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There are many ways that your cat could show signs of being unable to cope with challenging situations like being left home alone, vet visits or travelling. One thing to listen out for is excessive vocalisations – which in a cat’s case – will mean meowing much more than usual.
Did you know that cats generally only meow as a method of communication towards humans? Cats don’t tend to meow to communicate with other cats. This is because they will primarily use scent communication to leave messages at a distance from each other in the form of cheek and chin rubbing (‘bunting’), urine marking, claw scratching and defaecating. When that fails, they will use visual communication, and vocalisation in the form of hissing and growling (and a very specific sort of vocalising when a female cat is in season!).
Why do cats meow?
It’s likely that cats meow at humans because they have learnt it gets some sort of response – whether that’s the human feeding them, talking to them or interacting with them in some way. They will meow during greeting, or to request attention or access to somewhere. Cats may also meow when they’re in pain or feeling stressed or anxious. Many cat owners will also be able to tell the differences between their own individual cat’s meows.
When meowing becomes excessive…
An incredibly vocal cat can not only be difficult for you to live with, but can also be indicative of a high level of anxiety or frustration in the cat. The first port of call should always be your vet to rule out any underlying medical problems. Secondly, try to work out why your cat is vocalising. Are they meowing to get your attention? Or because they’re worried about a neighbourhood cat? Or maybe because they’re constantly demanding food? If you understand what is motivating your cat to communicate so loudly, you can help them to be quieter.
How do I stop my cat from meowing all the time?
Once you’ve got to the bottom of why your cat might be meowing so much, you can change some things about their environment, their routine, or even your interactions with them. Can you provide them with more self-reinforcing, independent activities so that their day doesn’t revolve around interactions with you? Get them working for their food spread out over 5+ small meals per day instead of putting food straight into a bowl as a result of them vocalising. Ensure they have plenty of comfy high-up resting places and hidey holes too, so they feel safe at home and have places to retreat to rather than relying on your warm lap!
Zylkene is the UK’s No.1 veterinary calming supplement and it could help your cat feel more relaxed. Discover more about what to look for to see if your pet could benefit from Zylkene and how this calming supplement could help.
