My cat meows all the time. What can I do?
If your cat is meowing all the time, there's definitely a reason and it wants to tell you something. Meowing is how she communicates with humans.
Except for a female in heat or who has just had kittens, the cat meows exclusively when he communicates with humans. When he does it permanently, it becomes urgent to decipher his needs and to answer them.
Why does my cat meow all the time?
Meowing, some cats do it more often and louder than others, not to say permanently. There are several reasons why a cat meows all the time.
You have a talkative cat
That's how it is: some cats are naturally more talkative than others, just like men! It depends on their character, but it is also established that cats of certain breeds, especially Siamese and Asian breeds in general, meow more often than others. If you have a tonkinese, balinese, burmese, japanese bobtail, cornish rex or korat, you will have to get used to it, kitty is a big talker.
All his needs are not satisfied
The meowing allows the cat to ask for something. Whatever his needs, if he is hungry, if he is thirsty, if he wants to go out, if he needs a cuddle, etc., the cat will meow. It can also do it to call for help. A cat that is bored (preferably at night) and wants to play meow. A cat that doesn't feel good in its environment, if, for example, it has no place to stand high up, meows. In short, a cat does not meow without reason.
You have not accustomed it well
The cat acts according to situations that he considers positive or negative. Certainly, it has come several times to break your ears in the middle of the night and has only stopped meowing when you got up to open the door. The cat now knows that if he meows for hours, you will eventually give in and do what he wants.
Your cat may be sick
Especially if your cat has not accustomed you to incessant meows and is old enough, you should be concerned if he starts meowing excessively.
Some tips to remedy this
What to do if your cat, whom the veterinarian found to be in excellent health, meows all the time?
Fulfill all its needs
This is the first thing to do: make sure that all the cat's needs are met. Does he have a diet that suits him? Is fresh water available? A clean litter box? Toys? A place for scratching? A space where he can sit up high and dominate his world? To all these questions, it is necessary to answer yes, even if it means investing in a cat tree for the last two. Your cat also needs affection (and some more than others). Play with him, cuddle him, talk with him...
Find tips and tricks
Once this first step has been taken, you can find a few tips to eliminate prolonged meows. If, for example, your cat is meowing like crazy at first light (or even before) because he's hungry, buy a dispenser. You can still establish a play ritual with him in the evening: he will be reassured, will have attention, will spend energy and will stay awake to sleep better at night (at the same time as you!). Try again, especially if your cat is anxious, synthetic pheromones, in diffuser and spray form.
Re-educate the cat
For peaceful nights, you may need to take the bull by the horns and re-educate your cat. Don't answer the incessant calls behind the door, not even verbally. Stay deaf for a few nights. If that's not enough, you'll have to show the cat that this behavior is negative for him. One solution: stand behind the door and spray him with a little water (no need to take the bucket out, prefer the mister!) as soon as he comes to meow.
Can this be a medical problem?
This behaviour indicates that the animal is not at ease or is suffering. It can be chronic pain, hypertension, hyperthyroidism or even senility. Sensory losses causing confusion also cause anxiety to the older cat who is constantly meowing. A visit to the veterinarian is necessary. Remember to note your cat's other symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, increased food or drink intake...