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Why does my cat meow so much?

Written by Anne |

There are several reasons why cats may meow excessively. A cat may meow to get their owner's attention, but also because of boredom or anxiety. In addition, there may be a medical reason for excessive meowing, such as dementia or illness. A cat may meow more when they are unwell because they do not feel comfortable. In this article, we discuss the possible causes of excessive meowing in your cat.

kitten

Certain Cat Breeds Are Naturally Talkative

Some breeds, such as the Siamese or other Oriental breeds, use their voice more than the average cat. They are known for being very vocal and can meow frequently and loudly. They also enjoy human company and often ask for your attention by meowing. If you always respond, this may actually encourage the behaviour.

Therefore, think carefully about the choice of cat breed if you are considering getting a cat as a pet.

Excessive Meowing to Get Attention

If your cat has learned that meowing results in attention, they will quickly realise that meowing works and may do it more often. Your cat may meow because they are bored or because they want food.

How Can You Stop Your Cat Meowing for Attention?

If you do not like your cat meowing excessively, it is important to ignore attention-seeking meowing. Only give your cat attention when they are quiet and no longer demanding it. If your cat is meowing out of boredom, it is advisable to provide more enrichment, for example with new cat toys, a feeding puzzle or a scratching post. Try to make more time to play with your cat as well.

Meowing for food can often be reduced by feeding your cat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of one or two larger meals.

Products to Help Prevent Boredom in Your Cat

Excessive Meowing Due to Anxiety or Stress

Cats generally do not cope well with changes. This can cause stress, and one sign of stress may be increased meowing.

What Can You Do to Reduce Meowing Caused by Anxiety or Stress?

If you think your cat is experiencing stress and is meowing because of it, you can use a calming supplement such as Dr Ann’s Stress Reduction. This is suitable for both short-term and long-term periods of stress. Alternatively, you can choose a pheromone-based product such as Feliway Optimum to help reduce tension.

Always try to identify and address the cause of the stress.

Relevant Products to Support Stress and Anxiety in Your Cat

Being in Season

Cats that are in season also tend to meow a great deal and very loudly. Hormones are the cause of this excessive meowing. They are trying to attract the attention of male cats nearby. If you find this behaviour particularly troublesome, the best option is to have your cat neutered.

Excessive Meowing Due to a Medical Cause

Finally, a cat may also start meowing more because of a medical condition. For example, your cat may be in pain and express this through meowing. If you are concerned about your cat’s health, it is advisable to have a veterinary examination to rule out any medical cause.

If you have an older cat, excessive meowing may also be caused by the onset of dementia.

How Can You Manage Meowing Caused by Dementia?

If your cat shows signs of dementia, you can support them with a supplement such as Puur Choline Extra Cat or Vetplus Aktivait Cat.

Dementia in cats may be recognised by the following behavioural changes:

  • restlessness
  • confusion and disorientation
  • loud meowing
  • aimless wandering
  • changes in sleeping patterns
  • house soiling
  • changes in social interactions

Relevant Products to Support Older Cats

What Should You Do If Your Cat Keeps Meowing?

If your cat continues to meow excessively despite everything and a medical cause has been ruled out, a behaviourist may be able to help. A behaviourist can assess the situation in your home and provide personalised advice.

Do you have any questions about cat meowing? Please contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.

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