Why do cats meow, and why does my cat meow? This may seem like a really silly question, but honestly, it’s not! Whenever a small child is asked to do a cat impression, they’ll meow, right? But why do cats make this noise in particular?
Meowing is our cat’s way of communicating with us for many reasons. It could be to say something as simple as hello or to notify us when they’re in distress.
The meow is quite versatile; it is your cat’s language, so to speak. So finding out why you have a meowing cat can be a bit difficult – but that’s why we’re here!
Why Do Cats Meow?
Excessive meowing is not normal and could be a cause for concern. There are reasons why cat’s meow. Your cat could be meowing excessively because it might feel scared, hungry, sick, or need your attention and love.
It’s a perfectly normal habit for many cats to meow, so this shouldn’t bring too much concern. However, cats meow to express themselves, and they could be trying to tell you something important.
So, why is your kitty meowing? Here are some of the most common reasons.
To Greet People
One reason why cats meow and use vocalizations excessively is something as simple as greeting you or another fellow animal. Your pet may meow when meeting new people or as a simple “hello” to you and your family. Your feline friend did miss you, and they want to express that!
To Get Attention
Cats don’t like being lonely, so if your cat is meowing, it could be asking for something such as some play time with you, a toy, petting, or some treats. In simple terms, attention-seeking.
If your cat is brushing up against you and meowing, then chances are they want to be noticed, so bring out those treats and have some fun with them!
To Ask for Food
Another common reason your cat is meowing is that they are hungry or thirsty, so check its food and water bowl to see if it’s empty. If it’s time to feed, it is important not to give them food immediately.
This is an important part of pet training, and if you give in, it could lead to the formation of some really bad habits.
Wait until your pet stops meowing. Otherwise, they’ll know that meowing is the way to get the food they want! An automatic feeder or a pet sitter is also something to consider if you can’t constantly meet your cat’s need for attention and food.
This allows them to eat whenever they like!
To Tell You They’re Unwell
Sometimes our feline friends try to convey that they’re unwell through their meowing. It’s sad, but this is sometimes why your cat might become very vocal, especially at night.
This could signify numerous diseases like kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or arthritis. They may even have an overactive thyroid or have side effects from being neutered or spayed.
If their yowl doesn’t sound like their normal meow, it might be worth consulting a vet to see if an illness could be involved.
Especially if it only seems to happen at night, it’s certainly an idea to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Asking to Be Let in or Out
Cats can be very demanding and love to let you know when they want something, and asking to be let in or out is no exception. Your cat will use vocalizations near the door, so you may want to consider installing a cat flap.
If you’re in that transition period between outdoors and indoors, your cat might crave being outdoors, and it’s hard for them to get used to.
Elderly Cats
Just like humans, cats also age, and cognitive dysfunction may develop. Older cats tend to have more mental confusion than kittens, so paying attention to them is essential. They may suffer from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and may cry for no reason.
Nightlights could help so that your cat doesn’t get confused at night when trying to make sense of their surroundings.
To Indicate Stress
Your cat could be stressed, and that’s why they’re more vocal. If there have been changes in your house, like a new baby, a new pet, or a change in routine, your cat may struggle with these changes. We recommend that you check what could be stressing your cat out.
Even a tiny change, such as getting a new litter box or cat litter, can trigger increased vocalization in your cats.
Giving them extra attention can help; you can walk them, talk to them and communicate to decrease their level of worry.
To Find a Mate
Maybe your cat is trying to mate, and that’s why there’s excessive noise. Females and males will suffer from this and yowl a lot more if they’re eager to find a mate.
Females yowl to let the males know they’re ready for reproduction, and males yowl to find females. You may also find their body language contributing to this too.
What To Do if Your Cat Won’t Stop Meowing
So now you know all the reasons why cats meow, whether that’s because they’re hungry, to initiate play, or to indicate stress, but what can you do about it?
Don’t panic; there are a few things that you can do to stop this before it gets out of hand. Playing with them can often fix a lot! Let’s take a look at some other options.
Don’t Ignore Your Cat Meows
The worst thing you can possibly do to a cat that is constantly meowing is to ignore them. If the excessive meowing is for attention-seeking reasons, then ignoring them will just lead to more meows and growling.
Instead of ignoring them completely, wait until there’s a pause in the cats’ meow. This is the moment when you should give them the attention they seek. Continue for a while, and they should make a connection.
Once they realize that they only get your attention when they’re quiet, the excessive meowing should stop.
Don’t Punish Your Cat
You should never punish your cat for incessant meowing. They are trying to communicate with you. As annoying as you may find it, punishing your cat would be the same as someone punishing you every time you start talking.
They may be trying to tell you something is wrong or that they need something, so listen closely to the sounds of their different meows.
Break the Habit
If you’ve managed to narrow down why your cat meows, then it’s time to break the habit!
- If they’re meowing because they need food, consider getting an automatic feeder.
- If it’s because of loneliness, then maybe it’s time to get other cats or pets to keep them company.
- If they’re being left in the house for long periods, then a pet sitter might be a good idea.
- You might even want to try and leave a window open so they can come and go as they please. This will also save you from changing the kitten cat litter as much!
Visit the Veterinarian
Another reason your kitty may be yowling is that they’re in pain or are sick, which is common in cats, and a trip to the vet may be needed.
The veterinarian might prescribe something if the pain is due to your cat being spayed or neutered recently. Certain breeds are more prone to illness than others, which is why it’s important to notice these changes in our animals.
Conclusion
So, if your cat won’t stop meowing, it’s not the end of the world, and there is a way to find out why your kittens meow. One cat breed that meows the most includes the Siamese cats. You’ll just be hoping for some quiet at certain times with this vocal cat breed!
However, don’t punish your cat’s meow, as it could be related to illnesses, feeling trapped, or simply wanting a conversation. Mothers may also be protective over their kittens, and female cats often do this with their young ones leading to a bite, purrs, or hissing.
If you’re left wondering why is my cat meowing excessively, this article should have helped you determine what’s normal and what’s not.
