If any animals embody the phrase “moving in silence like the G in lasagna,” it must be cats. Unlike canines, felines are not overly vocal, since being silent allows them to stalk their prey and pounce like a ghost.
This is why it is concerning when your cat won’t stop meowing—it is simply not in their nature. (Unless, of course, you have a Siamese cat, which is arguably the most vocal cat on the planet.)
Therefore, when considering how to curb your cat’s excessive meowing, the first step should be establishing the reason(s) for the meowing. This is because cats do not vocalize just for the sake of it. Once you have established the potential reasons for your kitty’s behavior, finding a practical solution shall be a lot easier.
In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons why your cat could be meowing excessively, as well as some solutions to consider.
Why Do Cats Meow?
Cats are excellent at using body language to communicate with one another. In fact, body language is the primary form of communication between felines. However, as kittens, cats use meowing to call to their mothers. This vocalization changes to chirping, yowling, growling, and hissing, as they grow older to communicate with each other.
One thing is for sure; adult cats rarely use meowing to talk to one another. According to Professor Bjarne O. Braastad at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), adult cats do not meow at each other since meowing is a vocalization reserved for kittens and their mothers.
So, why do adult cats meow at humans? The reason is absurdly simple—they are simply behaving as kittens towards their owners. It does make sense since you are essentially the cat’s “mother,” providing it with food, shelter, and protection.
According to Professor Bjarne, cats learned that humans react positively to meows as early as 10,000 years ago, and have since been using this vocalization to get you to do things for them. Interesting, huh? Who would have thought kitty to be a master manipulator?
Nevertheless, meows can mean different things. You will notice that they have different tones. Therefore, by familiarizing yourself with the various meanings of a cat’s meows, you will be in a better position to curb the behavior as soon as it starts. Here are some of the different types of meows cats make:
Angry or Scared Meows
These are the loudest of all meows, sometimes sounding like shrieks. Needless to say, angry meows can be intense and frightening, and usually occur when cats are about to fight.
Painful Meows
A cat in pain typically makes a mournful, low-pitched sound. Moreover, it tends to be persistent. Cats are remarkably good at hiding pain. As such, if you hear your cat making this kind of meow, it means that they are suffering immensely due to an illness or injury. Take action immediately and take them to the vet.
Hungry Meows
You have been at the receiving end of hungry meows since your kitty came into your life, so you should know what they sound like. Hungry meows are typically high-pitched and feature an inflection, meaning they sound like a question.
It is a question indeed since kitty is asking you why their bowl is empty. Moreover, they get louder by the minute to remind you that somebody needs to eat. Of course, hungry meows occur during kitty’s designated mealtimes or when they hear you in the kitchen.
Attention Seeking Meows
Sometimes, your cat meows at you simply because they want some bonding time with you. Attention-seeking meows typically occur after you have spent significant periods away from each other.
Top 6 Methods to Stop Meowing
We have established the most common reasons why cats meow. Therefore, finding a solution should not be that difficult if you know why your cat is meowing at you.
1. Ignore Hungry Meows
As mentioned, you can always tell when your cat is pestering you for food or treats. However, with feline obesity quietly becoming an epidemic, you must avoid overfeeding your cat. As such, if the cat is well-fed, do not give in to its demands. Only feed your cat at the designated mealtimes.
2. Play With Your Cat before Bedtime
For an animal that sleeps all day, you would expect cats to be empathetic to your need for sleep. Nonetheless, empathy might as well be a foreign concept to cats, as they will ensure to get your attention when they need it.
To avoid having a yowling cat outside your bedroom door at night, make sure that you bond and play with them before you call it a day.
3. Ensure Your Cat Has a Clean Litter Box
Being the neat freaks they are, cats hate nothing more than a dirty litter box. Therefore, always make sure that their crate is clean.
4. Take Your Cat to the Vet
As mentioned, you can tell when your cat is hurting, as the meows are low-pitched, prolonged, and mournful-sounding. If your cat is making painful meows, take them to the vet immediately for evaluation. The vet will also determine whether your cat is in heat, as unspayed females are tremendously vocal when they are in heat.
5. Get Your Cat a Partner
Cats are solitary by nature. However, house cats tend to get bored quickly, as they barely have a to-do list. Bored cats tend to meow constantly since they want attention or somebody to play with. Therefore, if your kitty is a lone feline, consider getting them a friend to keep them company.
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Conclusion
Meowing is cute, which is why we are helpless to it. However, excessive meowing is annoying, especially when you are trying to work, sleep, or just chill on the couch. The most critical step in curbing excessive meowing is establishing why your cat is doing it in the first place. Once you do, you will be in a better position to find an effective solution.
Featured image: auenleben, Pixabay
