Can Cats Laugh?

Have you ever wondered if your furry feline friends have a sense of humor? Do they laugh at our jokes or make jokes of their own? While we might not be able to have a good belly laugh with our cats, we can still appreciate their playful and entertaining behavior.

Illustration by The Pawfectly Modern

Can cats actually laugh?

The answer is no, cats don't produce sounds that are equivalent to human laughter. However, that doesn't mean they don't have a sense of humor or the ability to experience joy. Cats communicate their emotions in their own unique way, and we can often see signs of their happiness and playfulness through their behavior.

One way that cats express their joy and contentment is through purring. When cats are relaxed and happy, they might start to purr, which is a low rumbling sound that can be both soothing and comforting. They might also make chirping, trilling, or meowing sounds, which can be a way of expressing their excitement and enthusiasm.

According to animal behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, cats have their own sense of humor, which is different from ours. Cats are very observant creatures and can find amusement in unexpected movements and behaviors. For example, they might suddenly bat at a toy or string, then stop and look at their owner as if to say "Did you see that?". They might also hide and ambush their owners or other cats, which can be interpreted as playful and mischievous behavior.

Conclusion

So, even though cats can't laugh like humans, they can still make us smile and bring us joy in their own special way. We can appreciate their playful and entertaining behavior, and in return, we can provide them with plenty of toys, affection, and playtime to keep them happy and content.

Sources:

"Can Animals Laugh?," Scientific American, November 2016.

"The Science of Laughter," Psychology Today, July 2017.

"The Cat's Meow: Understanding Your Feline Friend," Jackson Galaxy, 2018.

"Ask Smithsonian: Do Cats Laugh?" Smithsonian Magazine, November 2015.