Why Does My Cat Meow When I Pick Her Up – 6 Unique Reasons!

One of the hardest things as a cat owner is letting your cat walk by you without picking her up to snuggle! It’s even more rewarding when you hear your cat meow when you pick her up, though you still might wonder, why does my cat meow when I pick her up? 

Your cat meows when you pick her up for attention and to feel secure. In some cases though it could also sometimes mean that your cat doesn’t want to be bothered.

Since we don’t speak cat, it’s hard to know precisely why our cats do something, including meowing when handled. If you’re already a cat owner, you know that your cat has a personality that you learn over time; if you haven’t learned your cat’s personality yet, keep reading to learn more about this interesting habit!

Reasons Why Your Cat Makes Noise When Picked Up

Your cat’s noises can be happening for a variety of reasons. The following are six of the most common reasons why your cat is making a noise when you pick him up. 

1. Your Cat Is Happy

Noises from your cat are often a good sign!

Your cat may be making noises when you pick him up simply because he could be happy.

Most cats love attention and individualized attention at that. 

To know that you’re picking him up and giving him some love could be enough to make him extremely happy!

2. You Squeezed Your Cat Too Tight

Cats will make noises if you hold them too tight.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m guilty of sometimes holding my cat too tight. 

If you squeeze your cat too much, he’ll certainly let you know by making a noise. You’ll need to realize that your grip might be verging on a death grip.

I know, I know. Your cat is just too cute and fluffy not to squeeze!

3. Your Cat Wants To Get Your Attention

Noises get your attention, so if your cat makes a noise when you pick him up, then he may want to get your attention.

Your cat doesn’t always know that all of your attention is already on your cat. 

When you pick him up, he may start to make noises to get your attention, even if you’re already focused on him. 

Give your cat a quick kiss or a tight snuggle if you pick him up to let him know that he has your attention! 

4. Your Cat Didn’t Expect To Be Picked Up

You may have caught your cat off guard by picking him up, which resulted in him making a noise.

Sometimes you may inadvertently startle your cat when you pick him up, especially if you come up from behind.

Your cat might think that you’re passing through and not about to touch him when you grab him.

Your cat will let out a squeak if this is the case, but if he likes to be held, this may come as a pleasant surprise for your cat. 

5. Your Cat Didn’t Want To Be Picked Up

Your cat is making a noise because he didn’t want to be picked up.

Some cats do not like to be held, even if their owner likes to hold them. 

If your cat is one of those cats that doesn’t like to be handled, he may make a noise when you scoop him into your arms.

You’ll probably notice that your cat isn’t happy; the noise he makes might be similar to a grunt, growl, or hiss. 

6. Your Cat Is Vocal

Some cats are more vocal than others.

Your cat’s noises when you pick him up may be because he likes to talk to you with no real meaning behind it.

We always want to know the deep meaning behind why our cats do certain things, but sometimes the real reason is boring and mundane! That doesn’t mean it’s any less cute, though. 

Why Does My Cat Meow When I Touch Her

Your cat meows when you touch her because she’s happy and doesn’t want you to stop.

With some cats, you could pet them all day long, and it still won’t be enough. With each pet, your cat might start meowing, sounding as happy as the last time. 

Your cat meowing is a good sign that you’re doing something right, so you should keep doing it!

In addition to showing you that she’s happy, your cat may be meowing to get your attention too. 

You could have your eyes on your cat, but she may be worried that your touch is a one-off, and you will walk away when you’re done. 

Making a noise like a meow is like saying, “Hey, Mom, I still want your attention!”

Why Does My Cat Meow When I Wake Her Up

You surprise your cat when you suddenly wake them up. 

If someone wakes you up while you’re in a deep sleep, you’re probably going to make some noise too! Your cat is no different.

Your cat isn’t expecting to be woken up by you, so of course, she’s going to make a noise when you wake her up.

Cats often make noises out of surprise, which is exactly what your cat is doing.

Your cat’s noise usually won’t be a meow or a purr, though; it’s some sound that’s almost between the two – but I can tell you that it can certainly sound like an exclamation of surprise! 

Even though you might get angry that you were awoken, your cat will usually be able to go right back to sleep when she sees it’s you. 

Why Does My Kitten Cry When I Pick Her Up

Kittens aren’t used to being handled, so your kitten cries when you pick her up.

Kittens aren’t born knowing that they will be handled in their life. Their mother picks them up from the scruff of their neck, but that doesn’t mean they’re lifted high into the hair.

Even the height of being lifted onto a lap is much different for kittens, and each experience is new for kittens.

When you start to handle your kitten more often, there is a good chance that she will cry when you pick her up, at least for the first few times.

In order to combat this, make sure to pick her up slowly and deliberately every time.

Do not pick your kitten up too high at first; get her used to being held and lifted. 

Over time, your kitten should become less vocal when being picked up.