Why does my cat meow all the time?

Question

At first I thought it was just because he was in heat, but he's been fixed and it's lasted more than 6 months. He ran away for a week, then found his way back home. Could something have happened to him to make him more needy? He sound like he's crying.

Answer 1

From what you are saying it sounds like the noise he is making is not a normal cry for him... You probably already suspect something is wrong.

You should bring him for a visit to the vet. Something might have happened, he might have an injury or an issue... Male cats can get urinary tract problems... Cats can't speak or tell you what is the matter so they try as best as they can to communicate...

If his meowing feels wrong he might be in pain or distress so better safe then sorry,a piece is mind is the best solution.
Nobody wants their cat to be in pain.

Answer 2

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats "talk" more than others, but most cats do make noise some of the time. We're all familiar with the meaning of hissing and growling, but there are also many other sounds that your cat is capable of, and a variety of reasons for vocalizing. If your cat is hissing or growling, please see our handout: "Understanding Cat Aggression Towards People."

Medical Reasons
If your cat's behavior changes suddenly, the first thing you should do is take her to your veterinarian for a thorough health examination. Cats often hide symptoms of illness until they're seriously ill. Any change in behavior may be an early indication of a medical problem. A new vocalizing behavior, in particular, may indicate physical discomfort stemming from an urgent need for medical attention.

Breed Tendency
Oriental breeds, such as the Siamese, are known to be very vocal. If your cat has a pointed face and a long, lean body, chances are she has some oriental heritage, so "talking" may be a part of her character. Avoid giving her any attention when she is vocal because this will only encourage the vocal behavior. Instead, give her attention when she is quiet.

Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some cats "talk" because they know they'll get a reaction. People may talk back, feed her, yell at her, pick her up and lock her in another room, or pick her up and soothe her. All of these responses will encourage an attention-seeking cat. To discourage this behavior, simply ignore your cat when she does this, and when she is quiet, pour on the love, feed her or give her some treats. This will teach your cat which behaviors you would like her to continue.

Your Cat Wants To Go Outside
If your cat was previously an outdoor cat and you plan to keep her inside, then good for you! Following are some suggestions to help make the transition easier on both of you.

Spay or Neuter: Spaying or neutering will rid your cat of those hormonal urges to go out and seek a mate. This will result in a calmer, friendlier cat.
Play Schedule: Schedule play times during the times your cat would normally be outside. This will distract her from her normal routine and establish another, safer routine.
Window Seat: Be sure your cat has a view of the outdoors and a sunny place to lie. Cats like to watch birds, so putting a bird feeder outside this window is likely to make it a favorite spot for your cat.
Scavenger Hunt: Give your cat a game to play by hiding bits of dry food around the house. Hide the food in paper bags, boxes and behind open doors. This will give her exercise and keep her busy so she doesn't think of going outside. This is especially good to do right before the family leaves the house for the day.
Attention: Try to give your cat extra love and attention during this difficult transition.
Aversives: If your cat still won't give up meowing by the door, try an aversive. Leave strong citrus scents by the door or hide behind a wall and shake a pop can filled with coins to interrupt the behavior. When she is quiet, walk out and give her a food treat and encourage her to play or cuddle.
Grief
Sometimes after the death or departure of a person or animal in your cat's life, she will vocalize to express her grief. This can be a normal part of the grieving process. The best thing you can do for her is keep her schedule the same (or as close as possible) and spend some extra cuddle and playtime with her. With time, this problem should take care of itself.

Transition
If your cat is new to your home or has just gone through a change (move, new person/animal in the household, person moved out)and has just started her talkative behavior, be patient. This may be happening due to the transition and will stop on its own if the behavior is not encouraged. Remember, even scolding can be perceived by your cat as attention, and thus encourage the behavior.

Answer 3

If a cat meows, it only comes down to one thing. They want your attention. From there onwards, there could be a lot of probabilities, it might want to catch your attention because its food or water bowl is empty, or it might meow just because no one plays with it. Or it would have something to do with it being in pain. Check the paws, maybe something got lodged between the pads? If it's none of the above, bring it to a vet (or two for second opinions).

Answer 4

It would probably be a good idea to take him to the vet, just to rule out any health problems. Though it could just be that he is lonely. My oldest cat used to meow all the time. Poor guy sounded so sad. I adopted another kitty to keep him company and give him someone else to play with. It worked wonders! They love each other. With my cat, it seemed that he had just been lonely and wanted a friend to play with at night when we were sleeping.

Answer 5

I know someone who had a cat that was deaf! He would meow constantly and got very loud. Have your vet check him out. Pain and stress or just attention are other reasons, but each of those meows will sound different from the other

Answer 6

I have 9 cats. 3 of them are talkers too. Sandy will just run around the house meowing letting you know he is there. Weezy meows when she wants cheese or to be fed. And Monkey is like Sandy letting you know she is around. Then I have a few that don't even meow at all...Lilly chirps when she wants something xD It's very cute xD

Answer 7

Constant meowing can be a sign of anxiety and or stress in a cat. He may have been frightened when he was outdoors, anxiously trying to get back home. It may take a while, but if you make his immediate environemnt as calm and as reassuring as possible, he may re-acquire his emotional balance without the aid of meds or herbal essences. Play with him more to get his mind off his anxieties and if he insists on following you everywhere, allow him. Cary him around too for extra reassurance. Give him catnip and be calm yourself. Cats can pick up o our energy and if we are stressed, they get stressed too.

Answer 8

My cat does this sometimes as well. If you and your kitty are the only ones in the house then he depends on you for all of his companionship. If you are spending large amounts of time away from him and/or not letting him in the bedroom with you at night he is simply lonely and wants your attention. It can be as simple as letting him sleep on the bed with you at night. Cats are seen as aloof most of the time but when it really comes down to it they need heavy companionship just as much as any dog. Good luck with your kitty!

Answer 9

My cat meowed alot too... it had a broken hip. but that wasn't the case of his meowing he meows alot.. we think hes blind because theres food in his bowl and he doesnt know but when we shake it he eats .. i think your cat has found a new experience and would like to get out more

Answer 10

Take him to the vet for a check up. It could be something like a bladder infection.