tail can tell a thousand words!

So, why so chatty? The khao manee is a talkative cat because of its origins as a companion breed dating all the way back to the 1300s. At the time, these cats were prized among the aristocracy, hidden from visitors to promote exclusivity. It wasn't until 1999, when the breed faced becoming endangered, that a cat fancier was able to import a khao manee from Thailand to the United States. Through concentrated breeding efforts, the breed has seen its numbers increase, and this talkative cat lives to howl for another day.

In your search for a conversational cat breed, you may want to also take a walk on the wild side. This may spur you to consider getting a savannah cat, an emerging designer breed that involves mixing African servals with domestic shorthairs. However, you should know that these cats are very, very vocal, and their sounds don't necessarily have the same meanings as domesticated cat noises.

Savannah cats hiss, but depending on the context, it doesn't necessarily indicate aggression. Rather, savannah cats have a distinctive, rattlesnake-like hiss that could mean a number of things, so it might take you a little time to get in tune with your specific pet. Like with other some other cat breeds, savannah cats may make more noise when in heat.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.