Are You Having Trouble with Your Cat’s Constant Meowing Every Day?

Are you frustrated with the daily meowing of your cat? Some cats have minimal meowing while others have excessive meowing. Even cats that don’t usually meow, may meow when they have a request for their owner, which is referred to as “meowing for requests”. This can be quite bothersome if the meowing becomes excessive. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind a cat’s meowing for requests and ways to handle it.

✨ What is “meowing for requests”?

What distinguishes meowing for requests from regular meowing?

We will examine the meowing sound and the circumstances in which a cat makes a meowing for requests.

❂ The meowing for requests is the meowing voice that expresses a request

Cats are unable to speak, but they communicate their feelings to their owners through their actions and meows. So, when they have a request, they also express their needs to their owners through their actions and meows.

They may repeatedly express their request through high-pitched meows such as “meow” or “nyao”, which is referred to as “meowing for requests”. For example, when a cat wants food, they may meow in a voice that sounds like they are begging for food near their food dish.

The meowing for requests may persist until the owner responds and can become irritating…

It is best to determine what the cat is requesting with the meowing for requests and respond appropriately. However, if the owner always responds to the meowing and indulges the cat’s selfishness, the cat may learn to meow excessively and the meowing for requests may escalate…!

Let’s determine the cat’s request through the meowing for requests and implement a coping method that is suitable for each situation!

✨ The Pattern of a Cat’s Meowing Request

When a cat makes a meowing request, there are several patterns. Here, we will delve into five common patterns of meowing requests observed in cats.

❂ Meowing Pattern: “I’m hungry!”

When a cat is hungry, they may meow to their owner to request food.

If the cat is meowing near their food bowl, it is often a request for food, and it may be easy to understand their needs.

If the cat makes a meowing request during their usual mealtime, ensure that they are given a proper meal.

However, if the cat is overfed or given snacks due to excessive meowing, there is a risk of the cat becoming overweight. Additionally, if the cat learns that meowing leads to getting food or snacks, the meowing requests may escalate. If the cat is meowing excessively early in the morning or late at night, it can become a source of concern for the owner.

It is recommended to set a specific time for feeding and not respond to any additional meowing requests.

Using “food puzzles” can also be helpful in reducing the cat’s meowing requests and preventing obesity.

❂ “Let me out of the cage!” is the pattern of cries

Cats may make demand meows to express their needs, such as “release me!” or “open the door!”, when they want to be taken out of their cage or move to a different room.

Since cats are unable to open doors or cages on their own, they are seeking assistance from their owner by communicating their desires. Some cats even lead their owners to the door while making demand meows.

When a cat is making demand meows for movement, it’s important to respond promptly. If the rooms in the house are separated for food, bathroom, etc., and the cat is unable to move around freely, it’s necessary to respond as quickly as possible. When leaving the house, make sure to provide the cat with the ability to move freely, such as leaving the door open.

❂ “Play with me!” Pattern

Cats may meow with a demand of “Play with me!” when they want to play. Particularly when they are alone at home, they may become bored and want to play. When the cat meows with the demand of “Play with me!”, engage in play with it thoroughly.

❂ “Clean the litter box!” Pattern

Cats are animals with a preference for cleanliness in their litter box. If the litter box is dirty or smelly, they may avoid using it. When the litter box is dirty, the cat may meow with the demand of “Clean it!” to its owner. If the cat is rarely using the litter box and the meowing demand is persistent, attend to the litter box. Some cats may not meow even if the litter box is dirty.

Cats can become ill if they hold their urine frequently, so it is crucial to always keep the bathroom clean and make sure they don’t have to hold it in.

Additionally, it is recommended that the number of bathrooms should be “the number of cats +1,” so in households with multiple cats, it is important to have enough bathrooms available.

❂ Complaining pattern with “Where have you been?” meows

When a cat is left alone, they may meow as if asking “Where have you been?” out of loneliness. As a pet owner, it is understandable to feel happy when your beloved cat demonstrates that they missed you. In such instances, it is advisable to spend time playing with them and allowing them to cuddle with you.

✨ How to deal with excessively loud meowing?

