10 weird sounds pets make (and how to interpret them)
Sometimes our pets make the strangest sounds, and it can be hard to know what they’re trying to tell us! The following are 10 sounds you may hear your pet make and whether they indicate a potential health issue.
- Sneezing. Sometimes, pets sneeze for the same reason people do—they’ve inhaled something that’s irritating their nose. But dogs will also sneeze as part of their communication:
• to show other dogs—or people—that they need to slow down or take a break.
• to tell their playmate that they’re uncomfortable with what’s happening.
Sneezing can also mean a respiratory infection, so if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, make an appointment to see your veterinarian.
- Reverse sneezing. Not a sneeze at all, reverse sneezing occurs when a pet rapidly inhales air into their nose, often sounding like a snort. While it can be alarming, it’s not harmful and there are no ill effects. Gently stroke your pet’s neck and try to calm them, or cover their nostrils for a few seconds to make your pet swallow. Mention the frequency of these episodes to your veterinarian at your next visit.
- Chattering. Cats will sometimes chatter at birds or other critters they’re watching outside a window in response to the excitement and perhaps frustration of not being able to get at them.
- Gagging. If you hear gagging, check on your pet right away. Something may have just “gone down the wrong way” and can be dealt with on their own, but gagging could indicate they’re choking. Try removing the object by sweeping their mouth with your fingers, but be careful not to push the object farther down, and don't get bitten. Gagging can also be caused by kennel cough, parasites, a hairball or a respiratory infection. See your veterinarian if these episodes continue.
- Hacking. In both cats and dogs, hacking can be caused by kennel cough, allergies, asthma, an upper respiratory infection or a heartworm infection requiring veterinary care. In cats, a hairball and feline asthma can be causes of hacking.
- Honking. No, your pet hasn’t turned into a goose! When a pet starts honking, it can be a sign of tracheal collapse. Less common in cats, it’s most common in toy dog breeds (e.g., Yorkies, Chihuahuas, pugs and shih tzus). If you hear honking, see your veterinarian immediately.
- Yowling. Cats may yowl for a number of reasons, including hunger, pain, boredom, or a behavioral issue or cognitive decline. Cats may also yowl while trying to attract a mate. While yowling is a normal part of cat communication, if it becomes more frequent, is associated with other changes or is affecting the quality of life (of your cat or family), make an appointment to see your veterinarian.
- Baying. Certain breeds, such as basset hounds, beagles, bloodhounds and foxhounds, will bay—a long, deep-throated bark made when dogs are pursuing their prey. Baying lets other dogs on the hunt—and their human companions—know in which direction the prey is. The more intense the bay, the closer the dog is to the prey. Even if you and your dog don’t go hunting, they may bay when they pick up on the scent of an animal nearby.
- Snorting. Snorting is a forceful exhalation out of the nose and/or mouth that your pet makes on purpose. It could be in response to something that’s irritating the nose (e.g., dirt, a seed, allergen, or virus). An occasional snort is unlikely a concern, but if your pet is snorting frequently or it’s accompanied with other signs, it could indicate a health issue and your veterinarian should be contacted.
- Chirping. Cats will chirp when they’re excited, happy or have something to show you. Mother cats make this sound to get their kittens’ attention, so chirping is likely a behavior that’s carried over from kittenhood.
Interested in decoding other pet behaviors? Read our article on sleep positions >>
