Well, cats communicate in various ways, through both physical actions and verbal sounds. From just saying “hello” to simply being hungry, here are some possible explanations for constant meowing. It is still important to consult a veterinarian to eliminate the possibility that your cat's behavior is the result of an underlying condition, especially if their behavior has changed suddenly. Cat meowing a lot suddenly In most cases, when your precious fur baby starts meowing a lot, it’s nothing for great worry or major concern. It could also be considered excessive if the cat’s behaviour changes. Cats have evolved to hide signs of illness and pain. In most cases, when your precious fur baby starts meowing a lot, it’s nothing for great worry or major concern. However, if your cat suddenly begins meowing more than usual or the tone and character of the meow changes, there might be a problem. Changing residences can cause anxiety, which may present itself as a cat whining or a cat meowing at night. Sometimes your cat may be meowing to say hi. Some cats may meow for only 2 things: a litter box–related reason or food. Posted by just now. Your cat is old and confused. This means that in the early stages of illness, often the only thing that a Even if your kitty doesn’t show pain when you pet her or examine her, that doesn’t mean she’s not hurting somewhere. Generally, meowing is not a cause for concern. While this is a rather broad one, consider injuries first. Check out the range of noises this little meow-machine makes: Female cats in heat can become very vocal suddenly. Cats are masters at hiding the fact that they are sick. ", But there's an obvious difference between the usual meowing your cat uses to talk to you and the meowing of a pet in distress. If you’re like me, you want to know what your cat is trying to convey (especially when they won’t shush). And provide your scaredy-cat with plenty of options for comfort, such as cozy beds, cat houses, and upholstered cat trees. Some pet owners enjoy a chatty cat; others prefer a quieter cat. Pain -- Cats who are meowing a lot are trying to tell you something, and it may be that they are in pain. Finding and treating the underlying cause can do a lot more than give you back a good night’s sleep — it can add happy years to your cat’s life, as Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, explains in her article “Why Does My Older Cat Yowl All the Time?”. Cat naps, usually taking up anywhere between 15-30 minutes throughout the day, is your pet’s way of reserving energy for when there’s suddenly food, prey, or a threat present. “Cat Constantly Meows and Drives Owner Crazy.” Cattle Dog Publishing. If the changes in meowing are due to a medical problem, chances are you'll notice other symptoms as well. Cats, like people, have variances in personalities and vociferousness. Yin, Sophia, DVM. Common Complaints When an Old Cat Meows All the Time Just to be clear, this article is not about a cat who “talks” to you, meows a lot or is purring loudly. If this is your case and these meows extend during the night until dawn, get in touch with our ethologists. Your cat may be more affectionate than normal because it’s anxious. ", Increased meowing can also be a sign of distress associated with neurologic function, such as in the case of senility and brain disorders, especially if it occurs in older cats. We arrived at the last of the most common cases, which is the increased meowing due to the heat. We have spoken to our local Vet about the meowing… Apart from not being nice, this may cause fear and insecurity — which would mean further behavioral issues. That’s the first thing that people usually consider. If your cat is suddenly much noisier than usual, it could be a sign … Keep rewarding the quiet behavior and ignoring the constant meowing. "For example, if your cat suddenly starts meowing at you all the time, or vocalizing when jumping on and off furniture, or vocalizing when being handled, all of these could be an indication of something going on. Bu videoyu YouTube Video Düzenleyici ile oluşturdum (http://www.youtube.com/editor)Cat sounds, cat noises to attract cats or other pets. Adopted cat suddenly meowing a lot more, notably crying at night. And should I be concerned? Changes in the home, new people, new animals or other causes could stress your cat out. If your cat keeps meowing, walk away until they calm down. "Some cats, notably Siamese, meow more than others," says Dr. Jeff Levy, a Manhattan-based veterinarian and certified veterinary acupuncturist. Vote. Illness. Pregnant cats can be quite vocal, especially in the latter stages of pregnancy. Also, if your cat is running around your house like crazy and is grooming more than usual, he might have fleas. Especially if your older cat isn’t just “talking” to you but is yowling very loudly, then please see the vet. I recently came across a question in the forums from a woman who started feeding a stray cat.. She says, “I have a clearly pregnant cat following me around meowing and trying to get into my house. Make sure you don’t accidentally lock it in a closet or bathroom if it's easily frightened. My cat is usually very quiet, but when he meows, he needs something or is trying to alert me to something. Make sure your cat is getting enough food and is eating at the appropriate times. It’s as simple as that. Adopted cat suddenly meowing a lot more, notably crying at night. Since your nap-loving kitty seems to be losing a number of naps and do a lot of pacing, you can think of pain as the primary reason. “Why Does My Older Cat Yowl All the Time?”, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/meowing-and-yowling, https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/cats_constant_meowing_is_driving_owner_crazy/. Once your cat has a clean bill of health, though, you can begin working with him on changing his behavior. Let me in – “If a door is closed, cats might meow to get you to open it for them,” says Harrell. Here are the details: Species: Cat. If the food bowl is empty, your cat let you know by meowing a lot. "And it's likely your feline will also use meowing to train you to do his bidding in the middle of the night like mine has.". Disorientation is not uncommon, and your cat may meow out of frustration or confusion. And while you’re at