Why Does My Cat Meow So Much?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Whether you have a chatty or quiet kitty, a cat’s meows help us figure out how they feel and what they need.

“The most common reason cats meow is because they want something from us, their humans!” says Clare Hemington, accredited cat behaviorist and founder of Honeysuckle Cat Toys.

Thankfully, Stephen Quandt, cat behaviorist, CFTBS, and founder of Feline Behavior Associates, says there isn’t a set amount of meows that’s considered too much. Instead, pay attention to how they meow and if they start suddenly.

Below, learn about all things cat meows and when this sound means something is wrong.

Meow Cheat-Sheet

Do Cats Meow A Lot When Something’s Wrong?

The good news is that your cat probably isn’t meowing to express pain. Instead, cats often try to hide their pain by being quiet, stoic, and less social, says Dr. Katherine Pankratz, DVM, Behavioral Medicine Clinician at Animal Behavioral Clinic.

Of course, this doesn’t mean any abnormal or excessive meowing should be ignored. Rita Reimers, a certified cat behaviorist at Cat Behavior Alliance, says the following encourage more frequent meowing:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypertension
• Larnyx problems (like infection)
• Urinary blockages
• Cognitive issues in senior cats
• Time of day

So, look for other signs and symptoms of a stressor, like peeing outside the litter box or vomiting and diarrhea, and call your vet when in doubt.

8 Ways to Stop Your Cat From Meowing

The best ways to stop increased or excessive meowing is to switch up your behavior, be mindful of your cat’s environment and circumstances, and prioritize your cat’s health.

Here are eight ways to address your meow-happy cat and get some peace and quiet.

1. Don’t unintentionally reinforce your cat’s meowing

Hemington says if you pet your cat or give them food when they meow, you might reward them- even if it’s an accident.

Instead, give your chatty kitty love and treats when they aren’t meowing. For cats hungry for attention and affection, be mindful of how you dish out the pets, snuggles, and kisses to your cat. Don’t give in to meowing when you’re sleeping or at other odd times.

2. Take your cat to the vet

If your cat suddenly starts meowing more, especially if it seems like they’re meowing at “nothing,” there might be a medical reason behind it. Quandt says anything out of the norm should warrant a trip to the vet.

Since excessive meowing is often a symptom of chronic health conditions and illnesses, look out for other unusual or concerning behaviors. These include:

• Sudden changes in appetite
• Abrupt weight loss
• Changes in litter box habits

If you notice any of those uncharacteristic behaviors, contact a vet to figure out the underlying cause.

3. Make sure you’re feeding them a healthy diet

Domestic cats rely on you alone to provide food! Meowing is one of the most effective ways cats communicate their needs to us, so it’s not abnormal for cats to meow at you for their breakfast or dinner.

Nonstop meowing around mealtimes becomes concerning if your cat is still meowing before eating or they’ve eaten some or all of their food. If your cat meows a lot around mealtimes, they could have:

• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Metabolic disorders like diabetes
• Nutritional deficiencies from homemade diets or species-inappropriate diets

What’s to feed your cat and how much depends on their stage of life and individual circumstances. Work with a vet to monitor your cat’s weight and body profile and meet their nutritional needs is key.

4. Give them plenty of toys and games

While cats don’t need daily walks like dogs, thinking they don’t need to be entertained and are content to sleep in the sun is a myth. Cats need human engagement and enrichment and ask for that attention by meowing a lot.

Make a cat-friendly environment that allows your kitty to engage in their instinctive behaviors. This can curb excessive meowing if a lack of enrichment is the problem. You can do this by:

• Purchasing multiple sizes, styles, and textures of scratching posts and boards
• Incorporating food puzzles during mealtimes
• Setting up a kitty agility course or exercise wheel
• Installing a window perch, cat tree, or cat shelving
• Hanging bird feeders outside your cat’s favorite windows
• Playing with wand toys
• Experimenting with battery-operated toys

iStock/tickcharoen04

5. Don’t rule out anxiety

Contrary to the belief that cats are proud loners, they’re very social creatures. Quandt says excessive meows and mournful yowls could be your cat’s way of showing they’re lonely. If the loneliness persists, they could develop separation anxiety.

To help keep your kitty anxiety- and yowl-free, try:

• Cat anxiety medication
• Feline pheromone diffusers
• Specialized diets
• Cat vitamin supplements and nutraceuticals
• Cat grass, cardboard houses, and play tunnels
• Working with a feline behaviorist
• Creating and sticking to a routine

6. Spay or neuter your cat

Quandt says territorial aggression and mating behaviors are often paired with more vocalizations for unspayed and unneutered cats.

Unneutered male cats are more likely to be territorial. This can lead to excessive meowing and aggressive yowling, even during the daytime hours. Unspayed female cats also tend to be more vocal when experiencing heat cycles.

Spaying or neutering your cat is the best way to stop excessive meowing centered on mating or territorial behaviors.

7. Keep the litter box clean

One of your cat’s most important places is their litter box. However, even if you’ve chosen the best cat litter and box style, you still need to scoop and clean your cat’s litter box regularly.

A dirty litter box can trigger a slew of angry meows and excessive vocalizations from your disgruntled kitty. If your cat is also peeing or pooping outside of the litter box while excessively meowing, there’s a good chance they’re unhappy with the state of their litter box.

To stop excessive vocalizations related to your cat’s litter box, Laura Cassiday, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and founder of Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior & Training recommends scooping your cat’s litter box every day, preferably twice daily. Additionally, she says to dump the litter, scrub the box with mild soap, and refill it once a month.

8. Make a routine

Consistency with routines and a stable environment with minimal change are part of the equation for a happy kitty. Unfortunately, Dr. Pankratz says sometimes our lives and circumstances change.

Your cat might meow excessively if they’re feeling frustrated or upset by these changes in their environment or to seek reassurance and comfort from you.

You can help your cat soothe their discomfort and uneasiness by maintaining a steady routine. That means doing your best to meet their needs at the same times every day and week, such as mealtimes, playtime, and grooming sessions.

Sometimes, you also need to seek additional help to create a more stable environment and routine for your kitty during periods of change. That’s where working with a feline behaviorist and getting intervention from a vet can be a game-changer.