Cats possess a wide range of vocalizations, from contented purrs to angry growls. Some of the sounds are decidedly endearing, such as the sweet little chirp your cat might make when you stroke his back. Others, though, are not as charming—particularly loud, frequent meows in the wee hours of the night.
Cats can be trained to stop meowing repetitively. First, it helps to determine why your cat wants your attention. Common reasons for chronic vocalizations include:
Age: Senior cats can experience a type of feline dementia known as “cognitive dysfunction.” This condition can cause a cat to become disoriented, which could cause her to meow loudly and plaintively, seemingly for no reason. If your senior cat begins meowing in this way, take her to the vet for a thorough examination. Some medications can help treat this condition.
A cat meows to communicate with her companions, and sometimes owners need to play detective to determine what she is trying to say. If your cat begins meowing excessively and this is not her normal behavior, have her examined by your vet as soon as possible. Never punish her for trying to communicate with you, and avoid the temptation to shout at her when she wakes you up at 3 a.m. with her cries. By taking a bit of time to discover the reason for the meowing, you can help curb future outbursts and perhaps develop a stronger bond with your pet.
About the Author: Stacy N. Hackett is an award-winning writer with more than 25 years’ experience in the pet industry. She is the former editor of Pet Product News and a former staff editor with Cat Fancy, Cats USA, Critters USA and Ferrets USA. To learn more about her work, visit stacynhackett.vpweb.com.
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