Cat Meows All The Time

Does your cat meow all the time? We have compiled a list of what could be causing this and what you can do about it here.

When Is Meowing Normal?

Cats communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, one of which is meowing. In fact, they use it more moderately and “talk” to each other more about the body. Domestic cats learn, however, that their owner reacts very well when they meow, e.g. B. when hungry when they want to go outside or demand other attention. That’s also because humans aren’t that good at reading cat body language properly. There are also certain breeds of cats, e.g. B. Siamese, who “tell” more than others. This should be taken into account when purchasing.

Cat Meows All The Time – What Is The Cause?

If cats or tomcats meow constantly, something is wrong. You can’t say in general why a cat meows all the time. That depends a lot on the situation. Some examples:

• Cat always meows at night: Your cat always meows when you lie in bed at night? She wanders around and finds no rest? Is your cat constantly meowing in front of the door? Maybe she’s lonely and wants to see you. Even if outdoor cats would prefer to spend the night outside, they can make quite a bang at night. It is also possible that your house cat has other stress that prevents it from resting at night. A lack of a place to sleep that he really likes, too long a feeding break, or a lot of excitement during the day. Physical illnesses can also be a cause, e.g. B. an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), high blood pressure, severe pain, or a disease of the central nervous system. Cats in heat also tend to meow more often. This can range from meowing to yelping to screaming. Some cats meow constantly just before sunrise but are quiet for the rest of the night.
• Old cat meows all the time: Cats can experience various diseases or changes that are directly related to age. Their sleeping rhythm often shifts, they sleep shorter and more restlessly and are active in between. They can be confused to the point of dementia. Then the disorientation causes stress and loud meowing. Chronic pain of varying severity, on the other hand, usually leads to withdrawal and a lot of sleep.
• New cat keeps meowing: Cat keeps meowing since it moved in with you? It probably hasn’t really “arrived” yet; a move and especially a new household are very nerve-wracking for a cat. Nervousness and stress can be the result. Maybe she misses her old surroundings, maybe she’s missing something.
• Kitten meows constantly: If your baby cat meows a lot, the problem could be similar to that of the new cat. She has to find her way around first, is looking for closeness and attention, and may miss her mother and littermates.
• Does your cat meow all the time? Is he sexually mature? When cats lure outside of the territory that needs to be marked out and guarded, tomcats can be very annoyed if they are not allowed to go outside. Especially in spring, when hormones kick in, hangovers can become very active.

Watch Carefully When The Cat Meows

Does your cat meow all the time? Observe carefully in which situations she does this: at night, during the day before feeding or after, etc. This way you can narrow down the problem. Does she do other things like scratching doors and objects, jumping up, attacking your feet, etc.?

And ask yourself if anything has changed recently before the meowing started. If you have moved, have you changed the food, the cat is not allowed to go outside, although it is actually a free roamer, it has become sexually mature…

My Cat Keeps Meowing – What Can I Do?

First, check whether the daily rhythm and your apartment/house are suitable for cats:

• Are there smaller portions of food several times a day? Cats are “snackers” and don’t cope well with long feeding breaks. This can cause the cat to constantly meow. Frequent small meals prevent begging mouths caused by an empty stomach. For overweight cats who need to lose weight, there are a number of ways to stretch the food so that the frustration isn’t all that great. Ask your vet!
• Are there enough retreats and cozy places to sleep for your house cat? Cats meow all the time when they don’t rest. Offer different options, e.g. B. hammock on the heater, blanket on the window sill, snuggle cave or box with a blanket in it. To the desperation of some cat owners, cats can be very choosy, often the lot falls on the closet or other unsuitable places. A sporadic change of sleeping place is also common. Don’t give up until you find something you can both live with.
• Cats like to climb and love to the lookout. Use the third dimension of your home! Climbing tree, stairs to the bookcase, space on the windowsill – there are few limits to creativity. You can also build many climbing opportunities yourself, there are plenty of instructions on the Internet.
  Is your cat outdoors? If she used to be allowed out and now she isn’t, it’s clear your cat is meowing all the time. A cat-proof balcony is only half the solution, but it can help, especially at night. With a cat flap in the balcony door, it remains accessible even when the door is closed.

Outdoor cats should only be kept indoors for valid reasons, such as an infectious disease. For all cats that are not allowed outside, the following applies: It must also be exciting inside! Lurking, playing, maybe a fiddle board for food – there are many ways to make the cat’s everyday life varied. Sometimes a conspecific can actually help, but it has to be acclimated well (see below).

• Find your rhythm: is your cat constantly meowing at the door? She might want to go out more often than you thought. Also, if your cat keeps meowing at night, that could be the reason. Try a little what works.
• You have several and one of the cats keeps meowing? There may be arguments and stress, e.g. B. because there are too few litter boxes or alternative options. Always have more of everything on hand than there are cats (e.g. always have one more litter box than you have cats). Cats that are new to the group need to be acclimated slowly.

Who Can Help If My Cat Keeps Meowing?

If you’ve tried a few things but your cat keeps meowing, please get help!

First things first, go to the vet and get them checked out. High blood pressure and hyperthyroidism in particular, as common causes of meowing, should be ruled out. If she has a medical condition that affects her behavior, it should always be treated first. This also applies to older cats, who are more likely to suffer from pain or confusion.

If no physical problems are identified, the vet will refer you to a behavioral health specialist. These are specialized veterinarians who are particularly familiar with cat behavior and cat training.

Together you analyze the housing situation and see how you can help your cat. Consistency is the top priority: When it comes to breaking the habit of undesirable behavior such as For example, if there is meow in front of the door, they must not react to it – not at all. A “back and forth” will reinforce the cat’s behavior.

In addition to postural changes, stress-relieving feed or medication can also be helpful – temporarily or permanently. The effect is often striking.

Cat Meows All The Time: Conclusion

If your cat keeps meowing, it’s a sign something’s wrong and you shouldn’t ignore it forever. If changes in posture and circadian rhythm do not help, please seek qualified help.