Why is my cat meowing so much?
A lot of cat parents ask “How do I stop my cat’s meowing?”. The reasons behind a crying cat go beyond wanting cat food. Meowing at humans is a behaviour that's only present in cats that have been raised around humans. It’s a form of communication between a cat and their owner and is mostly used to demand something but that’s not always the case.
Here are some of the reasons why your cat might be meowing:
1. Your cat is hungry
Your cat knows exactly when their bowl should be full and will “ask” for it to be filled around their feeding time. Other cats will meow every time someone walks in the kitchen, hoping to get a tasty cat treat. Try to wait to put the food down until they quiet down and don’t give them treats whenever you hear a meow.
2. Your cat wants to go out
When a cat is locked outside and wants to get in, they'll meow and sometimes scratch until you open the door. Similarly, if they want to go out they’ll meow to get the attention of their doorman – that would be you!
Cat flaps are a must-have for every feline owner. They give your cat the freedom to go in and out of the house without having to meow to get your attention. If you’re worried about other cats getting into your house, a microchip cat flap from PetSafe® will open only for your pet’s microchip.
3. Your cat is annoyed with you
A tail that’s rushing back and forth, ears turned back and low pitched meowing are a few signs your cat is annoyed with you. While many cat owners love to pet and hug their cats, not all cats enjoy this type of physical affection. Stop what you’re doing otherwise meows might turn into biting.
4. Your cat is scared
Whilst some cats hide, hiss and growl when they’re scared others become more vocal. Cats that are experiencing stress often become more vocal. A change such as a new pet/baby or a house move can increase their stress levels.
Try to discover what is stressing your cat and help them adjust to the change. In the meantime, stress and anxiety solutions such as Pet Remedy’s Calming Diffuser and Homeopet’s Feline Anxiety Drops can help soothe your cats' nerves.
5. Your cat doesn’t feel well
Cats are very good at hiding pain but there are exceptions. Some cry prior to vomiting or coughing up a hairball.
Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, loss of vision/hearing, urinary tract infections, and cat dementia might cause a great deal of discomfort, confusion or anxiety resulting in frequent meowing. If you notice your cat meows more than normal it’s time for a visit to the vets.
6. Your cat wants some company
Some cats crave companionship more than others. Felines living in a one cat household sleep more and get bored more often. Try showing them more attention to help them feel loved and special. Cat toys can help burn their excessive energy and will help improve the bond between you and your feline friend.
Whilst some cats meow because they’re lonely others are just chatty. Some cat breeds, such as the Siamese and Sphynx, are also known as notorious talkers.