caterwauling

verb (used without object)

1. to utter long wailing cries, as cats in rutting time.
2. to utter a similar sound; howl or screech.
3. to quarrel like cats.

noun Also cat·er·waul·ing.

4. the cry of a cat in rutting time.
5. any similar sound.

verb (intr)

1. to make a yowling noise, as a cat on heat

noun

2. a shriek or yell made by or sounding like a cat on heat

v.

late 14c., caterwrawen, perhaps from Low German katerwaulen “cry like a cat,” or formed in English from cater, from Middle Dutch cater “tomcat” + Middle English waul “to yowl,” apparently from Old English *wrag, *wrah “angry,” of uncertain origin but all somehow imitative. Related: Caterwauled; caterwauling.