6 Reasons Your Cat Won't Stop Meowing At You
Do you find yourself asking, “Why does my cat meow so much?” Does your cat carry on entire conversations with you? Cats communicate through a variety of sounds and vocalizations, from meows to growls to hisses. As kittens, they’ll meow to their moms when they’re cold, hungry, or scared. But as they age, cats mostly rely on body language and other more subtle vocalizations. But did you know that adult cats reserve their meows for communicating with their humans?
Most cat owners can agree that after a while, deciphering our cat’s meows becomes almost second nature. There’s the ever infamous “I’m hungry” meow and the “C’mon, let’s play!” trills. But besides the obvious meows we’re able to easily recognize as cat parents, there are more than a few reasons your cat keeps meowing at you.
1. Illness
Some cats are naturally more chatty than others - Siamese cats are known for being especially fond of expressing their opinions vocally. But if your cat is suddenly meowing more than usual, to the point of excessiveness, this may be a sign of an underlying illness. For instance, cats of all ages can develop an overactive thyroid or kidney disease, both of which can result in excessive vocalizations. It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior - and of course, their meows. They may be trying to tell you something is wrong and a vet checkup may be in order.
2. Stressors
While some cats handle stress differently (like humans), a stressed cat may often become more vocal. Whether you’ve introduced a new pet or there has been a big move or changes made in the home, if your cat is stressed they might turn into a talker. Observe your cat for other signs of stress, and try to root out the source of it. If you can’t locate the source of stress or are unable to change it, be sure to give your cat some extra TLC and quiet time to help calm them down. Vertical space such as a cat tree can furnish some needed space or a hiding place that can reduce your cat’s stress as well as provide a great place to sleep or exercise.
3. Signs of Aging
As cats age, they can sometimes suffer from a form of mental confusion (or cognitive dysfunction), just like humans. This can cause them to become disoriented and cry for no apparent reason, especially at night. A nightlight sometimes can help if your cat becomes disoriented at night, and veterinarians often can prescribe medications that help ease these symptoms.
4. They’re in heat
If your cat is not spayed or neutered, be prepared for a lot more racket. Unaltered females in heat will yowl to attract a mate - and unaltered males will yowl in reply when they smell a female in heat. Spaying and neutering your cat will prevent this caterwauling. On top of that, spaying and neutering can actually improve your pet’s health, curb behavioral issues, and help save on the long-term cost of veterinary care.
5. Attention Seeking
While cats aren’t pack animals like dogs, that doesn’t mean they want to be alone all the time! Cats prefer to be social with the humans they love and trust. So despite the stereotypes of the “aloof” cat, your cat may be meowing to grab your attention because they’re feeling lonely - or even just bored.
If your cat isn’t getting the attention or stimulation they crave, it can result in incessant meows and 4 am kitty wake up calls. Provide your favorite feline with plenty of playtime with you - a tired cat is a quiet cat! But also provide them with toys they can bat around themselves during the day when you’re not home to encourage them to play. Catnip-filled toys are a great choice as the catnip also stimulates and encourages your cat to play - instead of nap all day.
6. Begging
Most pet parents know this meow like the back of their hand: The “FEED ME” meow. Many cats learn that anytime someone walks into the kitchen, if they meow for food there’s a chance they’ll get a bite to eat. And anytime you feed them after they come in meows blaring, you’re reinforcing this behavior. If your cat is a chronic beggar who meows at the top of their lungs, avoid feeding your cat when he cries. Wait until he quiets down to put down food, and don’t give her treats when she meows.
Shut the fuck up lacey you’re a dumb fucking prick with no future youre probably a single mom that hasnt had sex in years and have a shitty life
Lacey you think you’re being empathetic but youre just being an asshole. I have a cat who is so loud it causes issues with neighbors. I try everything i can and nothing works and she wont let me sleep, and i already suffer from insomnia and mental health issues. I love my cat but its been really difficult. And when i picked her up i was young and had no idea it would be like this. So f off with your judgments. Youre just a self righteous prick who should keep their mouth shut.
Oh and one more thing – if your cat is howling all day and all night and hides in a toilet because she’s scared maybe you’re the problem or maybe there’s something actually wrong with her. Maybe take her to the vet and the way this one person sounds, if it isn’t health issues then it must be you.. You sound like an awful person.
This is a long one and I don’t usually do this on websites but I must say this: For all of you who are willing to give your pet up just because they meow a lot is really fucking shitty. There’s some evil cats out there and people work with them repeatedly and keep them. My second baby was so scared, but when she’s scared she gets SUPER aggressive and will full on fucking attack. She attacked me the first night I got her. Know what I did? I thought hmm I don’t know what she just came from and then being in a shelter to a foster home to the shelter and then to me, that’s enough stress to activate aggression. So I gave her alone time and time to acclimate. Whenever she attacks now which has only happened once and actually just a few weeks ago, I thought about all the possibilities of what caused it. Then I realized I kept the front door open (we have a screen door) and my neighbor has a husky so everyday for a couple weeks and just for a few moments a day she was exposed to him and so I started keeping it closed to close her off from that contact with him and BAM she went back to her lovey self. She also HATES strangers and mostly men. It stresses me out having people over, but I supervise and have found ways for her to be okay with it. I have to explain to the guests beforehand and to just ignore her and don’t be scared and she is slowly but surely getting better and better! Cats take effort, care, love, and understanding. Maybe you should give them back because to me it sounds like some of you are just awful owners and aren’t even willing to try to work with them and put in effort. Makes me sick. Don’t get an animal if you are willing to give up your “furever” friend because they meow a lot. My one baby does, but it’s because she wants to play most of the time that’s usually the answer. We get so busy in our day to day lives and yes we love on them and feed them, but a lot of times we don’t play with them as much as they really need it. Especially if they don’t go outside. Giving them toys isn’t enough. They need YOU to play with them. They need that, they crave that. You have to play with them for at least 20-30 minutes a day, feed them properly, clean their boxes before they get bad, and give them love when they seem to want it. If you can’t do that then don’t get a cat. God giving up a cat because it meows too much? Give me a fucking break.
I have a cat, her name is Chloe and she nonstop wakes me up at 3AM, I don’t know what to do with her. If I try to sleep again, she just uses her rough tongue on my forehead to keep me awake! I need my sleep so I can be energized in the morning! This is the 100th time now! Yes I have been counting, and I am sick and tired of her doing this! Plz tell me how to cope with this!
A loyal fan,
Haylee
Leave a comment