A cat can absolutely make a sound that makes a human say, “That cat is laughing.” Scientifically, though, feline vocalizations do not map neatly onto human laughter.
Cats purr, chirp, trill, meow, chatter and yowl. The meaning depends on context, body language and the individual animal.
The noises people most often interpret as laughter
Usually relaxation — but not always
VCA notes that purring commonly occurs when a cat is calm, but cats may also purr when stressed or in pain.
Friendly attention-getter
These short sounds often appear during greeting, exploration or excited interaction.
The window sound
Rapid jaw movement and small vocal sounds often occur when a cat watches birds or other prey.
The human channel
Adult cats use meowing heavily in communication with people, and the same cat may develop different meows for different situations.
Read the rest of the cat
Look at the ears
Forward or neutral ears tell a different story from ears flattened tightly back.
Watch the tail
A relaxed upright tail differs from forceful lashing.
Notice the body
Loose posture and kneading suggest something very different from crouching, hiding or tension.
Check the situation
Food preparation, play, veterinary handling and a sunny lap create very different meanings for the same noise.
We automatically translate animal sounds into human emotion
A rising trill can sound like a question. A strange purr can sound like a chuckle. A dramatic yowl can sound like an argument. Humans are pattern-finding machines, and cats provide excellent raw material.
Your cat may not be laughing, but it may still be having a very good time
Use the sound, body language and context together.
And if a trill sounds suspiciously like a tiny villain chuckle, you are allowed to enjoy it.