Excessive Meowing
Meowing is a natural and necessary behavior, but excessive meowing can be disruptive. There are steps you can take to manage this behavior.
Cats will typically meow for one of four reasons:
• There is an underlying medical condition (rule this out by talking to your vet)
• They are bored
• They need something (e.g. food or water)
• They are seeking attention.
• If your cat is meowing out of boredom, prioritize playtime. Engage in interactive games that mimic stalking and hunting to help them burn energy and stay mentally stimulated. Schedule 2-3 short (15-minute) play sessions each day using toys like wands, toy mice, ping pong balls, and cardboard boxes. During wand play, keep it just out of reach initially, gradually allowing them to catch it to ensure they feel rewarded, not frustrated.
• If your cat meows for attention, resist the urge to give them attention immediately. Wait for them to stop meowing, then shower them with attention. Consistency will help them learn that quietness leads to attention.
• If your cat meows for food, avoid feeding them when they demand it. Stick to set meal times each day, like breakfast at 8 am, to establish a consistent routine. While ignoring late-night or early-morning meows can be tough, maintaining this routine will benefit you and your cat in the long run.