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Why do cats meow excessively? 6 possible causes – and solutions that can help you both

Find out why your cat is meowing so much (and what to do about it)

Shannon Cooper
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A striped cat hisses angrily at the cameraCats meow (and don’t meow!) for a number of reasons. It all starts when they’re kittens — they meow to their mothers when they’re cold, hungry, or scared. As they get older, little felines learn different ways to vocalize and interact with other cats, usually by yowling or hissing. But meowing is an adult cat’s way to communicate with people. It’s nice to have a little chat with your tiny tiger, though constant meowing can be really unpleasant. If you regularly ask yourself, “Why do cats meow so much?” you’re in the right place.

Striped orange cat meowing
Didgeman / Pixabay

Why do cats meow to their humans?

Good news first: Many of the meows you hear indicate a positive feeling. This means, your cat gets happy and just has to express herself in her native tongue. However, sometimes, vocalizations can reveal the total opposite and require you to take care of her. Occasionally, excessive talking from a feline says that she’s not OK and needs some human intervention. As with learning a new language, you should pay careful attention to the timing, intonation, and context of the articulation. Basically, trust your pet. If she’s really in pain, you’ll know from the noises she makes and should take her to the vet as soon as possible.
Fluffy gray cat sits and meows on a brown background
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Why do cats meow?

To get your cat to quiet down, you need to figure out why they’re meowing in the first place. Crying for attention will require a different response than crying in pain. Here are some of the most common reasons why cats meow continually and solutions that can help you both.

They’re lonely and want to chat with you

The problem: If your cat spends long hours at home without you, she may be lonely. While kitties are not the most social animals, they do enjoy company from time to time. Your cat may greet you when you come home or meow when she walks into the room. Some cats like to mimic humans and join in regular conversations, too.

The solution: Consider leaving out some toys to entertain her while you’re gone. You can get a kitty condo or interactive toys. You can also put a bird feeder outside her favorite window to attract birds and provide hours of entertainment, or play a video created just for cats on YouTube.

Gray cat looking up at the camera and meowing
Athree23 / Pixabay

They want food

The problem: Is your cat crying nonstop anytime someone enters the kitchen in particular? She’s probably begging for food, even if it’s not her usual mealtime. Some cats become very vocal when they believe it’s time to be fed.

The solution: To train your cat not to do this, don’t feed her when she meows. Instead, wait until she’s quiet to put down her bowl. Over time, she’ll learn that being quiet means being fed. You can also try using an automatic feeder, which releases a portion of food at a set time every day.

Black kitten meowing
jingoba / Pixabay

They want attention

The problem: Some kitties meow when they want attention. Cats enjoy being around people and may start talking when they want you to play or pet them.

The solution: To prevent her constant meowing, try giving her attention only when she’s quiet. If she begins meowing again, look away or stop what you’re doing, but be careful not to ignore her. Your cat wants to spend time with you. She needs quality time every day for playing, grooming, and chatting. Schedule some pet sessions with your furry friend, whether she’s meowing at you or not.

Cat sits on a couch meowing
New Africa / Shutterstock

They have a medical problem, or they’re stressed

The problem: Numerous diseases and ailments can cause your cat to be hungry, thirsty, or in pain, resulting in excessive meowing. Kidney disease and an overactive thyroid are two such medical conditions. Stress can also cause a cat to be more vocal. If you’ve moved recently, added a new family member, or gone through any other significant life changes, your cat may be feeling stressed out, causing her to meow more.

The solution: This can be a serious problem. If you suspect your cat is in physical or emotional pain, schedule an appointment with your vet for a complete checkup. They can give you tips on calming your anxious kitty or create a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve your cat’s pain.

Cat getting checkup at vet
David Herraez Calzada / Shutterstock

They’re getting old

The problem: As cats age, they can begin to experience cognitive dysfunction and mental confusion. Just like older people, they may become easily disoriented. This can cause a cat to cry more frequently, especially at night.

The solution: Sometimes a nightlight can help your cat feel more comfortable if she gets disoriented in the dark. However, this issue is best handled with a vet’s assistance. They can determine if aging is causing your kitty to meow. Additionally, they can prescribe medications to alleviate her symptoms.

Cat looks up at camera with mouth open
fantom_rd / Shutterstock

They want to breed

The problem: If your cat isn’t spayed or neutered, she will be very vocal when she wants to breed. Female cats are often louder than males. They will yowl when they’re in heat (every two to three weeks throughout breeding season), and males will yowl when they smell a female cat in heat. Both, however, can be very annoying.

The solution: Get your cat spayed or neutered to prevent this sort of meowing. Not only can this procedure help with excessive meowing, but spaying or neutering your cat can also prevent a whole host of other medical problems. 

Cat meowing
Pitsch / Pixabay

While cats’ meowing can aggravate, it could be a sign that they are unhappy. Whether they simply need more attention or require medical care, you shouldn’t ignore your cat’s cries. When your cat meows, check on her to figure out the reason for the noise. Once you know why your cat is meowing, you can help solve her problem. You may need to set aside time to play with her or schedule a vet appointment. But with this guide, stopping your cat from meowing excessively will be a little easier.

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Shannon Cooper
Shannon Cooper
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shannon Cooper has written about everything from pet care and travel to finance and plumbing in her seven years as a writer…
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