Do you ever pick up a cat and hear a squeak? If so, chances are you’re not the only one. This noise is called a “cat sneeze,” It is used to warn other animals in the area that the cat is being picked up.
Some experts say that cats make these noises in order to protect themselves from being picked up. Others believe that cats simply enjoy the sounds they make.
What causes cats to squeak when picked up?
Cats are notorious for their ability to silently stalk and pounce on their prey. As a result, when picked up by humans, cats may squeak in surprise or fear.
There are a few potential causes of this behavior, including being frightened by something immediately before the noise was made (like a sudden movement), experiencing pain from being held too tightly, or simply enjoying the sound of their own voice.
Regardless of the reason behind it, cats who squeak when picked up should be treated with caution – they may just be trying to warn you that they’re not someone to be messed with!
Types of cat squeaks
There are three main types of cat squeaks: vocal, inhalation, and reflex. All three types of cat squeaks can be pleasant for humans to hear, but each type has its unique personality.
For example, vocal cats tend to make high-pitched noises that sound like they’re laughing or purring, while reflex cats are generally more responsive to touch and often make a low growling noise.
Overall, there are many different types of cat squeaks, and each has its special qualities that may appeal to certain people.
Vocal cat squeaks
Many cats squeak when picked up or petted, but this behavior can also be due to fear or anxiety.
Cat squeaks can sometimes be mistaken for cries of pain, so it’s important to learn what causes them and how to recognize when your cat is feeling stressed. Here are some tips:
- If your cat usually squeaks when you pick her up, try holding her differently – either by the back of the neck or her torso.
- If that doesn’t work, she may be afraid of being picked up and needs time to adjust. Offer her treats while you hold her and wait until she stops squealing before setting her down.
- If your cat starts squealing when someone other than you picks her up, she may be anxious about the stranger and feel threatened.
Inhalation cat squeaks
When you pick up your cat, she sometimes makes a strange noise. This noise is called inhalation cat squeaks, caused by a health problem or a physical condition.
There are a few different reasons why your cat might make this noise. One reason is that she has asthma. When your cat inhales, the air pressure in her lungs drops, and it can cause pain and inflammation.
Another reason is that your cat has a hernia. When the tissue that connects one of her abdominal muscles to her chest wall bulges out, it can make the surrounding area stiff and cause the hernia noise.
Reflex cat squeaks
Reflex cat squeaks are usually caused by pain or injury. When a cat is picked up, their reflexes kick in, and they may make a noise.
This is usually just a warning to inform the person that the cat isn’t comfortable being picked up.
If the cat is injured, they may also make this noise to try and get attention.
Tips for Handling a Squeaky Cat
If you have a cat that makes a lot of noise when you pick it up, here are some tips for handling them:
- Start by getting the cat used to being picked up by slowly picking them up from the front. If the cat is too squirmy, try holding them from behind instead.
- Once they’re more comfortable with being picked up this way, try picking them up from the back. This way, they can’t move their body around much and will be less likely to make noise.
- If all else fails, try putting the cat in a carrier or box before picking them up so they can’t move around as much and make more noise.
Be patient – it may take time for the cat to adjust to being handled. Remember that he’s probably just nervous because of all the attention he’s receiving!
Final thoughts
It is clear that cat squeaks when picked up is an attempt to communicate fear or distress. If you are picking up a cat and it makes this noise, be gentle and slowly set it down. Doing so will likely prevent further confrontation or injury.
However, if the noise persists or becomes louder, it might be time to take your cat to the vet for an exam.