Last Updated on: September 19, 2022 by Crystal Uys
A cat’s meow has much more to do with humans than other cats, and their meow has become a way to communicate. Meows can display a range of emotions, whether it be love and affection or stress, pain, or confusion.
The most obvious reason for your cat’s meowing is that it gets results. Your cat is just as quick to make the connection between the meow and being rewarded with what it wants, just as a human baby learns that by crying, it can receive food and attention.
I have found that it’s critical to keep track of how frequently your cat meows. A change in the frequency of your cat’s meows can be one of the first signs that your cat is unwell. We have compiled a list of possible reasons your cat may be meowing a lot.
The 7 Reasons Your Cat Is Meowing a Lot:
1. Boredom or Loneliness
Your kitty could be lonely and bored if left alone for most of the day. When you are home, playing with your cat will provide adequate exercise, which is essential for their health. You can do a few things to keep them entertained throughout the day, like allowing access outside or setting out foraging toys with food inside. You can also rotate the toys you leave out for them to play with and consider hiring a pet sitter to enrich your kitty’s life.
Continue to reward quiet behavior while ignoring the constant meowing. Rewarding your cat for their calmness can help, but it may still be a lengthy process.
2. Heat
Your cat may be following its instincts to breed. If your cat isn’t spayed or neutered, your male cat will meow if there is a female in heat, and if your cat is a female and in heat, then she will meow a lot suddenly to attract a male. It can be excessive and drive you up the wall, so it’s helpful to get your cat neutered or spayed.
3. Hunger
It is possible your pet may be hungry. It’s no surprise that hunger, whether actual or perceived, is one of the main reasons your cat may suddenly meow. Check that your cat is getting enough food and eating at the proper times, but if it eats on demand, feed it small meals, 4-6 times a day.
4. Stress
If you have moved homes or adopted a new pet, it could cause some stress for your kitty. If they are fearful of a person or another animal, they may meow repeatedly to indicate that they are stressed.
When we put our cats in the carrier to take them to the vet, it is a common source of stress for them. Therefore, it’s helpful to consult with your veterinarian about ways to make vet visits less stressful.
Be on the lookout for new changes that irritate them and interact with them as much as possible. To avoid behavioral issues, properly socialize your new pet with your cat if you add an animal to your family.
5. Sickness
Your cat may be trying to tell you that they aren’t feeling well by meowing. Chronic kidney disease or diabetes, for example, can lead to excessive thirst and cause your cat to meow frequently for water. Intestinal parasites, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or a gastrointestinal disease causes poor nutrient absorption, which can increase appetite, causing your cat to meow.
6. Pain
Pain is one of the most common causes of an increase in meowing. Cats in pain frequently emit high-pitched meows, or if they are very ill, they may have a quiet meow that is hardly detectable. Pain could be dental, orthopedic, or abdominal among other things, but the source of the pain is often difficult to locate because cats hide their discomfort. If you notice your cat hiding more frequently, it could be in pain. Consult your vet if you suspect your kitty is suffering from an illness.
7. Old Age
Cats often become more vocal as they age, and a few factors can cause an elderly cat to meow more. Cats losing their hearing will raise the volume because they cannot monitor the level of their meow. Cats may also meow a lot more as a result of illnesses or pain from aging. Age-related physical and behavioral changes can manifest as stress, anxiety, compulsive disorders, and litter box issues, which can cause changes in your cat’s meow.
What To Do When Your Cat Meows
When your feline meows, examine the situation to see if you can assist. In my experience, taking the time to carefully observe your cat’s behavior is always worth it. You never know what you might notice!
If your cat’s meows are persistent, look for a simple reason they may be trying to get your attention, such as food, water, or clean litter, and make sure they are safe. If your cat’s vocalizations become distressing, interact with them, and try to calm them down.
Don’t punish your cat for meowing, it could cause insecurity and fear, which may lead to more behavioral problems. Talk to your veterinarian for a complete checkup if they continue to meow for no apparent reason.
Conclusion
Pet owners are the true meow experts. Your sixth sense as a kitty owner will kick in when their communication changes and you will know when you need to investigate further. Most often, your cat is looking for a result, whether it’s affection, attention, or food. It is their way of communicating with you, and as cat owners, we reinforce the behavior by giving them our attention after a simple meow. However, there are times when the meow is more of a cry for help, and they may require a visit to the vet. The type of meow and the rise in volume will be a sure tell-tale sign that it’s time to consult with a professional.
Featured Image Credit: Kaan Yetkin Toprak, Shutterstock
Cat mom to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that is her one and only child. For now! Throughout her life, she has been introduced to the special love that can be found in the bond with a cat. Having owned multiple felines, she is more than certain that their love is unmatched, unconditional and unlike any other. With a passion to educate the public about everything, there is to know about felines, their behavior, and their unique personalities, Crystal is devoted to making sure that all cats and their owners know the importance of conscious living – and loving!
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