Why is the cat meowing?

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 23 January 2021
Update Date: 4 November 2024
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Stop The Constant Meow: 6 Reasons Why Your Cat Over-Vocalizes
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When you live with cats, you soon get used to their characteristic meowing and realize that they emit very different sounds, depending on what you want to achieve. It is important to learn to recognize and interpret them, both so that there is good communication between the owner and the cat, and to immediately detect any problem or need.

In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain because the cat meow so that you can improve your understanding and communication with them. We will analyze the types of meows that you can hear and their meanings, we'll talk about cat meowing a lot and in which cases the sound indicates that a visit to the veterinarian is required.


When do cats start meowing?

Cat meows are part of their communication system, so communicative intent explains why cats meow and justifies why they start to meow at an early age. Cats start meowing in the first weeks of life, before the 3rd or 4th. The little ones meow when they are alone or feel cold or hungry. The meows, in this case, are very high-pitched and short. As they grow older, you will notice that the meows change until they sound more similar to that of adult cats.

Why do cats meow?

The reason cats meow is the cats communication. Thus, the meows join other sounds, such as snorts, grunts or cries, and body movements that complete the cat's communication and allow it to relate to other cats, other animals, and humans. Also, although it is imperceptible to us, cats exhibit communication through the smell and emission of pheromones.


As in any other language, meows can be of very different types depending on what the cat wants to tell you. Of course, it is possible to find cats that are very talkative, while others rarely let out a meow. In the latter case, you will have to look for other forms of communication to get along with him, such as the cats body language.

Cat meowing, what can it be?

You should never ignore a meowing or fight the meowing cat, as all he is trying to do is talk to you. Many of the current characteristics of cat meowing have evolved thanks to the relationship between cats and humans established by domestication, as it is more unusual for cats to communicate with each other by meowing. The reason cats meow like babies, with high-pitched sounds, may be related to the impact the baby's voice has on people programmed to care for them. Meowing makes us receptive to responding quickly to the cat's needs, as if it were a crying human baby.


types of meows

Depending on your current need, the meaning of the cat's meows will vary, which justifies why the cat does not meow in a concrete way. The most common sounds of cats are:

  • Call: a cat meowing clear and loud, aimed at you when it sees you We can say that this is a generic call. The cat wants something and demands your attention so that, once he has it, he can give you more information about what he needs. This type of meow is also emitted when the cat doesn't see you and calls you, as well as when the kittens lose sight of their mother.
  • heat: a cat in heat meows insistently, in a high and high tone. The reason cats meow in heat is to make a claim to all the male cats around. This fertile period is accompanied by rubbing, lifting the pelvis, increased urination, etc.
  • Hungry: We normally feed the cats at will so they don't get hungry, but if you forget to fill the pot or if the cat craves a specific food, like wet kibble or something you're eating, it's not uncommon for them to come close meowing and looking at you. He can do this near your feed pot, at the place you are eating, or beside the foods that interest you.
  • Stress: Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and meowing is one way to express this. If your cat suddenly starts meowing more than usual, it may be due to some change that has altered his routine. This is usually a low, loud meowing. Boredom and loneliness can also be a cause of stress. To avoid stressing the cat, you should gradually introduce any changes and keep it in an enriched environment where it can fully develop.
  • Affection: A harmonious meow, usually accompanied by purring and rubbing the sides of the face against your body, kneading with your paws, licks or small bites, is part of the affectionate greeting your cat can give you when he is happy to meet you.
  • malaise: Some cats may meow when they feel pain or discomfort. If you suspect yours is the case, it's a good idea to check and explore your surroundings to detect a problem. Remember that many sick cats don't meow to let you know, but hide, remain listless, or stop eating. That is, you don't have to wait for him to meow to take him to the vet.
  • fights: Finally, the cat may meow almost screaming if it is defensive and close to attacking another cat or animal. In these cases, the fur is raised, the ears are folded, the mouth is open, the tail is raised and the puffs accompany the meowing. You must take him out of this situation calmly to avoid damage.

Strange meowing cat, what can it be?

Now that you understand because the cat meows, have you ever come across a strange meowing? If you are not able to figure out what is going on with your cat, or notice changes in your cat's usual meows so far, you should see your veterinarian. If you notice that the cat is hoarse, it may be suffering from respiratory illnesses such as rhinotracheitis, which will cause inflammation of the airways, nasal and eye discharge, loss of appetite, etc.

It is also possible for the cat to stop meowing completely due to physical causes and stress-related problems. The veterinarian must first rule out an illness. If it is a behavioral disorder, you will need to contact a ethologist or specialist in feline behavior.

Why do cats meow at night?

As a form of communication, the only solution for the meowing to stop is to respond to the request that the cat is making, that is, you need find out why he is meowing. When the meows intensify during the night, the cat may be telling you that she is going through her heat period. The solution in this case would be to inhibit it, and the currently recommended way to do it is to sterilization or castration, which involves removing the uterus and ovaries from females, and the testes from males.

Cat meowing a lot at night, what to do?

Before going to sleep, you need to ensure that the litter box is clean, that there is water and food, that the cat is not locked in any place and that, in short, it has all the amenities so that you don't need to ask for them during at night. Otherwise, it is very likely that the cat wakes you up at dawn. Keeping the cat entertained during the day and providing an enriched environment in which he can discharge his energy are options to consider to avoid an excess of night activities.

If you want to read more articles similar to Why is the cat meowing?, we recommend that you enter our Curiosities section of the animal world.