Many cats will have a variety of vocal sounds to communicate different needs and meanings. Understanding the meaning of what your cat is trying to say will help you to create a deeper relationship with your cat. If you pay attention, you may be able to "hear" him. Although he may not actually speak, your cat communicates in several different ways.

Just like humans, cats use body movements and facial expressions to communicate with you and other cats. Paying attention to the body language of your cat will allow you to understand how he or she is feeling. Cats have clear movements that indicate their moods and their state of mind, with arched backs and pulled back ears being easily recognisable as anger and rolling onto the back for a tummy rub being an obvious sign of contentment.
Purring, coupled with the ears turned forward and often the eyes closed halfway is a clear indication of your cat feeling relaxed and contented. When your cat flattens his or her ears and brings the whiskers forward, this is an indication of aggression and a warning to whoever the cat is “talking” to.

Cats also use their noses to talk to you. When they nuzzle up to you and rub their face against you, almost like hugging, your cat is leaving his or her scent on you from glands found in the cheek. Smells are one of the most important ways that cats use to communicate property and territory and should be taken as a compliment when your cat claims you as their property.
A cat will also gently touch his or her nose to you. This is a friendly communication that cats use to indicate their own version of “I love you”. These gentle touches, whether with the nose or the top of the head, are all indications of happiness for a cat, very similar to a human hug or caress.

Cats can make a wide range of different sounds which they use to communicate with you, from squeaks to meows to purring. It is generally understood that the more rapid and intense the sound it, the more panicked, scared or anxious the cat is. The slower and gentler the sounds, the more confident and relaxed the cat.
Cats will often make ongoing sounds as a way of getting your attention. Many cat owners can confirm that their cat gets vocal when they want to be let out or when they want food. These long nagging sounds are the cat’s way of letting you know they want something.
When the sounds get shorter, and more urgent, it is usually a sign that your cat is getting impatient with you.

By paying attention to the sounds you cat makes and linking it to his or her body language you will be able to translate more clearly what it is that your cat is trying to say. Your cat will show you patience as you learn, and will reward you with appreciation when you get it right.