Your cat is capable of showing how they are feeling in various different ways. Their body language, actions and meows all indicate whether they are happy and content or experiencing discomfort and stress. How your cat reacts to you and the environment around them can tell you what they are thinking, but when it comes to meowing, not all cats are as vocal as others – so what are they trying to tell you?
Well, below you’ll find some answers that will hopefully help you to understand what each type of meow could mean. If you’ve always wondered what your cat is trying to communicate when being vocal, read on to discover more and how to tell when a cute meow could be a sign of something more serious.
In This Article:
Is My Cat’s Meowing Normal?
Depending on your cat’s nature and breed, meowing could be unusual for them, so naturally you may feel that something is wrong when hearing them, especially if they are usually quiet.
A sudden increase in meowing intensity, frequency, or a change in tone can all be signs of an issue rather than the sound of a happy cat. Persistent meowing that sounds more strained or agonised than usual could indicate pain or discomfort and should not be ignored. If, on the other hand, your normally vocal cat becomes unusually quiet, this too can be a cause for concern.
If at any time it becomes unusual, it’s best to visit your vet as soon as possible. If you have suitable pet insurance, this will ensure you’re not having to decide between your finances and your cat’s health. Some providers have pet insurance policies with no upper age limit or compulsory excess, so if you have an older cat, you won’t have to worry about regular visits if they become ill and need to pay for treatment.
You may notice other signs along with the change in meowing such as low energy, reduced appetite or issues with using their litter tray. You’ll want to rule out any serious issues that could be the cause, so the only way to do so is to speak to your vet. It could be nothing, but you’ll have peace of mind for checking.
The Different Types of Cat Meows – The Main Things To Know
Interestingly, meowing is something your cat usually will only do when communicating with us humans. Whilst kittens may do so at an early stage when calling for their mother and feeling hungry or even distressed (called mewing), as they get older, they won’t tend to meow at other cats.
Domesticated cats have developed this ability specifically to signal their needs and desires to their owners. It’s not just a distinctive “Meow” either, as your cat may make other noises to signal something such as purring when happy. Of course, on the opposite end, your cat will hiss or growl when feeling not as friendly.
Listening out for the different sounds is a good starting point to know how they are feeling and what they want from you. Here’s a few different types you may hear:
- Short Meow – You may hear your cat do this when you come home from work or when your cat is happy to see you. This is generally seen as a standard meow.
- Multiple Meows – This can simply mean they are excited, indicating your cat is very glad to see you or that they are excited about something, such as food or playtime as part of their routine.
- Low-pitch Meow – A deeper meow can express dissatisfaction or annoyance. If your cat feels neglected, hungry, or upset, the meows become more prolonged and lower-pitched.
- High-pitch Meow – This can be a clear sign of pain or distress. High-pitched meows are often loud and sharp, indicating they want to be heard and that there is a problem. It could be a physical injury or a stressful situation. If you’ve ever stepped on your cat’s tail by accident, they’ll let you know with this type of meow.
Along with combinations of purring and hissing with a meow that can also indicate discomfort or unhappiness, understanding the different sounds and when they do them, will help you make sense of their meaning.
Is Your Cat Behaving Differently?
It’s not just the meow itself to listen out for, but also what they are doing and where they are when meowing. A cat may meow more frequently during certain times of the day, such as at meal times or when people are usually active around the house. This can mean they are hungry or want your attention. Observing the circumstances and timing of your cat’s meowing will help you make the link with what they want.
Meowing at humans can be a learned behaviour, for instance, if they know they will get something from doing it, they’ll continue to do so. If you reward them with food or playtime when they meow, they’ll remember this next time, just like a dog does with barking. This of course can lead to excessive meowing in some cases.
What To Do If Your Cat Is Meowing Too Much
As any cat owner who has experienced it will tell you, excessive meowing can be a challenge. It could happen during the night when you’re trying to go to sleep, for example, or early in the morning when they want something to eat. Whether it’s to demand food or just attention seeking, knowing what to do can be difficult. It’s important to not react negatively to them as this can make the situation worse or even scare them.
If it is related to food, some good ways to manage this are to ensure they’ve always got dry food available throughout the day as well as water. For mealtimes, you may want to consider feeding them smaller portions more often, although this can be difficult in households when someone isn’t always in. Whatever you choose to do, try to stay consistent so they have a routine.
If it is not related to food, then keeping them engaged will ensure they do not become bored. Engage your cat with regular playtime and interactive toys, especially if you have an indoor cat that cannot roam freely outside. This will hopefully reduce any attention-seeking behaviour.
Don’t Hesitate To Seek Further Advice
Cats are complex creatures, and while many of the ways they meow above will give you a clear indication of what they want, sometimes it can still leave you scratching your head. Don’t worry if this is the case and you’ve tried everything. If you are still unsure or concerned by your cat’s meowing, always speak to your vet.
Keep an eye on other behaviours they are showing when meowing and if there is anything unusual such as obvious pain or distress, a trip to the vet will help you get to the bottom of the issue. It’s better to be cautious than ignore a potential problem altogether, so you and your cat can continue to have a happy life together.
