That little squeak your cat makes when you lift her up can be both cute and confusing. Is it a happy chirp of greeting, a grumble of protest, or something else entirely?
Understanding this tiny vocalization is a great way to tune into your cat’s feelings and make sure she feels safe and happy in your arms.
The Main Reasons Your Cat Squeaks
A cat’s squeak is a direct response to being picked up, and it can signal a wide range of emotions and physical feelings.
The sound can be a tiny package of information, telling you everything from “I’m so excited to see you” to “Ouch, that’s uncomfortable”. Here are the most common reasons behind that little noise.
1. She Might Be in Pain or Discomfort
This is the most important reason to consider first, especially if the squeaking is a new behavior. The act of being lifted can put pressure on a sore spot you might not know about.
A very common cause of this kind of pain is osteoarthritis, a joint issue that is surprisingly widespread in cats, with research showing up to 90 percent of cats over age 12 have X-ray evidence of it.
If her joints are stiff or sore, being picked up could cause a sharp, painful squeak.
2. She Could Be Feeling Scared or Anxious
For a cat, feeling in control of her own movement is a big deal. Being suddenly lifted off the ground takes away that control and can make her feel insecure or scared.
This is especially true if she has had a bad experience in the past or if she isn’t being held in a way that makes her feel supported, like when her back legs are left dangling.
The squeak can be a small cry of fear or a plea to be put back down where she feels safe.
3. It Might Be a Simple Protest or Annoyance
Sometimes, a squeak is just your cat’s polite way of saying “I’d rather you didn’t do that right now”. She might have been enjoying a cozy nap in a sunbeam or been deep in the middle of important cat thoughts.
The squeak in this case is a mild protest, letting you know that she’s not in the mood to be moved or handled at that particular moment.
4. It Could Be a Happy Greeting or Excitement
On the brighter side, not all squeaks are negative. Some cats are just very expressive and will let out a happy, chirp-like squeak as a form of greeting.
If being picked up by you usually leads to fun playtime, a tasty treat, or some quality cuddle time, her squeak might just be a little burst of excitement and happy anticipation.
5. It May Be a Learned Behavior
Our cats are very smart and are quick to learn what actions get a response from us. If your cat squeaked once when you picked her up and you immediately put her down out of concern, she may have learned a new trick.
She might now squeak every time she wants to be released, knowing that the little sound is her ticket back to the floor.
What Should You Do About the Squeaking?
Once you have an idea of why your cat might be squeaking, you can take simple steps to ensure she is comfortable and feels secure when you handle her.
1. Pay Attention to Her Body Language
The squeak itself is only one part of the story. Look at what the rest of her body is telling you. A cat who is scared or in pain will often have a tense, rigid body, flattened ears, and a twitching tail. A happy cat, on the other hand, will likely have a relaxed body and may even be purring.
2. Always Rule Out Pain First
Because pain is such a common cause for this behavior, it is essential to address it first.
If the squeaking started suddenly, seems to be getting worse, or is paired with other signs like a reluctance to jump, it is a very good idea to have a chat with your veterinarian.
They can help figure out if there is an underlying medical reason for her discomfort.
3. Make Sure You Are Picking Her Up Correctly
How you lift your cat can make all the difference in how secure she feels.
The best way is to slide one hand under her chest, just behind her front legs, while your other hand supports her hind legs and rump.
Lifting her smoothly and holding her against your body helps her feel stable and safe.
Final Thoughts
Your cat’s squeak when you pick her up is her own unique way of communicating with you. It could be anything from a sign of pain to a chirp of pure joy.
By listening closely and observing her body language, you can better understand her message and continue to build a trusting and happy relationship.
