Cats don't really use meowing to communicate with other cats—but they do use it to tell pet parents what they need. Cats try to communicate with humans through meowing, but it's not always very clear what they are trying to say. Below, explore six reasons why your cat might be so “talkative.”
Your Cat May Be Hurt, or Ill
If your cat is suddenly much noisier than usual, it could be a sign that they are in pain or suffering from some neurological distress. This physical discomfort or pain might stem from various medical problems. If you notice a sudden and dramatic change in your cat's meowing, or if it sounds painful, it's time for a thorough health examination by a vet. Cats often hide symptoms of illness, so new vocalizing behavior can be an urgent need for medical attention. The one exception is if you can tell your female cat is yowling because she is in heat.
Your Cat is in Heat
Female cats that have not been fixed will go into heat at around six months and will subsequently go into heat several times a year. During this period, they tend to yowl, hoping a mate will hear them. This excessive meowing can be very loud, and there is no way to discourage the behavior without spaying the cat. The good news about spaying is that it has other health benefits, will reduce her urge to wander, and can prevent strays. Spaying can also help your cat have a more comfortable life and prevent the talkative behavior associated with being in heat.
Your Cat is Looking for Attention
Many cats become more talkative and noisy over time if they learn that meowing will get them attention, food, or affection. This attention-seeking behavior can be reinforced if you immediately respond to their meows. Cats often meow as their feeding time approaches. If you feed them right away and they associate their meowing with getting food instantly, you'll quickly have a noisy cat on your hands. To avoid encouraging this behavior, wait until your cat is quiet before putting out food or granting affection. With time, your cat will learn that feeding follows being quiet rather than incessant meowing.
Your Cat is Bored or Lonely
Some cats are independent, but others prefer company, and being home alone all day can be hard for them to handle. A bored, lonely, or grieving cat who has lost its favorite family member may become more talkative out of anxiety or an attempt to garner attention. Cats thrive on interaction and stimulation. Help your cat by playing, petting, praising, and leaving out toys to help pass the time while you're away. Consider creating a scavenger hunt with treats or providing a window seat for them to watch birds and other outside activities.
Your Cat is Getting Older
Senior cats tend to vocalize more often as they get older, especially at night. Their sleep-wake cycles change, and their cognitive function may decline, leading to some confusion and disorientation. Sometimes, this increased meowing is related to hearing loss, anxiety, or illness (particularly thyroid problems), so you should check with your veterinarian to see if your cat needs treatment. You can also try installing a couple of night lights to help your cat navigate in the dark, especially when scarce ambient light and the call of the litter box overlap. Ensuring your cat feels secure and comfortable can reduce their need to meow as much.
Your Cat is Naturally Talkative
Cats all have different personalities, and some tend to meow frequently as they try to communicate. Some breeds, like Persians, Siamese, and other Asian breeds, also tend to be more talkative than others, so if you prefer a quiet cat, you may want to avoid these breeds. This vocalizing behavior is a normal part of their communication. If your cat is naturally talkative, you can still reward quiet behaviors at key times, like at meals and bedtime, but you'll also have to embrace the chatty side. Understanding that some cats have a more talkative nature can help you manage your expectations and responses.
A talkative cat may be expressing various needs or conditions, from seeking attention to indicating physical discomfort. Observing your cat's behavior and consulting with a vet for any medical reasons behind excessive meowing can help ensure your pet remains happy and healthy. Cats are unique animals, and understanding their meowing can enhance your bond and improve your cat's life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tell if your cat is trying to tell you something?
Cats primarily communicate through nonverbal cues, such as body language and vocalizations. To tell if your cat is trying to communicate something to you verbally, pay attention to the context of the vocalization and the cat's body language. For example, a cat may meow when they want food or attention, or it may make a specific sound, such as a chirping or chattering, when they see birds outside a window. Additionally, pay attention to the tone and volume of the vocalization, as a cat may make a low, urgent sound when they are in distress or a louder, more insistent meow when they want something. If you are unsure, it's best to consult with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist.
Is my cat trying to tell me something is wrong?
It's possible that your cat is trying to tell you something is wrong. Cats primarily communicate through nonverbal cues, such as body language and vocalizations. If your cat is acting differently or showing signs of distress, it's possible that something is wrong. Hissing or growling can indicate pain or fear., while crying or yowling can indicate distress or discomfort. If your cat is arching its back and puffing up its fur, that can indicate fear or aggression. Licking or grooming excessively can indicate stress or anxiety. Loss of appetite or change in water consumption might indicate an underlying health issue. If your cat is showing any of these signs, it's best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
What does it mean when a cat kneads you?
Kneading, also known as "making biscuits," is a behavior where a cat pushes its paws in and out against a soft surface, such as a blanket or a person's lap. It's a sign of affection and contentment, and it is often associated with the cat's kittenhood when they kneaded their mother's breast to stimulate milk flow. Some cats knead only with their front paws, while others alternate between front and back paws. Adult cats may knead as a sign of affection and comfort, and it's also possible that they are trying to mark their territory by leaving their scent on the kneaded object. It's also possible that your cat is kneading you because they associate you with feelings of safety and security, particularly if you provide them with warmth, food, and comfort. Some cats may knead with claws extended, and this can be uncomfortable or painful. If your cat kneads you with claws extended, you can gently hold the paw and clip the claws or provide them with a scratching post or mat for them to knead on. You can also train your cat to knead on a blanket or a specific toy instead of you.
What do cats do to show they trust you?
Cats are independent animals, and they often exhibit behaviors that are unique to them. There are some general signs that a cat may show to indicate that they trust you. Cats will often purr when they are content and relaxed, especially when they are in close proximity to someone they trust. They will often give a slow blink when they are relaxed and comfortable around someone. It's a sign that they consider the person a friend and trust them. Cats will often bring small "gifts," such as toys, or even prey, to the people they trust as a way of showing affection. They also often allow people they trust to touch their tails and ears, which are sensitive areas for them. Cats will also roll over and show their belly to people they trust, which is a sign that they feel safe and comfortable.
How do cats show they are mad at you?
Cats, like other animals, have their own way of communicating their emotions and intentions. Hissing or growling is a sign of aggression or fear, and it's a clear indication that the cat is uncomfortable or threatened. Cats will often flatten their ears against their head when they are angry or defensive. A cat may flick its tail rapidly when it is agitated or angry. When a cat is angry or defensive, it may puff up its fur to make itself look bigger and more intimidating. Cats may bite or scratch as a sign of aggression or to assert dominance. If a cat is mad at you, it may avoid you or hide from you. Cats may also make loud vocalizations as a way to express their dissatisfaction or anger.
More on Cat Behavior
5 Tips To Calm An Aggressive Cat
Crack The Cat Language Barrier: Learn To Understand Your Cat
Why Do Cats Purr?
