Why is My Cat Meowing a Lot in Livonia, MI? The Language of Your Feline

Do you have a cat who meows a lot in Livonia, MI? Have they always done this, or is it a fairly new occurrence? Do you ever find yourself wondering if anything is wrong with them, and if there’s anything you need to do to help?

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In the article below, you’ll find some information to help you better understand why your cat is meowing so much and what, if anything, you should do in response. Read on to find out more!

Reasons for Excessive Cat Meowing

Pain or Illness

One potential cause of frequent meowing, especially in cats who are not usually very talkative, is pain. Illness can also cause excessive meowing. Meowing from pain or illness does not usually sound like regular meowing, and may seem more like a yowl, howl, or cry instead.

It is usually easy to tell the difference between a talkative cat and one who is in pain. However, if you have any questions about whether or not your cat could be hurting or sick, look for other signs that can help you better understand what’s going on with your pet.

Greeting

Some cats will come running to greet you at the door when you get home for the day. These cats may also be more likely to start meowing at you as soon as you enter, and this type of meowing is usually considered a greeting.

It may be true that your cat is meowing because she wants you to drop everything and immediately feed her. However, she may also simply be trying to tell you hello in her own way. A cat who meows in greeting is nothing to be concerned with.

Begging

Cats meow frequently when they’re asking for something, especially food or treats. Your cat will follow you around with their tail held high and their eyes wide if they think they are going to get some food soon, and they will likely meow or chirp at you until they are fed, too.

Begging is one of the most common causes of meowing in cats, and even the quietest of cats in other situations may become very talkative when food is involved. If your cat’s meowing is only happening at mealtimes or treat time, there’s nothing to worry about at all.

Attention Seeking

Many times, cats meow a lot because they want attention. They may want this attention from another cat, but most often, they want it from you. If your cat is meowing at you a lot until you pick them up, pet them, play with them, or hold them on your lap, then they are likely attention seeking.

It is entirely possible to stop what you’re doing and give your cat some attention when they do this, if you want them to stop meowing at you. However, this will also reinforce the idea, so you may prefer to ignore them until they get quiet again if you don’t want them to develop this habit.

Playing

Some cats may meow a lot when they play, either with each other or on their own. If your cat’s meowing happens most often when they’re playing with toys or having a play fight with another cat, then this is probably the reason.

You may also hear your cat making a strange chattering sound when they’re playing, or when they’re watching birds or squirrels outside the window. This chattering sound isn’t a meow, but it is another method of communication cats use while hunting.

Complaining

If you’ve ever heard your cat meowing a lot at you when they get put in their cat carrier or when they are accidentally closed up in the closet for a few minutes, you may know what “complaining” meows sound like!

Cats who are in a situation that isn’t dangerous but is uncomfortable or unwanted will often meow a lot to tell their owners about it. This type of meowing can be described in human terms as complaining, although it is really just your cat asking you to improve the situation for them.

Most of the Time, Excessive Cat Meowing is Normal

As you can see, most of the time, persistent meowing is nothing to be worried about. Many cats simply meow because it’s part of their nature, and for no other reason than to communicate with you. However, there is always a chance frequent meowing could be related to pain or illness, so it’s important to look at your cat’s other signs, symptoms, and body language to tell you more.

When In Doubt of Your Cat’s Meowing Cause, Reach Out to Our Animal Hospital in Livonia, MI

If your cat is meowing a lot and also appears sick or is acting strangely otherwise, it may be time for a veterinarian visit. Our Livonia, MI, animal hospital will help you get to the bottom of whatever is going on with your pet. Please give us a call at (734) 464-6281.