Why Do Cat Meow? Our enigmatic companions, cats often communicate through subtle body language and purrs. However, what about that unexpected “meow”? Is it a demand, a greeting, or simply a way to get our attention? Let’s Find Out.
Nowadays, it seems like your cat constantly has something to say, even if you haven’t noticed how often they meow or what it sounds like. Your cat will start meowing even if they are sitting by themselves.
Now, since it seems to be going on constantly, you’re beginning to question whether this is typical. Let’s examine the potential causes of these shifts and the times at which you should be concerned.
Why Do Cat Meow?
A cat’s primary means of communication is meowing. They vocalize for a variety of causes. “Why does my human talk?” would be like a cat asking.
However, there is a reason your cat may be meowing much more than usual, and a little research will usually help determine the most likely causes.
To Greet You
Congratulations! Your cat noticed you were gone if you’re used to hearing a brief meowing immediately as you close the door after getting home.
Your cat uses these brief meows to communicate “hi” and “where have you been all this time?” Before returning to their regular activities, your kitty companion should expect a brief exchange of warm words and kind petting.
To Get Food
Checking the food bowl if your cat continues to meow at specific times is usually a good idea. You can tell why your cat is meowing if it’s empty!
A smart tip is to wait until your cat stops meowing before removing the food, so don’t fill the bowl right soon.
If not, your cat will learn that they can meow to acquire food, which will encourage them to do it more often.
To Express Pain
Because meowing is the only method cats can communicate, they also utilize it to let their owners know when they are in pain
Older cats, in particular, may be meowing excessively because of confusion and disorientation. In cats, meowing is a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Deafness/Losing Hearing or Sight
When they lose their senses of sight or hearing, many cats who previously relied on these abilities to communicate will become more talkative. Many blind and deaf cats will meow continuously and loudly.
Empty/Dirty Water Bowl
Cats that are thirsty or who want the faucet to turn on will also meow at the water source. They will meow to let you know if the bowl needs to be cleaned.
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Lonely or Bored
Some cats will meow if they are bored or lonely and seek attention, though this behavior is less common than dogs barking when they are lonely.
To Indicate Stress
Consider any potential disruptions or alterations in your cat’s surroundings if you observe additional meowing from your feline companion in addition to the typical conversation you anticipate from them.
Your canine friend may become anxious about a new home, pet, or infant. Therefore, pay attention to any changes and make an effort to calm your cat by giving them more attention and some peaceful time.
Mating Habits
Animals in heat, especially during mating season, can be very talkative. Cats can make ear-piercing screams during mating, a behavior known as caterwauling.
Attention
Many cats will use meowing as a welcome and expect a response because it’s a surefire way to garner attention.
Learned Behavior
We occasionally unintentionally teach our pets to speak. Since they frequently get what they want when they meow, it becomes a learned behavior. Their humans have been trained to jump when they meow!
Dirty Litter Box Alert
While the most typical dirty litter pan signal is just a puddle on the floor, some cats will meow in frustration to let you know that the box needs to be scooped, dumped, or cleaned.
Wanting to Play
As a polite invitation to play, many young cats will offer their favorite person a toy and a joyful meow.
Hypertension
Compared to healthy cats, cats with high blood pressure—which is frequently caused by renal or thyroid disorders—will also meow more and more frequently.
How to Help Them Meow Less
You can assist your car in meowing less after you are certain that it is in good health and that its excessive meowing was due to non-health-related factors.
The meowing might get bothersome at times, particularly if you work from home. You can keep an eye on the noises and establish a notebook. That will let you know when the meowing becomes excessive, like:
Saying Hello
If your cat meows too loudly to greet you, that’s okay. If your cat wants to show you how delighted they are to see you, there is nothing you can do about it.
For Attention
Avoid falling into the trap if your cat is meowing excessively to get attention. Rather, only pay attention to it while it is silent. Don’t yell at or chastise your feline.
When it purrs or meows, don’t pay attention right away. Hold off on petting its fur until there is a brief pause. The tension of trying to capture your attention may also be lessened by wearing a soothing collar.
Loneliness
Cats who are frequently left alone at home may grow too lonely. Consider hiring a pet sitter to watch your cats while you’re away if your neighbors complain about them meowing excessively.
Food
Cats utilize their meows to request food at inappropriate times since they are prone to spoiling. When they meow, resist the temptation to reward them.
Instead, teach the cats to only eat breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner at the designated times. Do this, particularly if your cats are already waking you up in the morning because they are hungry.
Even though the precise meaning of a given meow may not always be understood, it is evident that these vocalizations are essential to feline-human interaction.
By closely observing our cats’ body language and the context of their meows, we can learn a great deal about their inner lives and develop closer, more satisfying bonds with our feline companions.