[AnotherUnixGeek]

I remember reading something about this quite a while ago - that the adult cat's "meow" is not a sound they use to communicate with other cats. It's meant to appeal to people, apparently - and it sounds as close to a baby's cry as they can make it. This might explain why cats tend to be more popular with women than men (I like them because they're not nearly as demanding to keep as dogs).

Fascinating example of adaptation - the noises kittens use to call to their mothers apparently are carried on into adulthood because they still serve a purpose - to make us feed them or pet them. Probably not seen in any member of the cat family except for domestic cats.

[dragonblustar]

I’ve heard my cat meow a few times and it’s remarkably similar to a baby’s cry.

[elcid1970]

Our tortoiseshell had two purrs - one soft, low, and steady, showing general contentment.

The other was loud, like someone snoring or waking out of a snore. It usually came on as she began `nabbing’ at our bare toes. Sometimes to be fed, or more often it was “I feel like teasing someone right now”.

She was proof that cats have a sense of humor.