Excessive Vocalization in Cats

Excessive vocalization is one of the most common complaints that cat owners have. Cats make a variety of sounds for different purposes, purring, growling, hissing, but loud, insistent, continuous meowing or crying can be attention-seeking behavior or may signal medical or emotional problems. Individual cats will vary as to how much they meow, but a sudden change in their vocalization pattern may indicate a problem the owner needs to address, often for their own benefit as well as their cat's!

A cat who suddenly begins meowing loudly and more often may be in pain. Medical conditions can cause increased vocalization, so your first step in solving the problem may be taking your cat to the veterinarian for a checkup to rule out treatable physical conditions

Some cats will use their cry to beg for food. It may be from hunger, but cats can suffer from food addictions just as humans do. An occasional treat is not harmful, but overfeeding will result in an overweight cat susceptible to medical conditions related to excessive weight. Feeding your cat several small meals a day instead of a large one in the morning or evening may solve this problem. If he continues his insistent meowing for food, don't give in and allow him to become overweight. Feeding meals and giving treats at scheduled times will teach him when to expect his food and may discourage his pleas, although it may take several weeks for his behavior to change.

Siamese and other Oriental breeds are well known for their penchant for meowing, while some breeds such as the Maine Coon or Persian are usually more quiet. Some cats enjoy having "conversations" with their owner, responding to their owner's voice with a meow. Some people enjoy "talking" to their cat, often meowing back at them. If this is the case, then it's not a problem, but if you don't care to "converse" with your cat at his insistence, then reserve your attention until he is quiet. Again, it may take several weeks until he alters his behavior.