Mary Allen
Your cat has just finished plastering its food happily – and suddenly it howls. What is the reason for this strange behavior for us? In fact, there are several possible reasons for your cat to yelp. Your animal world tells you which ones they are.
First of all, we should clarify the question of how you distinguish howling and simple meowing from one another. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPAC) explains the difference as follows: Yowling is more protracted and more melodic than meowing. And in contrast to meowing, adult cats howl at each other – especially during the mating season.
Your Cat is Satisfied (or Dissatisfied)
Sometimes you praise or criticize your mealtime after eating – why not your cat too? Her yowling can signal that she particularly enjoyed her meal. Maybe you bought her favorite cat food or even a can of tuna? Then that could be the reason for the noises. On the other hand, your cat may also howl because it was unsatisfied with the food.
Your Cat Wants More Food or Attention
Cats love to eat. That’s why your kitty may ask for help with her yelp. But that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s still hungry – so the decision of whether to give in to her pleading is yours.
Likewise, your cat may howl to get your attention. While you might want to crawl back into bed after the morning feeding, your cat may feel lonely and prefer to play or cuddle before you have to go to work.
You can recognize the desire for attention well by stopping meowing after you have petted her. Maybe your cat will jump into bed with you right away.
Your Cat is Howling Because It is Uncomfortable
Cats also cannot tolerate certain foods. Therefore, by howling, your cat may be showing that it is not doing well. The yowling can be an expression of stomach cramps, gas, or constipation. Therefore, pay attention to whether other symptoms occur, such as stress, bloody stools or urine, vomiting, or an unusually large amount of drinking. If you think your cat may be sick, it’s best to take him to the vet right away.
Your Cat is Confused
Older cats also tend to whine more often. The explanation for this could be frustration: Because they can no longer see or hear well or because they have cognitive impairments such as dementia.
This is How You Can Stop Your Cat From Yowling
If your cat’s yowling bothers you, you can use toys to distract it. Or you try to train her to yelp by simply not reacting to it. But that doesn’t always help: Certain cat breeds meow and howls a lot.
These include, for example, Siamese cats. For them there is therefore often no complicated explanation behind it – the behavior is simply part of their breed characteristics.
Ultimately, you should be aware that these sounds are quite normal and simply part of life with a cat. After all, you find yourself settled with the meowing and purring of your cat, right?