Why Does My Cat Constantly Meow? Excessive Feline Vocalisation

by | Nov 11 2023

As a cat owner, you’ll no doubt be familiar with deciphering the various sounds produced by your beloved pet.

From the “I’m hungry” meow to the “I’m loving this chin rub” purr, your cat is likely to be quite vocal throughout the day about a wide range of subjects – especially when they just feel like having a chat!

But what if your pet’s regular meowing patterns suddenly become more frequent and continuous? If you find yourself in this position, you’ll want to learn more about excessive feline vocalisation.

 

Common reasons for constant meowing

Meowing, also known as feline vocalisation, is a perfectly normal and healthy habit for a cat to demonstrate.

It is an important means of expression for your feline friend, which can let you know what they might need or how they may be feeling at any given time.

  • The most common reasons for cats to meow are when they are hungry, thirsty, or perhaps bored and seeking attention from their pet parent. In the case of the latter, providing your kitty with stimulating toys or simply indulging them in some playtime may be the answer to your problems.
  • Kittens will commonly meow in the same way when looking for attention, comfort or food from their mother.
  • It is also a very natural occurrence for cats to show an increase in vocalisation when they are ready to breed. A female cat will meow excessively when in heat, while a male will respond similarly when they smell the female. Spaying or neutering can resolve the issue in this case.
  • Breed can also be a determining factor in how much your cat meows, with certain breeds, such as Siamese, tending to be more vocal than others.
  • While cats are known as fiercely independent creatures, they can be more affected than humans might realise by separation anxiety or changes to routine. Long periods spent alone or perhaps a drastic change in environment or daily pattern, such as a house move, can lead to them expressing themselves the only way they know-how.

All of these factors play a part in your cat’s regular pattern of vocalisation. But what about when their routine chatter becomes consistently more urgent and excessive?

 

When to worry about excessive feline vocalisation

If your cat’s sudden and seemingly incessant increase in volume isn’t alleviated by food, water, some one-on-one time, or the return to a normal routine, it might be time to worry about an underlying cause that needs further attention.

If you are concerned about your pet’s vocal behaviour, you should seek advice from a vet as soon as possible.

Potential factors that might be at play include:

 

A disease or infection

Certain medical issues can cause your cat to meow far more than usual as they attempt to express their discomfort. Such issues might include extreme pain, stress or anxiety, kidney disease, overactive thyroid, or excessive hunger or thirst that points to a disease or infection.

 

Old age

As cats age, they may experience cognitive dysfunction or mental confusion, which can be extremely distressing for them to deal with. This can cause disorientation and lead to a cat crying out more than usual, particularly during the night.

 

Sensory issues

Unbeknownst to you, your cat may be suffering from sensory issues that are triggered by daily encounters or experiences. In such cases, a particular stimulus will prompt an emotional reaction from your cat that can cause severe stress and anxiety, which can manifest itself in excessive meowing.

 

How to treat excessive feline vocalisation

The treatment for excessive feline vocalisation will vary depending on how and why your cat is affected.

If a medical condition is the cause, your vet will advise on how the problem should be treated, either through medication, surgery or other therapies. This is also the case with ageing cats, as certain drugs may be provided to alleviate their symptoms and make them more comfortable.

 

Why Does My Cat Constantly Meow - What You Need to Know About Excessive Feline Vocalisation - Mark + Chappel (3)

 

In the case of sensory issues, you will likely need to try out some behaviour modification techniques to help your pet through this rough patch.

Such techniques, like counter conditioning and desensitisation, work by replacing a negative reaction to a particular stimulus with a positive one. It is a process that should be approached sensitively and gradually, but great results can be achieved for your cat with a lot of patience and dedication.

Integrating dietary supplements that promote a calm disposition into your pet’s regular diet can also help with this process while improving overall health. Mark + Chappell’s Serene-UM Drops Calming Solution can help reduce anxiety during stressful situations, such as behaviour modification training, giving pet owners more time to address the task at hand.

The most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with a cat that is excessively vocalising is not to punish your pet for what might be irritating and frustrating new behaviour. By seeking professional advice and approaching the situation with a positive solution, your pet will hopefully be back to their perfect purring selves in no time.

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