Why does my cat meow all night?

Question

Thanks 4 all ur answers.
I took him to the vet as soon as he came home . He didn't find anything wrong.
As far as petting him, he's always being petted and constantly being paid attention to.
He only meows at night, and he sounds so sad and mournful. I cant help that I have to sleep and can't spend time with him. Is there something wrong with him?

Answer 1

Since you have ruled out any underlying medical basis for your kitty's hypervocalization, it must be due to
(1) fear or anxiety at being left alone at night, coupled with
(2) attention seeking (which is a learned behavior fueled by the owner's positive reaction to the cat's vocal demands)

Accoridng to Dr. Jon (veterinarian);
"Hypervocalization as an attention-getting behavior should be conscientiously ignored, i.e. treated by attention withdrawal on the part of the owner. Note, however, the problem may get worse before it gets better. To hurry the process of attention withdrawal, the owner can use a “bridging stimulus,” a neutral sound used to signal the owner's imminent withdrawal of attention or departure from a room. Duck calls, tuning forks, or sounding a low note on a piano may be used as bridging stimuli. The idea is not to punish but rather to signal to the cat that there is about to be a transition."

In other words, you must "harden your heart" for a couple of nights and ignore kitty's mewlings and yowlings. Put him inside his carrier or crate at night when you are going to bed. Put the crate in the bathromm or a spare room. For good measure and to help calm kitty, turn on the radio to an all-night classical music station (or a station that plays soft gentle music). Leave the volume just low enough to be soothing background music that will not disturb other members of the household, but high enough for kitty to hear. It will be great if the radio was in the same room as the car carrier. After the firt night or two, kitty will realize that the carrier is where he is to spend the night and becuase it is an enclosed space, he will feel a secure - far more than if he were left outside it. So don't think like you are imprisoning the cat and it is somehow torture to him. Fearful cats actually feel better and more secure in a dark enclosed space.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The Third answer is most likely the best answer...A cat is truly nocturnal...Mine used to do such things until I did two things...This may sound odd...I leave the door to the bedroom open so he can visit our bed when he pleases, and then I went and bought a harness and a leash to fit him and I started taking him out for little visits outdoors late at night, I was awake because of him anyway why not right? Anyway the thing to remember about walking a cat, is you don't try to make him go where you want him to go- you go where he wants to go, and simply stop him from going where he isn't allowed to go. Once he gets the hang of it he will enjoy the visits and be soothed for the night, cats get tired quickly! Who knew! HA HA! You may only have to walk him for 30 to 40 minutes to satisfy his need to prowl and only just after sunset...then it's sweet dreams kitty cat! There is the possibility that he can't get on the bed and can't find you and he is just lonely, he will stop sooner or later if you just do a few things to comfort him at night.

Answer 3

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 4

there is nothing wrong with him my cat is the same he just misses u that's all some cats r very close to the owners and he is very close to u and he wants to spend more time together with u so try to bring him in Ur room and if he jumps on Ur bed leave him alone he will sleep right next to u! OK hope it works for u :)

Natalie ^^

Answer 5

My cat did this one time after our other one died. If he had a companion he was close to that is no longer around maybe he just misses having another cat around. They are VERY social animals and just love to have others around all the time. Its usually best to have 2 cats so they can play when no one else is able too.

Answer 6

Sounds like he wants you to sleep on his time. Sleep during the day and stay up at night. If you notice most cats sleep play at night and sleep during the day. On one of your days off from work you might try this and see if it works. Good luck

Answer 7

Cats are naturally almost nocturnal &, in the wild, do their hunting at night. This is a natural behaviour which you are just going to have to learn to live with.

Answer 8

I would personally stay with him, hold him & cuddle him until he eventually falls asleep in my arms.

Letting him sleep in or on your bed isn't a bad idea either!

What have you got to lose besides a few hours washing your hair-ridden duvet cover in the morning?!? (lol)

Answer 9

I have a kitty who does this when we lock her out of our room. She has to snuggle with someone at night or she will howl until my kids or I let her into our bed. Silly kitty! She will also do this in the morning to let us know her food bowl is empty.

Answer 10

get a 2nd cat. he's lonly.. We adopted a 2nd cat and they hissed at each other for a little while now there inseprable. Hell thefall asleepon each other.. and eat out ot the same dist, yes at the same time...