Meaning: This means that the cat made a sound like a cat in the direction of the birds.
Choice of Words: Meowed means to make a sound like a cat. At means indicating a position or direction.
Alternative Expressions
The cat meowed at the birds
Meaning: This sentence means that a specific cat is making a sound called a meow towards the birds.
Choice of Words: Adding The before Cat makes it specific that we are talking about a particular cat. At means towards or in the direction of something. Birds are animals that fly and sing.
The cat meowed loudly at the birds
Meaning: This sentence means that a specific cat is making a loud meow towards the birds.
Choice of Words: Adding Loudly before Meowed tells us how the cat is meowing. Loudly means making a lot of noise. At means towards or in the direction of something. Birds are animals that fly and sing.