Why Does My Cat Go Into Another Room and Meow? 9 Common Reasons

In general, cats meow to communicate with us, and it’s logical to assume they’re trying to let us know something when they leave the room to meow. The question is, what? It could be down to a need, like hunger or thirst, or maybe they need some attention. The reason can also be a little more severe, like they need help or are stressed.

It’s our job as pet parents to work out what these sounds could mean, and don’t worry; we’re not suggesting you become fluent in the feline language. Sometimes having a rough idea as a starting place of what it might be, helps us narrow it down. That’s why we’ve outlined nine reasons behind your cat’s meows.

The 9 Typical Reasons Your Cat Goes to Another Room to Meow

1. In Heat

It’s an obvious one, but it’s always a good idea to rule out the possibility of your cat being in heat. Generally, cats don’t communicate with one another by yowling, but they will do this to get the attention of neighboring cats and let them know they’re in heat. Another sign that your cat is in heat is that they tend to be more affectionate and demanding.

It is, of course, a personal choice whether to spay or neuter your cat, but it’s been suggested that spaying is beneficial to your cat’s health. It’s known to lengthen their lives and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

2. Attention

Cats can be dramatic and may try different tactics if you’ve ignored their hints that they want your attention. You might find your cat meows even louder when you follow them into the room. It’s vital to give them attention, but maintaining certain boundaries is equally important.

If they’re still demanding even after their needs have been met, you could try reinforcing that you’ll pet them when they’re quiet and at certain times, which creates a routine that works for both of you.

3. Getting Older

Some bodily functions diminish with time, especially eyesight, and most cats will lose their sight in old age. During the day this isn’t a big problem, because of the extra light.

At night, they’re alone. A cat that can’t see very well might meow loudly in confusion or because they want help. If you think your cat’s yowling is down to an age-related issue, keep them with you by shutting the doors to other rooms. Your smell and voice should help calm them.

4. Loneliness

A cat can get anxious if you’re not home or if they’re missing another family member. You might see it search for them while meowing. You have a few options when this happens.

You could give them the attention they’re craving at home or try to distract them with toys. If that doesn’t work, set up a perch near a window so they can look outside. They’ll be entertained by the leaves blowing, birds, and people walking by.

5. Satisfy Basic Needs

Excessive meowing or yowling can be a sign of hunger. Your cat might be asking you to feed them and, in some cases, watch them eat. You might find this behavior most prevalent at night when trying to sleep. In that case, an automatic food feeder might be a good option.

Alternatively, your cat could be on the lookout for water and is trying to tell you that its bowl is empty. They might have knocked it over accidentally. Your cat could also be letting you know they need the toilet. Some cats don’t like the look of a dirty litterbox, which is understandable.

6. Stress

Stress can be caused by several factors, from a change in their environment, like a new pet or baby, to a change of routine, like your work schedule changing. Other signs of stress usually accompany meowing, like excessive grooming, diarrhea, constipation or other digestive issues, decreased appetite, and increased sleeping.

You also could schedule more time together. A new family member can make them feel lonely, so some quality time with you might do wonders. If you feel like you’ve tried to rectify the situation yourself, you’re not getting anywhere, and you’re still concerned about your cat’s behavior, contact your vet for some advice.

7. Needs Your Help

If there’s been a gap between your cat leaving the room and then meowing, it could be that they’ve gotten themselves into trouble and need your help. They may have climbed up something they now can’t get down from. Or maybe they’ve gotten themselves stuck.

8. Sickness

When a cat is sick or in pain, it can be pretty good at hiding it, and it might not be entirely apparent at first. If your cat is meowing from another room and you are worried about their behavior, it might be that they’re unwell. Other signs to look out for are:

9. It Runs in the Family

Siamese cats, for example, are considered to be a particularly chatty breed, and they have a range of sounds they make to communicate with the humans in their lives. If your cat is vocal even when they’re not in the same room, it might be due to the breed.

Conclusion

The reasons behind your cat’s meows when they go into a different room can vary from amusing to more concerning, which include sickness or stress. If there is something to be concerned about, generally, other symptoms will accompany your cat’s meows. However, don’t feel like you can’t visit a vet until other symptoms have arisen. If you’re worried, take them to see a vet as soon as possible—it’s always better to be safe!

Featured Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock