What Sound Does a Tiger Make?

Tigers communicate with a variety of sounds, including a friendly chuff-chuff, a roar to catch the attention of fellow tigers and a hiss or huffing to invite a fight. Unlike some of the big cats like cougars, tigers do not purr because muscle development in the larynx is weak.

Tigers imitate the sounds of a bear’s normal prey to attract the bear and trap it in the tiger’s territory. One swipe of a tiger’s paw is strong enough to break a bear’s back or smash its skull. While many cats purr to show contentment, a tiger squints when it feels safe and comfortable.