Can Cats Growl. When a cat feels frightened. Yes — cat growling is sometimes a reaction to pain.

It typically occurs when someone is trying to touch your kitty where it hurts. This is the most important thing when a cats growling, “back off.” your cat is telling you (loud and clear) that they need their space from either you or whatever they perceive as a threat. When your cat feels pain, or if it is sick, it is also going to growl.