The Cat's Phony Meow

[deckardcanine]

I’ve finally noticed that cats on the screen
Will often do something that I’ve never seen
In reality, namely produce a meow
With their mouths closed completely. I’d have to ask how.
It’s obvious filmmakers wanted to add
A “natural” sound that just couldn’t be had
On cue, but why bother? We see it’s a cat.
They don’t make noise always; just leave it at that.
Well, maybe not everyone’s quite so attentive
And cinematographers aren’t that inventive.
What’s more, a meow can be simply adorable,
Making the practice much less than deplorable.
Nevertheless, in this age, it seems cheap
Not to animate mouths (in a way that won’t creep
Out the viewers) to match any noise that’s been made.
But the error is subtle, and that’s why it’s stayed.