Behavior Challenges: Excessive Meowing

Why Is Your Cat Vocal? 

Many cats enjoy a good chat now and again, whether their talkative tendencies come from genetics or they’ve learned through their interactions with us. Cats can produce over 100 different types of sounds, and while they mostly use non-verbal body language to communicate with each other, many cats have learned that vocal behavior is an excellent way to get our attention! 

Let’s be real. Many cat owners talk to, sing to and have full discussions with their cats (it’s OK, this is a safe space). Your cat has very likely learned that you react a certain way when they respond to you or when they vocalize on their own. Your response might include talking back, feeding or playing with them, coming over to see what they’re doing or responding in some other direct way. 

This level of engagement is very rewarding for our cats, who are naturally social animals! Even when we’re upset, for them any attention can be perceived as worthwhile attention — especially if, in their mind, they are “starving” or “it’s been forever” since the last play or snuggle session. 

Setting fair expectations around what vocal behavior is “appropriate” by our standards is an important first step before deciding to implement training to modify it. So, how do we address inappropriate vocal behavior or shift already existing vocal behavior patterns? 

Don’t Reward Unwanted Behaviors, and DO Reward Wanted Behaviors! 

Rewarding the behaviors you want to see is crucial for changing your cat’s behavior. Take note of when they tend to be vocal — is it around mealtimes? Has it been a while since you played or interacted with them? Are there other cats or animals outside? Before they have a chance to start vocalizing during those more predictable times, reward your cat and give them treats, praise, playtime or affection in moments when they are quieter. Conversely, if they begin meowing at an inappropriate time, do not respond. Try leaving the room or doing something unrelated to your cat that might catch their interest enough to stop them from vocalizing. When they do stop meowing, invite them to engage with you in some way and reward them for being quiet. 

Meet Your Cat’s Needs & Manage the Environment 

Cats thrive on routine! The usual “Cat Activity Cycle” is Wake up --> Play --> Eat --> Groom --> Sleep --> Repeat! Set a daily schedule you can easily maintain. This will make it a bit easier to build habits around rewarding the behavior you want to see because you’ll be operating around a predictable schedule. 

Cover the basics by making sure your cat always has a clean litter box and fresh water, and that their diet is adequate. If your cat seems hungry all the time, consult your veterinarian to ensure there are no medical concerns and to see if some supplementation or feeding more small meals throughout the day would help. 

It is also important to consider that some cats will vocalize when they are in pain or are distressed. Consulting a veterinarian to rule this out is an important first step, especially if the behavior has developed suddenly. Changes in the features (volume, intensity, pitch, tone) of the vocalizations themselves can also indicate changes in health. 

Meowing for attention: 

Remember to also provide your cat with stimulation, such as toys and exercise, regardless of whether they are an indoor or indoor/outdoor cat. A variety of toys, food puzzles and the occasional catnip will keep them from getting bored. Make your playtime interactive by incorporating wand or fishing-pole toys and feathers that your cat can chase. Avoid laser toys — many cats get frustrated or distressed that they cannot “catch” the laser, which can lead to an increase in undesired behaviors, including vocalizations. Whenever you introduce a new type of toy, monitor your cat’s interactions with it to ensure it will be safe. Some cats will destroy some types of toys, which can result in unintended health hazards for our cats like choking or blockages. 

Meowing at night: 

If your cat is meowing constantly at night, try adding some enrichment activities for them to do before bed, such as feeding meals in a puzzle toy or creating a scavenger hunt! Providing enrichment activities throughout the day will help tire them out. 

Oftentimes a shift in feeding routine also helps! Most cats are grazers, and will nibble their kibble throughout the day, but some will scarf their meals down early and then be hungry again later — sometimes while you’re trying to sleep! For these cats, try splitting their daily portion into multiple servings, the last of which is put out right after a play session and shortly before you go to bed. Don’t have time to play one evening? This is when enrichment activities can help!  

Pro Tip: You can also manage their vocal behavior around asking for food by using automatic feeders, because meowing at you no longer makes food appear! 

Window wars: 

Cats can be quite vocal when it comes to seeing, hearing or smelling other cats outside the home. Closing blinds or removing access to spaces where they are interacting with other animals can help — this management can be ongoing or situational/seasonal. If removing access to one window, be sure to provide access to less active windows so they don't lose that wonderful source of enrichment!  

Some Situations Require a Different Response 

Be Patient 

Whenever you are teaching a cat a new behavior or changing unwanted behavior, remember that it takes time and consistency on our part for cats to learn a new routine or behavior, or to learn a previously “rewarded” behavior is no longer effective.  

More Behavior & Training Resources 

San Diego Humane Society offers training classes and resources to address a variety of needs for companion animals. 

Our training philosophy is based on the behavioral science concepts of positive reinforcement. Training your pet using these concepts will not only help them learn new behaviors more quickly, but it will also strengthen the bond you share. 

Please visit our website for a current schedule of training classes or call 619-279-5961.