Cats may have evolved their distinctive meows over thousands of years to better communicate with humans, according to researchers.

Adult cats rarely meow at one another, instead relying on other vocalisations and facial cues. Researchers say the meow is primarily used to communicate with humans, with kittens being a notable exception as they use meows to communicate with their mothers.

Studies suggest domestic cats have developed softer and less harsh meows than their wild relatives, potentially because some of their sounds resemble those of human infants and prompt a response from people. Researchers also say the pitch and tone of a cat’s meow can provide clues about its mood, with downward-pitched meows often associated with stress or fear and upward-pitched sounds with more positive states.

However, scientists say there is no universal “cat language”. People who live with cats tend to be better at interpreting their individual vocalisations, suggesting cats and their owners may develop a private form of communication over time.