Today’s question: Why do cats meow? What are they trying to tell us with all this meowing? Do excessive kitten meows drive you crazy? Well, they don’t have to. Keep in mind that cat meows and other kitten sounds are your cats way of communicating with you. Your kitten quickly learns that in order to get what it wants, it’s best to learn ways to communicate with you.
Ironically, kittens do not meow very much to each other. They use other forms of communication to get their point across. Kittens primarily use nonverbal language (scent, facial expressions, body postures) to convey their thoughts to other animals. Unfortunately, we humans are just not that sophisticated to pick on all of our furry friends nonverbal cues, so they have to use meowing to get our attention.
Learn more: 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Cats
The Biology of Meowing
Some breeds are just natural talkers. Siamese and other Asian feline breeds are quite talkative. They want to talk to you about their day, your day, and everything else in between. And have a low-pitched long-winded meow. If you’re not big on kitten conversation, then get a quieter breed. Chartreux and Russian Blue kittens tend to be on the quieter side.
Kittens have a wide variety of meows. From soft to demanding. Kittens know how to ask for what they want.
What follows is a list of 10 reasons why your cat may be meowing:
1. The Hungry Meow
You’ll easily recognize “I’m hungry” kitten meows. Kittens that want to be feed look you in the eyes and make repetitive meows. Some kittens will even follow you until to feed them the treat that they want. Hungry meows are long drawn out and incessant.
To stop the hungry meow, don’t reward you kitten’s meowing. If your kitten meows excessively and you rush to feed it, your teaching them that that this behavior works. Don’t set up the pattern!
2. The “I Want to Play” Meow
Have you been neglecting your kitten? Sometimes kittens meow constantly because they miss their owners company. Your kitten may simply want to play with you. You may notice that your kitten tugs on your leg or playfully nibbles on your hand. Your kitten may even pounce on your bed at 4am and ask to play.
Imagine how your kitten feels. You would complain if your significant other didn’t have time for you. Play games with your kitten. Schedule time everyday to connect. At night, keep your door closed to prevent your kitten from waking you up and requesting playtime.
3. The Angry Meow
The angry meow is very distinctive and often is accompanied by postural changes. The sound your kitten makes may be low-pitched and growl-like. It may arch its back and take a defensive posture.
Your kitten may have just seen an unwelcomed face. Or it may just want to be left alone. Don’t ignore an angry kitten meow and posture.
4. The Bored Meow
Bored kittens are prone to being overly vocal. If you are away at work all day long, kittens can become bored during the day. Imagine if you were at home all day long with no entertainment and no mental stimulation. You would get bored, too.
A bored kitten meows constantly. Your kitten may rush to meet you at the door when you get home. Some kittens suffering from separation anxiety cry and whine when their owner leave the house.
Make sure your kitten has activities during the day. Leave out their favorite toys. Rotate which toys your kitten plays with every few days to keep it entertained. If possible, get another kitten so that your kitten has a playmate during the day.
5. The “I’m Happy to See You” Meow
A happy kitten is a sight to behold. Happy kittens make happy sounds. A kitten trill is a type of vocalization kittens use to demonstrate joy. Just as with mom cat, a kitten that’s happy to see you will greet you.
6. The “I’m Sick” Meow
The “I’m sick” meow is one of the saddest sounds you will hear. Your normally rambunctious outspoken kitten is now lethargic and quiet. Sick kitten meows are quieter, softer and less energetic. It may take all of your kitten’s strength just to utter a soft meow.
If you notice that your kitten appears weak with a softer than usual meow, see your vet right away to check for any problems.
7. The “I Want to Cuddle” Meow
You may notice that your kitten bumps her head against your arm or leg and then looks at your and softly meows. Most likely, your kitten wants affection. The remedy is easy; give your kitten lots of hugs and attention.
8. The “I Want to Mate” Meow
The yelping. The constant meowing. Female kittens and cats are notorious for their vocalizations during mating season. Solution: get your girl kitten spayed early before she reaches sexual maturity.
9. The “I Want to Go out” Meow
Your cat is likely to meow at the door if she wants to go out.
10. The “Let Me in” Meow
Once your cat is finished with her business outside, she will like to get back inside. When she cannot get in because of the closed door, she is also likely to meow at the door until you let her back in.
What are some unique reasons why your cat meows?
What are some other reasons why cats meow? As all cats are different, there may be some unique reason why your cat meows.
As always, you are welcome to comment below and tell us about your cat and some of the unique reasons why he or she meows.
Cool!