it, check the water bowl, too. For example, cats with cognitive dysfunction often meow more because they are stressed and confused. The female cats, if they are in heat, will meow more and be much more affectionate. Constant cat meowing could indicate an overactive thyroid, kidney disease, problems urinating or a host of other health issues. If your cat has stopped meowing, it could indicate a number of potential issues. My cat suddenly started talking, a lot. Cat Veterinarian: paul brazzell It sounds like what the cat does could be hyperesthesia syndrome- a unclear disorder that likely has neurological, possible dermatology, and behavior components. A cat who meows a lot should be checked thoroughly by a veterinarian to ensure a medical condition is not the cause of the cat’s distress. Meowing is one way a cat communicates, and your cat may be trying to tell you that they don’t feel well. Any sudden change in behavior (including suddenly meowing to go outside more often) warrants a call to the vet to rule out medical issues before assuming the problem is behavioral. Your cat could be in … It's up to you to read those signals and notice changes that might be telling you it's time for a vet visit. Cats can become stressed out for a lot of reasons, and some of those may be surprising to humans because we are not cats and different things stress us out. Your cat may be hurt or ill. It also depends on the pet owner’s tolerance. A mild pain medication can help the cat to swallow more easily, which means it will be able to eat and make a faster return to good health. I have had four cats in total, and they all spoke a lot, but this particular cat have hardly ever spoken, except for a low, rusty "meow" when she wants food. 5. Why does my cat meow so much? Essentially, any medical condition that results in physical or mental discomfort may cause cats to meow more than they have in the past. It was last reviewed for accuracy and updated on Aug. 24, 2019. If this behavior is something new in your cat, it’s worth a trip to the veterinarian. Check Now: Blue Buffalo • Science Diet • Purina • Wellness • 4health • Canine Carry Outs • Friskies • Taste of the Wild • See 200+ more brands…. On the other hand, if your cat is normally quiet and suddenly starts meowing insistently, (or if a normally talkative cat suddenly stops meowing) it could be trying to tell you it is in pain. It will likely be enjoyable to be showered with affection from your cat. It could also be a pain response. Happy, active cats who suddenly become very quiet and either sleep a lot or just want to be left alone might be telling you something's off. A cat who is usually quiet and suddenly starts meowing a lot … When you see changes in behavior, patterns of activity, or vocalizations they produce, these should be warning signs.". It’s an instinct left over from the … Does your kitty seem to have a problem using the litter box all of a sudden? Cats are good at hiding illnesses, and meowing or making noise without showing interest in food could be a sign of a health problem that needs attention. Cats, like people, have … I’m sure you’ve read how all cats are aloof and independent, and they’re … Walking away is for excessive meowing, but do be sure to spend time with your cat every day (they are part of your family, after all). Or your cat could be gradually going deaf. It indicates real suffering. They Want Attention. "There are also instances that would constitute an emergency, like a urinary tract blockage," Marsh says. If your cat is meowing a lot during these changes, it could be an occasional “I don’t like this” meow or a constant and loud “I’m really mad about this!” noise. A trip to the vet is indicated here, to rule out medical problems. "In fact, I hear my own cat, Asti Spumante, vocalize every night, trying to squeeze in an extra feeding or just wanting attention. They may walk aimlessly, not trying to communicate with you — just vocalizing. When Cat Meowing Indicates a Medical Problem. If your cat is advancing in years, we recommend twice yearly visits for them to monitor their health. Cats, like people, can become forgetful or confused in old age. Sudden changes in behavior are always worrying signs in cats. + Click to see the sources for this article. ", When it comes to meowing, it's what your cat is doing differently that might matter the most. You certainly don’t want your cat to be sick! Why has my cat stopped meowing all of a sudden? Kitty is bored and wants you to wake up and play with her. Cat Nutrition: What Makes a Nutritional Cat Food? Rewarding your cat for their calmness can help curb the noises, but it might still be a long process. Sex/Neuter status: Male/neutered one week before we got him. … If your cat meows loudly when it's left alone, it may simply need to be comforted. "You know your cat best. Healthy cats meow for many reasons: to ask for food, to demand attention or petting, or to remind you to open the door for them. She Might Be Hurt. he usually sleeps in bed with me (next to my feet – he loves the smell of feet!). This article was originally published in 2015 and is regularly updated. If you are adding an animal to your household, properly socialize the new pet with your cat to avoid behavioral issues. "This is the sound made by cats in end-stage kidney disease, or with a blood clot, or in an altered mental state. If you often reward a meowing cat with cuddles, petting, or treats, they may be conditioned to vocalize for attention. Maybe this is because the cat wants to play, or they’re bored. She wanted to know why the cat was crying … Sickness-- Kidney problems are common in elderly cats. Foreign bodies stuck in the cat’s throat are removed, which allows the larynx to return to normal. There are even plenty of mobile veterinary services that would be able to visit you at your home and make the check-up convenient! Newman, Aline Alexander, and Gary Weitzman, DVM. If your cat is suddenly clingy, you may not mind at first. Meowing is a cat’s main means of vocalization and an important sign of mental and physical health. If your cat is always talkative, then that's probably just his nature and nothing to worry about. Don’t scold your cat for meowing. "In more than 20 years as a house-call veterinarian, I’ve heard every kind of meow you can imagine," Levy says.