Why do cats meow?

3rd July 2019

Cats meow for different reasons and their meowing behaviour could change when they grow from kitten, to adult cat, to senior cat. It could also be an indication of illness or distress, so any changes in your cat’s meows should be monitored and investigated.

Kitten meows

Kittens will meow to get their mother’s attention. It’s their way of communicating, informing their mother that they might be cold, scared or hungry. Therefore, a kitten’s meow can help its mother to care for them better.

Greeting

Cat’s might meow in greeting when they see their owner. It’s basically their way of saying hello! They tend to meow in greeting to people rather than to other cats or animals.

Breed-related meowing

Siamese cats are well-known for their vocalisation and may meow more regularly than other breeds of cats.

Begging for food

Cats sometimes meow when they want food. It’s important not to just give them food every time they ask for it though, as this could lead to overfeeding and weight problems. To ensure your cat is getting the right amount of food, you could use a SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect, which allows you to weigh and serve accurate portions. That way you will know that if your cat meows for food, you can rest assured that they can’t be too hungry, as you will have fed them the correct amount.

Meowing to be let out

If you don’t have a cat flap, your cat might meow to be let outside or inside. This is not convenient for you or your cat, so consider installing a cat flap so that your cat can come and go freely when they choose. A Microchip Cat Flap will give your cat exclusive access and prevent other cats gaining access to your home.

Painful meows

If your cat is meowing more than usual, it could mean they are in pain or have developed an illness. Therefore, any unusual patterns of meowing should be investigated by a vet, so take your cat for check-up as soon as possible.

Stressful meows

Cats might meow more often when they are stressed. A house move, new pet or new baby could all cause stressful meowing. If there are any changes to your cat’s environment, be attentive to your cat during this time of change and make sure they have access to hiding places and escape routes so that they can retreat if they feel threatened.