Feline isolation calls were analyzed, and a model was developed to relate the acoustical features of these calls to the physical processes used in their production. Fifty isolation calls were recorded from each of five cats for a total sample of 250 vocalizations. By combinations of Fourier transform, autocorrelation, and linear prediction methods, the fundamental frequency (glottal‐pulse period)F0, the energy ofF0, the frequency having maximum energyFmax(not alwaysF0), and the energy at this frequency were computed. MeanF0ranged from 400–600 Hz for individual cats. For some catsF0was consistent within calls, but for other cats sudden shifts inF0occurred within calls. Here,Fmaxwas almost always a harmonic ofF0and generally ranged from 1–2 kHz. For individual cats, the energy ratioE= (energy ofFmax/energy ofF0) varied from 1 to 60 and the grand averageEover the time course of the call varied from about 12 to 38. The mean rms call intensity was an inverted‐U function of time. Measured jaw opening was strongly correlated with acoustical features of call. A Bessel‐horn model with time‐varying flare gave a good account of acoustical parameters such asFmax. The presence of formantlike resonances in cat vocalizations and the important role of jaw movements (vocal gestures) in the production of these calls suggest that cats may provide a useful model for some aspects of human vocal behavior.