Cats are known for their vocalizations, with meowing being a primary form of communication between cats and their human companions. Understanding why cats meow is essential for cat owners to decipher their pets’ needs and behaviours effectively. 

In this detailed blog article, we will explore the various reasons behind why cats meow and how to interpret and respond to their vocalizations.

The Nature of Meowing in Cats

Meowing is a unique vocalization in cats, as adult cats primarily meow at humans rather than at each other. While kittens meow to communicate with their mothers when they are hungry, cold, or scared, adult cats reserve their meows for interactions with people. 

This behaviour is believed to have evolved as a way for cats to get what they want from humans, as meowing often prompts a response from their owners.

Reasons Why Cats Meow

1. To Greet People: Cats may meow to greet their owners when they come home or to express happiness at seeing them. This form of meowing is a way for cats to communicate their affection and excitement.

2. To Solicit Attention: Cats enjoy social interaction and may meow to seek attention from their owners. This can include requests for petting, playtime, or simply to engage in conversation.

3. To Ask for Food: Hunger is a common reason for cats to meow, especially around mealtimes. Cats may meow to signal that they are hungry or to prompt their owners to feed them.

4. To Communicate Needs: Cats may meow to indicate that they want to go outside, come inside, or access certain areas of the house. Meowing is their primary way of expressing their desires and needs.

5. To Express Discomfort or Pain: Excessive meowing can sometimes indicate that a cat is in distress, discomfort, or pain. It is crucial to pay attention to changes in meowing patterns, as they could signal underlying health issues that require veterinary attention.

Dealing with Excessive Meowing

While meowing is a normal form of communication for cats, excessive meowing can be disruptive and may indicate an underlying problem. It is essential to address excessive meowing by:

• Providing attention and interaction to meet your cat’s social needs.
• Ensuring that your cat’s basic needs, such as food, water, and litter box access, are met.
• Seeking veterinary advice if excessive meowing persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

By understanding the reasons behind why cats meow and responding appropriately to their vocalizations, cat owners can strengthen their bond with their feline companions and ensure their well-being and happiness.

Different types of meows that cats make

Cats communicate with us through various sounds, and meowing is one of the most common forms of communication between cats and humans. There are different types of meows that cats make, each with its unique meaning and purpose. 

Here are some of the most common types of meows that cats make:

1. The Standard Meow: This is the most common type of meow that cats make. It is a simple, short meow that cats use to get our attention or express their needs.

2. The Mewl: This is a softer, more plaintive meow that cats use when they want something specific, such as food or attention. It is often accompanied by a soft purr and can be quite endearing.

3. The Long, Drawn-Out Meow: This is a more urgent meow that cats use when they need something immediately, such as when they are hungry or in pain. It can be quite persistent and may be accompanied by other vocalizations, such as growling or hissing.

4. Repeated Meows: Cats may meow repeatedly to get our attention or express their needs. This can be a sign of excitement, such as when they see a toy or a bird outside the window.

5. High-Pitched Meow: This is a sharp, high-pitched meow that cats use when they are in pain or discomfort. It may be accompanied by other vocalizations, such as growling or hissing.

6. Low-Pitched Meow: This is a deep, rumbling meow that cats use when they are content or relaxed. It is often accompanied by purring and can be quite soothing to listen to.

7. Purring: This is a soft, rhythmic sound that cats make when they are content or relaxed. It is often accompanied by a slow blink or a relaxed body posture.

8. Chirping or Chattering: This is a high-pitched, trilling sound that cats make when they are excited or aroused, such as when they see a bird or a squirrel outside the window. It is a sign of excitement and can be quite endearing.

9. The Caterwaul: This is a long, drawn-out howl that cats use when they are in heat or looking for a mate. It is a mating call and can be quite persistent.

10. Hissing: This is a sharp, hissing sound that cats make when they are angry or frightened. It is a warning sign and should be taken seriously.

