Why Do Cats Meow?
All cats can be very vocal animals. Big cats like lions and tigers can communicate over long distances thanks to their loud roars. Not all cats roar, but those that don’t can still be quite vocal, only they are likely to meow instead of roar. Domesticated house cats in particular are known for meowing quite frequently.
There are various reasons why cats meow. It can be for positive reasons, while it can also be for reasons that are not so good. To be sure, you should look for other behavior that might be able to indicate what the problem is. Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons that your house cat will meow.
1. Ageing
The average house cat can expect to live for around 13 to 17 years, while it is not uncommon for them to live beyond 20. While cats are very different to us in appearance, their internal organs still work in much the same ways that ours do. This leaves them open to developing the same problems as we do, including ageing. Just like people, cats will begin to slow down as their bodies start to feel the effect of aging. They won’t be as active as they used to be, while their minds will also begin to falter. Ageing cats can experience cognitive decline as people do, and it is thought that this is why cats tend to get more vocal with age.
2. They Want to Come Indoors
Cats can’t ring the doorbell, knock on the door, or open the door themselves. This means that if they want to come in then they will need the help of a person, but first they will need to get their attention. There are a few things cats can do to achieve this, and meowing is perhaps the most effective of all. In many cases, it appears that getting your attention to be let in is exactly why they become vocal.
It might be irritating for the owner, especially considering cats change their mind often, but it is not as though they can help themselves. Consider having a cat flap installed and this won’t be a problem for you.
3. In Heat
Just like in people, female cats will undergo a menstrual cycle. While there are similarities, the cycle is quite different to that in people, and whereas in people menstruation is known as a period, in cats (and other animals) it is known as coming into heat. Being in heat will cause various changes in the cat’s body. One way that you might notice that your cat is in heat is that they will start meowing a lot more than they usually would.
It can get quite irritating, and is one reason why spaying cats is a good idea. It is very likely that a mature female cat that has not been spayed will get pregnant.
4. They’re Annoyed
Cats are known to be quite independent animals and will not take any nonsense. If things are not going their way, then they will tend to let you know, and this includes letting you know vocally. If they are annoyed for some reason, they may meow quite a lot until they get their own way. When choosing a cat, it is important to take the breed into consideration.
Some are harder to deal with than others and can be quite demanding. If you are unsure, speak with a vet or another expert to help ensure you get the breed that is just right for you and your family.
5. Saying Hello
As mentioned, cats are very sociable creatures. While many are picky over who they choose to spend their time with, even the fussy cats want to spend some time with the people that they do like. In order to do this, they will often want to let you know they are there, and this means saying hello.
You will often find that a cat is most vocal when you or they have just come in. It might be that they want something, while it can also be that they are just greeting you. Sometimes they will even meow just to acknowledge their owners when passing them in the home.
6. They’re Hungry
Perhaps the most common reason that cats meow is simply because they want to be fed. They are quite good at knowing the approximate time they are usually fed and they will hang around and meow a lot just to make sure that you don’t forget. Cats are well known for always being on the look out for food.
It is somewhat of a running joke that they will lie to passers-by, acting as though they are never fed when the reality is that they were fed a short while ago. When feeding cats, it is important to remember that they are obligate carnivores, which means that they should have a meat-only diet.
7. They Need Attention
Cats like to play. They like to play with toys and they like to play with their owners and other cats. In addition to playing, they like to receive a lot of love and attention. If they don’t get the attention that they need they can begin to get quite grouchy.
If your cat is meowing more than they usually would, it could be that they just want somebody to play with them, or that they just want to be stroked while curled up on your lap. Different cats have different personalities, and you will likely get to learn over time when your cat needs some love.
8. They Need Company
Cats are not quite as independent as they appear to be at times. They may appear to be aloof and spend a lot of their time outside but, in reality, they really need to spend some time in the company of others. If they spend too much time alone then it can become quite distressing for them.
If you live in a small apartment and you spend a lot of time away from home, a cat is probably not for you. It can be easier for people with houses because they can let the cat out to socialize, but even then, they will just want to spend some time with their owners.
9. They’re Stressed
Cats can become stressed quite easily. If there is a lot of commotion in the home such as domestic disputes, the noise can be difficult for them to cope with. A lot of cats will also struggle with times such as New Year’s Eve when a lot of fireworks are being set off. Moving to a new home can also be a very stressful affair for cats.
You can find plenty of advice on how to help them settle quickly into their new home, and you might need to consider using a mild sedative for cats that are particularly nervy. You should speak with a vet if you feel a sedative is necessary.
10. Injured
Cats are prone to getting into trouble. They have an inquisitive nature that can get them into trouble and are also likely to get into scraps with other cats and other animals. They will occasionally pickup scratches and cuts in the process, and this can obviously be quite painful for them.
If your cat is meowing a lot, they might be trying to tell you that they have hurt themselves. Keep an eye on them to see if they are moving awkwardly and maybe also try to inspect them to look for injuries. If something is wrong, make sure to take them to a vet as soon as you can.
