A meow is one of many ways cats communicate with us. Understanding excessive meowing can help you, and your kitty lives a bit more peacefully. When your cat is in another room you may notice them meowing loudly; and that can be concerning. So, have you ever wondered, why does my cat meow loudly in the other room?
Cats meow in the other room as a way of communication. Cats meow when they are hungry, need water, or need attention. They can also meow when there is an underlying illness, an injury, undergoing stress, or need help. Most cats meow as an emotional response.
The loudness and tone a cat meows with are important to know because not all meows are the same. Sometimes a meow can mean something is terribly wrong and you as a pet owner need to be alert for those sounds. Here are nine reasons your cat might be meowing loudly from a different room and how you can help.
Your Cat May Have An Illness
Cats are generally pretty good at hiding their physical symptoms of illness. There are sometimes where they are hurt or have an illness that they can’t hide. Some diseases can cause a change in appetite, making a cat more or less hungry. Cat’s will meow at their owner when they are hungry to get more food, so if there a disease that might be causing and appetite change, it is likely the cat will meow.
When injured, cats won’t normally meow; they will be more likely to stay away from you and stay still. The meow doesn’t come in until they are trying to be inspected or treated. You have to really watch for their body posture while they meow, that’s often an indication of their mood and what their feeling.
The best way to help your cat if this is the case is to see a vet immediately. Then, continue with the proper care and regular checkups.
Cats Meow For Attention
Some cats, such as the Siamese, are very demanding when it comes to wanting attention. Siamese cats are extremely vocal. I once had a cat that was very aggressive and in your face when he wanted attention, and this did come with frequent meowing. If he was in a mood to be pet, and my hand was not scratching him in some way, he would tell me all about it. Some cats are very vocal about their need for attention, especially if its a cat that’s confined to one room.
If this is why your cat is meowing loudly, try to spend more time with them, either playing or petting. However, this might also be something that you want to change. They will start to learn that meowing will get them whatever they want. If this starts to happen, start teaching your kitty that you will only pet them when they are quiet and at certain times.
Your Cat Is Aging
As cats age, certain bodily functions start to diminish; especially eyesight. Most cats start to lose their eyesight in their old age. During the day, this might not be a problem because the extra light helps. Also, you might be walking around or with your kitty. However, at night or if they are alone, it might be a completely different story.
If a cat can’t see where they are or what is going on in the world around them, they will panic and start meowing or yowling. I had a cat who did this when she was at the ripe age of 21! At night, she would give off long and low meows that could be heard all over the house.
If your cat is meowing loudly because of any age-related issues, be sure to put them in places where you are, if you can. They will recognize your smell or voice and hopefully calm down.
Cats Meow When They Are Lonely
Although independent creatures, cats can get lonely, especially in this day and age when we have school, work, nights out, soccer games, and just a generally busy schedule. When we are not around our cat, they can get separation anxiety. This is more common in dogs, but cats can have it too.
Cats can get anxious, bored, and eventually lonely if you are not around. If you are in a different room and are not aware you are home, you might be able to catch the long and upsetting meows. If your neighbors start to complain of a yowling cat, it might be because your cat misses you and wants you to come home.
There are a few different options for when this happens. First, leave out enough toys for your kitty to play with. They might be bored. If that doesn’t work, try having a pet sitter, friend, or family member, stop by now and then to give your cat some attention. Finally, you can try and give them a perch to sit on to look outside. They can be entertained by birds, people walking by, and random leaves blowing in the wind.
Stressed Cats Tend To Meow Loudly
Cats get stressed out pretty easily. The most common stressors are a big move, a new baby in the house, or an event where many people come over. If a cat’s environment is getting disrupted, they will likely be stressed.
Cat carriers are a huge stressor. They associate this with a bad experience and then have to get stuffed back in during a trip to the vet or to be moved into a new home.
The good news is that cats eventually adjust to a new home, a baby, or new people. The bad news is that it can cause a lot of meowing.
If your cat is meowing because of stress, try to find the root cause of the stress and remove it (if possible). You can’t remove a new baby, but you can remove how often the baby interacts with the cat. Another strategy is to spend more time with your cat to try and calm her down.
Your Cat Is In Heat
Long yowls are a signal to potential mates that they are ready to get down to business. This is usually accompanied by an upright tail and sticking the rear up in the air.
Most indoor cats should be spayed or neutered to prevent this, spraying, and overpopulation. If your cat is not fixed, it is important to do so once the heat has passed. There is not much else to do when a cat is in heat than to wait it out.
Stuck in something
This one might not happen too frequently, but it can still happen. I have had cats who get stuck trying to climb through curtains, blinds, and couch cushions then get stuck. Sometimes they sit there until someone finds them, but other times (and more commonly), they yowl loudly.
Closets are another culprit. Cats love to hide and sleep in a closet, so it’s easy to shut the door and walk away, but when they wake up from their nap, they will be sure to let you know they’re stuck. Kittens are more likely to meow if they are stuck in something, and they are more likely to get stuck more often.
The best way to help this is to get them unstuck!
Cats Want To Be Social
Friendly cats love to greet you at the door, much like dogs. Some excessive meowing may be eagerness at your return!
I had a cat who loved to sleep in my closet, and when he heard the keys in the door, he would immediately start meowing as he came out to greet me if this is something that your cat does, lucky you! You have a friendly cat who loves you dearly.
There is nothing you can do about this; it’s just your cat’s personality.
Your Cat Needs To Go Outside
Some cats are both indoor and outdoor, especially if you also have dogs. Cats will frequently pick up on the behavior of other animals. If your dog barks to let you know to come back after a potty break, your cat will probably pick up on this.
However, your cat might meow at the door to get your attention, so you know to let them in or out. I had a cat who loved to go outside. Every evening he would sit by the door and meow. If someone got up from the couch, and it seemed like they were walking towards the door, my cat would chase them while meowing.
If this is something you want to change, set certain times where they go out. You might not be able to schedule them a come home time, but scheduling outside times helps reduce the meowing.
A cat’s meow is their way of talking to you. Pay attention to what they might need and take the steps you feel are best to make you and your pet happy.
My name is James, and welcome to FAQCats!
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