CATS! WILD TO MILD | THE SENSES

SOUND EFFECTS

Roaring and purring are the two best-known noises made by cats. However, only four species of cat can roar, and they aren't known to purr in the wild. Can you name these cats?

Select this text for the answer,

Most small cats, cheetahs, and pumas purr, although how is not fully understood. The sound seems to be produced by air passing over vibrating vocal cords when the cat breathes. These vibrations are felt through the body wall. Purring is associated with a contented cat.

Through Thick and Thin

The tongue and the larynx are supported by a series of small interconnected bones called the hyoid apparatus. The four cats that roar have thickened vocal cords and a more flexible larynx both of which allow these cats to make a roaring sound. The other cat species have thin vocal cords and a more rigid hyoid apparatus.

The Lion's Roar

Lions can probably recognize individual roars. When separated from the pride, solitary lions roar to reestablish contact. Similarly, a pride may engage in group roaring to locate missing pride members. The roars of the pride also warn off possible intruders. In areas where lions are often hunted, they are quiet and do not roar very often.

Lions may also roar simply to communicate how they're feeling to another lion.

Many Voices

Altogether, there are more than thirty species of cat. Among them, they produce a wide range of vocalizations, including snarls, growls, purrs, and roars. See if you can match the following sounds with the correct cat. Select this text for the answers.

  • Sound 1
  • Sound 2
  • Sound 3
  • Sound 4
  • Sound 5
  • Sound 6
  • Sound 7
  • Sound 8
  • Sound 9
  • Sound 10
  • Sound 11
  • Sound 12
  • Sound 13
  • Sound 14
  • Sound 15
    • Domestic Cat
    Canada Lynx
    Jaguar
    Serval
    Tiger
    Puma
    Bobcat
    Lion
    Leopard

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    Sketches of vocal chords by Rick Roe © Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Foundation

    Photograph of lions from SunSITE Japan Multimedia Collection

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