You Say Meow, I Say Nyaa: Exploring Different Interpretation of Cat Sounds

October 14, 2025

You Say Meow, I Say Nyaa: Exploring Different Interpretation of Cat Sounds

I love learning about other cultures. I've traveled through Sweden and Costa Rica, and I often use language apps to learn some phrases for fun. And I've noticed not everyone hears a cat whisper "meow." Depending on who you ask, the feline signature sound may come across as very demanding or sweet and gentle!

🌍 How Cats Say “Meow” Around the World

Language | Meow Sound | Written Form Pronunciation

You hear the feline chorus?! Since every language has its own sound rules, the way people interpret a cat’s call can vary wildly! Each culture hears and records a cat’s voice through its own linguistic lens—revealing how universal, yet delightfully diverse, our bond with cats really is. Despite the differences, most of these sounds still start with an “m” and end with a soft vowel. Isn't this interesting?

😺 Do Cats Actually Sound Different?

Nope! A Siamese in Spain and a tabby in Thailand will meow the same way (as far as I know). It’s our ears—and our languages—that shape the sound.

✈️ From Travel Notes to Cat Memoirs

These discoveries became emotional breadcrumbs that eventually shaped my cat memoir set in Tokyo. It’s not a tale with a perfect ending—but it’s one of transformation, connection, and listening. Especially to the quiet.
Whether you're team “miau” or loyal to “nyaa,” every whisper from a whiskered friend tells their own story. What does your cat say? And what have you heard in your corner of the world?

If you’re curious to read more about my journey from Tokyo street cats to global empathy, my book is here.

Meow travels far. And sometimes, it brings us back to ourselves.