A kitten's vocabulary is a combination of both verbal and nonverbal language. Understanding what Kitty's trying to say will help you avoid misunderstandings and improve your relationship with your cat. Researchers have identified more than 16 different feline voice patterns, which are commonly divided into the following four categories:

• Purrs and Trills: These are the happy sounds your kitten makes when he's feeling friendly and relaxed. Purrs range from quiet, almost silent vibrations, to reverberating rumbles that nearly rattle the windowpanes. Trills express joy when Kitty's bowl is filled or when you bring out a favorite toy.
• Meows: Vowel patterns, like meows, are feline demands for something. Meows vary from short, muted mews to raucous, multisyllabic cat calls. Kittens meow to Momcat, but otherwise meows are aimed primarily at humans. Higher pitches generally have a more pleasant connotation, while the lower tones tend to indicate more agitation.
• Chirps: Articulated sounds like chirping and chattering usually indicate frustration. If you hear your kitten chittering, chances are he's seen something he can't reach — like a squirrel out the window.
• Spits and Screams: Strained intensity sounds are used in mating, offense, and defense. A frightened kitten may hiss and spit; an angry kitten may growl; and a defensive kitten howls, yowls, and finally, screams.