Cats will meow excessively if they have a medical issue, or if they are looking for attention. Perhaps it’s simply because it’s in their kitty genes. The first step is figuring out why your cat is meowing so much, and this will help in trying to control or defuse the situation.
Why is My Cat Meowing So Much?
Instead of blocking out the noise, or ignoring your cat completely, trying to figure out why your cat is meowing all the time is a good place to start. Here are some of the main reasons for excessive meowing that will help you figure out the best course of action to take.
She Needs Something (Maybe She is Hungry)
Unlike a human child, your cat can’t scream every time they need something they cannot access themselves.
If your cat’s food or water bowl is empty, there is a good chance the excessive meowing could be a way of letting you know it is time for a refill.
She Has a Medical Issue
Some cats will let you know if they are in pain or not feeling well by meowing repeatedly. This is a distress signal, often trying to tell you that they need you.
If you think your cat is meowing too much, especially if it comes out of nowhere, watch for other signs that indicate she needs to see the vet. Most commonly:
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Limping or excessive licking in a particular area
- Not using the litter box
- Lethargy
- Check for cuts or lumps
She is Seeking Your Attention
Maybe your cat just wants a little more attention from the one she loves? If you have been extra busy lately, or if she is feeling a little lonely, your cat might start meowing just to get a little more playtime with you.
Try offering her a toy, some cuddle time on the couch, or a vigorous play session with a piece of string and see if it helps.
She is in Heat
An unaltered cat can get feisty when they go into its heat cycle. Until they become pregnant, female cats can go into heat every two to three weeks.
Other signs your cat is in heat include,
- Rubbing and affection seeking
- Trying to escape the house (scratching at doors and windows)
- Waving her tail with her hind end up in the air (signaling male cats)
- Spraying urine
It’s in Her Genes
Surprisingly, some cats are just born with the vocal gene. These cats simply love to hear themselves talk and believe their owners do too.
Cats that are born to meow often include:
- Main Coon
- Turkish Angora
- Siberia
- Siamese
- Japanese Bobtail
- Singapura
- Tonkinese
She Has Anxiety or is Stressed
A cat cannot communicate with its owners to let them know when something is stressing them out. If your cat is meowing a lot and there is no physical sign or other noticeable reason, try to figure out if anything has recently changed.
Did you bring another animal into her house? Are you going out more often than usual? Did you recently move? Cats are creatures of habit, and maybe your cat is feeling a little anxious.
What Cats Don’t Meow?
If you are looking to add a new addition to the home and would prefer a cat that’s more affectionate than the rest, here is a great list of little furry felines that won’t wake up the neighbors.
- Persian
- Siberian
- Cornish rex
- Havana Brown
- Scottish Fold
- Ragdoll
- American Curl
- Birman
- Chartreux
- Singapura
- Pixie bob
- Bangle
- La Perm
Just because these cats won’t meow as often, it doesn’t mean they can’t!
How To Stop Your Cat from Meowing Excessively
Typically, the main reason your cat is meowing is that she is looking for something she can’t access herself. With that said, figuring out what she needs is ultimately the best way to keep her from making a fuss.
If your cat is meowing a lot and there really isn’t anything going on, you should simply ignore the behavior. Once she realizes you won’t cave, she will most likely give up.
Never yell or punish a cat for this behavior. This will only destroy her sense of safety and trust.
If your cat is meowing uncontrollably, and you don’t know why, you should contact your veterinarian right away to have a quick medical evaluation. If it’s a medical issue, the proper treatment will help calm your cat down. If it’s anything else, at least you will know where to start.