Meowing serves as a significant indicator in understanding a cat’s needs, but it can become problematic when it becomes too loud. In such cases, it is important to consider how to handle it.

❂ Is ignoring it an option?

When a cat’s meowing becomes excessively loud, it is likely that they have learned that “the owner will do X.” In such scenarios, ignoring the meowing can be effective in reducing it. Cats are intelligent and they learn through the association of their actions with those of their owner.

Even when a cat seeks cuddles from you, if you are unable to cuddle with them in a specific environment and want to reduce their meowing, try ignoring their meows for a while. Instead, cuddle with them when they are not meowing. This will weaken the connection between “meowing” and “getting cuddled.” If you don’t ignore the meows every time or respond to them, there is a risk that the meowing may become even worse. If you decide to ignore the meows, it is important to do so consistently. Also, it is important to keep in mind that a cat’s meowing may not only be a demand, but also a sign of illness, so it is crucial to carefully monitor your cat’s condition.

❂ Is it not also beneficial not to respond?

Responding to the cat’s meows is a way of communicating with the owner and it is important to understand the cat’s feelings. However, if you consistently respond to requests for snacks or food, there is a risk of excessive calorie intake, leading to obesity. Additionally, if you respond to the cat’s meows during the middle of the night or early in the morning, the cat may continue to meow until you respond, even when you are sleeping. By responding to the cat’s requests in a manner that allows for continued interaction in the future, you can maintain a healthy relationship with your cat.

✨ When it meows loudly, could it not be a request meow?

Not all meows from a cat are requests. Ignoring the meows because you believe it is just a request meow could result in missing an opportunity to address a potential health issue.

❂ Heat period-specific meowing

Cats have a heat period during which they make specific meowing sounds. The heat period meowing starts with female cats and male cats respond with their own meowing. The heat period peaks in the spring when daylight hours become longer. The heat period meowing is loud and persistent, causing trouble for many owners. It is difficult to stop the meowing during the heat period and measures such as sterilization or birth control surgery may need to be considered.

During the heat period, you may observe different behaviors, such as lifting their hips and jumping on the owner, along with the meowing sounds. Due to the loud nature of heat period-specific meowing, it is recommended to take preventative measures to avoid disturbing the neighbors.

❂ Illness could be the cause

If a cat’s meowing is persistent and not a result of “meowing for requests” or a “heat period,” it is possible that an illness is the cause. For instance, “separation anxiety,” “dementia,” and “pain” are potential diseases that could be behind the meowing.

Separation anxiety occurs when a cat feels intense anxiety when separated from its owner and manifests in various behaviors and reactions. Although separation anxiety is more commonly associated with dogs, it can also affect cats. One symptom of separation anxiety in cats is excessive meowing. In addition to meowing, other behaviors such as destruction of property while the owner is away, litter box accidents, and other behaviors may also be observed.

In dementia, especially in elderly cats, excessive and continuous meowing can be a symptom. My cat is 20 years old and sometimes suddenly starts meowing loudly, which could be a symptom of dementia.

It is important to observe other changes in addition to meowing and seek the advice of a veterinarian at an animal hospital if you have any concerns. Extra caution is necessary for cats over 15 years of age, which are considered elderly.

If meowing is due to pain, it could be a result of pain caused by injury or oral abnormalities, or pain caused by stimulation of the tail or urethra during urination.

If a cat’s meowing is due to a specific behavior, it could be a sign of an illness. Cats do not easily show signs of poor health, but excessive meowing is a significant indicator. It is important to closely monitor your cat’s condition and seek the advice of an animal hospital as soon as possible if any abnormalities are detected.

✨ Conclusion

There are several patterns in a cat’s request meowing, which indicate what the cat wants. Understanding these patterns can help improve communication with the cat and better understand its feelings. However, always responding to the meows can lead to problems for both the cat and the owner. One effective way to stop the request meow is by “ignoring” it, so if the meowing becomes excessive, it’s important to address it appropriately.

In addition to the meowing, it is important to look for other signs, such as changes in behavior, as it could indicate heat or illness. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to consult an animal hospital promptly.