Why does my cat meow a lot?
Common causes and tips
Cats use meowing as a natural form of communication, especially with humans. However, when meowing becomes excessive, it may indicate a physical or emotional problem that deserves attention.
Common causes of excessive meowing and how to fix it
⚪️Health problems: Illnesses such as hypertension, chronic pain or cognitive dysfunction in older cats can lead to increased meowing.
🔺 Solution: Consult a veterinarian to rule out medical problems.
⚪️ Stress or anxiety: Changes in the environment, moving house, tension with other animals or lack of stimulation can cause a cat to meow more than usual.
🔺 Solution: Maintain a stable routine, enrich their environment with toys and scratching posts, and make sure they have safe spaces.
⚪️ Reproductive behaviour: Unneutered cats often meow insistently to attract mates, especially at night.
🔺 Solution: Neuter your cat to reduce this behaviour and improve his overall well-being.
⚪️ Demand for attention: Cats may meow for food, play or affection. If every time he meows he gets attention, he will reinforce the behaviour.
🔺 Solution: Do not respond immediately to their demand meows. Set times for food and play.
Types of cat meows: learn to understand them.
Cats communicate in many ways, and their meows can vary depending on the situation:
- Short, soft and repetitive → Asks for something, such as food or for you to open the door.
- Deep and drawn out → Expresses frustration if he doesn’t get what he wants.
- Short and very soft → This is a greeting, usually when they see you or wake up.
- Long and loud → Indicates anger or discomfort, for example, if you want to go out.
- Intense and prolonged → Used to communicate with other cats, especially in heat.
- Low in pitch and volume → May be a sign of illness or discomfort.
Nocturnal meowing
One of the times when we most notice excessive meowing is at night, when it interrupts our rest. Possible reasons why your cat meows at night:
– Hungry. From a young age, cats meow to get their mother’s attention when they are hungry. As adults, they may do the same with you. If your cat meows persistently before bedtime or in the middle of the night, she may be begging for food.
– Seek attention. Some cats are more communicative than others. If yours circles you with prancing and meowing every time you look at him, he probably just wants affection or companionship.
– He has excess energy. Cats are natural hunters, and if they don’t expend enough energy during the day, they can become hyperactive at night. This leads them to meow and look for something to entertain themselves with.
– They may be sick or in pain. Unlike dogs, cats do not usually complain when they are in pain, but if they meow pitifully or differently than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. In these cases, it is advisable to see a vet.
– He is stressed. Cats are creatures of habit and any change in their environment can make them anxious. Moving house, new family members or even changes in their routine can cause them to meow more than usual.
– Hormonal fluctuations. If your cat is not neutered, it may be meowing for reproductive reasons. During mating season, both males and females can become very vocal, especially at night.
How do you stop your cat from meowing at night?
✔ Make sure he has enough food before he goes to sleep. You can try an automatic feeder if he wakes up hungry.
✔ Play with him during the day and before bedtime. This will help him expend energy and sleep better.
✔ Give him a calm and comfortable environment. Avoid sudden changes in his environment and provide him with safe places to rest.
✔ Consult your veterinarian. If the meowing is persistent and does not seem to have an obvious cause, it could be a health problem.
✔ Consider spaying or neutering. This will reduce their need to find a mate and, in many cases, reduce night-time meowing.
📌 Every cat is unique: some are very communicative and others barely meow at all. The important thing is to pay attention to their sounds and body language to understand what they are trying to tell us.
Understanding your cat’s language will help improve your cat’s well-being and yours. With patience and proper care, you can help your cat feel better and get a good night’s rest.
