What's that you say?

I'd bet that those of us with multiple animal companions know each animal's individual voice, just as those with human children know each of their kids voices. We don't have to be in the same room to know who's "speaking".

Roxie just reminded me of how singular her voice is. As she awakens from sleep, she sometimes utters a distinctive "aaa-aack", and when she doesn't appreciate being held, she whines. I'd like to say that the gangsta has an intimidating growl, but in truth it really is laughably similar to the whine of a spoiled child.

Sweet Sweet, on the other hand, has the cutest little "meep" that I sometimes have to strain to even hear. Everything about Sweet hides in the background, including his little voice.

Annabelle, for all her stunningly glamorous beauty, has an extraordinarily threatening growl - very deep, very gutteral, and very sharply delivered.

Noddy, the massive Lion King, has an amusingly high-pitched voice (I dare not call it girlie) ... until he gets in the car. I have NEVER known a cat with a broader vocal range, capable of deafening volume, than my big boy. He's a screamer in the car, and he can make the most unworldly noises for hours on end in that environment.

BooBoo's voice is always plaintive and needy, full of insecurity and worry.

Lamie's voice is manipulative. She knows how to use it to charm softly or to intimidate with loud demands.

Pretty tries to sound tough like her sister Lamie, but she's really even more insecure than her other sister, BooBoo. Her voice reflects both. She tries to intimidate all of the other animals into leaving her alone by growling anytime someone gets too close, but the angst in her voice gives her away.

So, what do your kitty kids' voices say about them?

Laurie