Understanding the different types of meows that cats make can help us better communicate with our feline friends and respond to their needs more effectively. By paying attention to the context in which our cats meow and the other vocalizations they use, we can learn to interpret their meows and respond appropriately to their needs.

Some reasons why cats meow excessively

Some reasons why cats meow excessively include:

1. Attention-Seeking: Cats may meow excessively to seek attention from their owners. This behaviour can be a way for cats to initiate play, petting, or simply to engage with their human companions.

2. Hunger: One of the most common reasons for excessive meowing is hunger. Cats may meow persistently when they are hungry or when their food and water bowls are empty, signalling their need for food.

3. Loneliness or Fear: Cats may meow more when they feel lonely or threatened. Factors like loud noises, the presence of other animals, or changes in their environment can lead to increased vocalization due to fear or discomfort.

4. Mating Season: During mating season, cats can meow excessively as a way to communicate with other cats. This behaviour can be particularly disruptive, especially at night, as cats become more vocal in their attempts to attract mates.

5. Medical Issues: Excessive meowing can also be a sign of underlying medical problems such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or other health issues. Cats may vocalise more when they are in pain, discomfort, or experiencing illness, prompting the need for a veterinary check-up.

6. Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction: Older cats, especially those with feline cognitive dysfunction, may meow more frequently due to confusion or discomfort associated with ageing. This condition can lead to increased vocalization as cats struggle with cognitive decline.

How to differentiate between a cat’s meow and a yowl

To differentiate between a cat’s meow and a yowl, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of each vocalization:

Meow:

• Characteristics: Meowing is a common vocalization used by cats to communicate with humans. It is a shorter, more high-pitched sound that cats make to express various needs or emotions, such as greeting, asking for attention, or requesting food.
• Purpose: Cats meow to interact with people and convey their desires or feelings. Meowing is a versatile vocalization that can signify different things based on the context and tone of the meow.

Yowl:

• Characteristics: A yowl is a more intense, long, and low-pitched vocalization compared to a meow. It is often louder and more drawn out, resembling a moan or howl.
• Purpose: Cats yowl for various reasons, including hunger, boredom, attention-seeking, mating calls, pain, cognitive dysfunction, or behavioural issues. Yowling can indicate distress, discomfort, or a need for something specific.

Differentiating between a cat’s meow and a yowl involves paying attention to the sound’s duration, pitch, intensity, and context. Meows are typically shorter, higher-pitched, and used for general communication with humans, while yowls are longer, lower-pitched, and may indicate more urgent needs or emotional states. 

Ways to train your cat to stop yowling excessively

Cats meow for various reasons, such as hunger, attention-seeking, or discomfort. If your cat is meowing excessively, it may be a sign of a behavioural issue that needs to be addressed. Here are some ways to train your cat to stop yowling excessively:

1. Ignore the behaviour: If your cat is meowing excessively for attention, the best thing to do is to ignore it. Do not look at your cat, do not talk to your cat, and do not move until it stops meowing. This will help your cat learn that meowing does not get the attention it wants.

2. Address the underlying cause: If your cat is meowing excessively due to hunger, try feeding it smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. If your cat is meowing excessively due to boredom, try playing with it more often or providing it with toys to keep it occupied.

3. Create a routine: Cats are creatures of habit, and they thrive on routine. Try to create a consistent routine for feeding, playing, and sleeping. This will help your cat feel more secure and reduce excessive meowing.

4. Avoid reinforcing the behaviour: If your cat meows excessively for food, do not give in and feed it right away. Wait until it stops meowing before you give it food. This will help your cat learn that meowing does not automatically result in food.

5. Provide a quiet, comfortable space: Cats need a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat and relax. Make sure your cat has access to a cozy bed or blanket in a quiet area of your home.

6. Consult a veterinarian: If your cat’s excessive meowing persists, it may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. Consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for the behaviour.

Remember, retraining your cat can take time and patience. Be consistent and persistent, and do not give in to your cat’s demands for attention or food. With time and effort, you can help your cat learn to stop yowling excessively and enjoy a more peaceful home.