Cats do most of their meowing when they want something, but they do occasionally meow to say hello. (Mine usually meows ‘hello’ when I get home from work. Although if I’m late it’s usually more of a ‘Where the hell have you been? I’m starving’ than a friendly hello!).
It is estimated that cats have approximately 100 vocal sounds and that they reserve all of them for
communication with their owners. (Very rarely do they meow at other cats.) It may take a while, but,
If you listen to the different types of meows, you will begin to realize what each one means (a lot
like the different cries of a baby). As I mentioned before, they usually meow when they want something.
and the most common reasons for meowing is to say:
- I’m hungry
- I want to go out
- I want to enter
- I want some attention
- Aid!
Each of these meows will be different, and some are easier to understand than others. The “I’m hungry” meow is usually easy to deal with, as cats are pretty good at standing over their empty food bowl or in the cupboard where their food is kept when they make this noise.
All sounds should be evaluated along with your cat’s body language and facial expression.
Over time, as you get to know your kitty, you’ll be able to recognize what each meow means. If all else fails, just ask them what they want!
constant meow
Some cat species meow much more than others (Siamese, for example), but they all do it to get your attention.
And while most only do it when they want something in particular, some cats just meow constantly and for no apparent reason. This can be a major problem, especially if it happens at night or early in the morning when you’re trying to sleep.
Stop constantly meowing
First, make sure your cat isn’t meowing due to an illness or medical problem. Cats meow at
communicate, not just demand things, so disease must be ruled out first and foremost.
However, most cats that meow constantly do so because they are trying to tell you something. Keep in mind that your cat does not meow just to annoy you and the faster you can figure out the
noise reasons, the faster it will stop. Here are some things you can try:
- feed regularly. Try to feed your cat at set times/regular intervals so that he can anticipate when he will eat next. You can also try leaving the dry cat food/biscuits out so your cat can nibble when she’s hungry. However, if your cat has a tendency to overeat, this may not be a good idea.
- Install a cat flap. Most cats can never decide if they want to be inside or outside. My cat is in heaven during the summer when I can leave the back door open and he can come and go as he pleases. If your cat is always in and out, a cat flap is a great option. They are pretty cheap and easy to install and you buy ones that have magnets so only YOUR cat can get in.
- Play. Some cats meow a lot because they want attention and affection. Pet and play with your cat frequently to prevent him from feeling lonely or neglected.
- Discipline. Don’t let your cat drive you into the corner with excessive meowing, take charge. He can ignore them which will eventually cause them to stop if he doesn’t give up (very hard to do!) or he can try the old favorites out of a squirt with a spray of water or a firm ‘NO’ and a clap of hands. Eventually, your kitty will realize that constant meowing won’t get him anywhere. Be sure to remember to praise your cat and give him extra attention when he’s not meowing.