How to Cope with a Whining Cat

By Sophie, published Dec 07, 2007
Published Content: 1,078  Total Views: 518,826  Favorited By: 147 CPs
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Cats whine for a reason, but if you do not know the reason why your cherished kitty lets out a whining plea or screech from time to time, then you cannot deal with the problem. Obviously there is something wrong! The following article will offer some tips on what to do when your cat whines and tries to get your attention.

How to Cope with a Whining Cat: Is the Cat Hungry or Thirsty?

One of the first things you should do if your cat starts whining is to check their food and water bowls. If they are empty, then the whine means "Top up my bowls. I'm hungry/ thirsty". How else will your cat let you know that there is a problem? The urgency in a cat's voice should alert you to a problem that needs to be fixed. A regular, calm sounding meow will not do this. Cats will quickly start to feel very insecure if they do not have any food or water near at hand.

How to Cope with a Whining Cat: Give the Cat some Attention

The reason why cats whine is to grab their owner's attention quickly. There might not be a physical problem at all. It might simply be a case of attention seeking. How long has it been since you stroked, cuddled and made a fuss of your cat? Cats may appear to be self-sufficient and in control, but they still crave attention from their owners. It isn't always the lap cats that feel this way either. Even cats that are skittish and usually dislike being picked up or stroked still require some attention. Make it a habit of spending some time each day with your cat. Acknowledge their existence and greet them each day. It may seem silly to say "Good morning, Fluffy". But if you do this regularly, the cat will normally look you in the eyes and meow in response!

How to Cope with a Whining Cat: Check for Illness

Takeaways
  • Make sure that your cat does not run out of food or water
  • Give the cat some attention
  • Check for illness
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 12 of 12
 
 
Im about to loose my mind. My cat whines in the morning now to get on the bed. Mon - Sunday. The bed is too high and he can now not get on without help. He is 15 years old. But it is annoying. After an hour or so he will leave the room but an hour of it is killing me. I even tried getting steps for him. The bed is still to high. Im at my wits end..any suggestions. It appears from other website articles he just wants attention....but in the am and just to get on the bed...

Posted on 05/28/2008 at 6:05:43 PM

 
I didn't know that cats could even do that.

Posted on 12/12/2007 at 6:12:34 AM

 
my mom's cat cries until she picks him up. it's absurd

Posted on 12/11/2007 at 4:12:53 PM

 
Our cats gently grab our legs with their paws to keep up from walking past without notice when they want something like food or water.

Posted on 12/11/2007 at 6:12:47 AM

 
Good advice! Our cats usually use other methods of getting our attention, such as knocking items off the desk or table. Ah, our furry friends... :)

Posted on 12/10/2007 at 9:12:11 PM

 
good article

Posted on 12/10/2007 at 8:12:19 AM

 
Thanks for the comments. It sounds like some people here have cats who are the boss in the house! Sophie

Posted on 12/08/2007 at 8:12:00 AM

 
My cat whines over anything you can imagine, especially when the dog is around. I think it's just for attention. Great article with lots of important info for cat owners, especially about illness!

Posted on 12/07/2007 at 10:12:00 PM

 
My cat is boss of the house too. He lays down on top of me in bed, and he isn't exactly light! I turn over and then he lays on my back. He turns circles until he finds the perfect position. He forces me to pet him too. He rubs his head and his cold wet nose into my hand. Thanks for the advice!

Posted on 12/07/2007 at 2:12:00 PM

 
Laughing, our cat makes what he wants perfectly clear, if he wants food he goes to his bowl and meows at me loudly, if there is food in the bowl he meows at me and goes up to the fridge scratching at the door, if you happen to be making a coffee he jumps up on the side and nudges the milk carton. If he wants to go outside he goes to the door and meows loudly and does the same when he wants to be let in, and if you are now quick enough to lets him in he give you a disgruntled meow as he walks past you with a definite evil look. Oh and when it is bedtime he is the first off upstairs to jump on my side of the bed, and nothing can stop him, he can open all the internal doors in the house with no problem at all! No points for guessing who the boss is in our house, urrr the cat of course.

Posted on 12/07/2007 at 2:12:00 PM

 
When my kitties complain, they're usually sleepy and I tell them to go take a nap. :-)

Posted on 12/07/2007 at 1:12:00 PM

 
Great info!

Posted on 12/07/2007 at 1:12:00 PM

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