Reasons Why Cats Meow in Lake City, FL
Your cat’s meow should be looked at as a special behavior your cat does just for you. Both feral cats and cats in the wild do not meow to communicate. Meowing at humans is a learned behavior. Each cat is as unique as its owner, and they develop a meow language specifically for their owners. When humans respond, the cat-human conversation is born. Your cat loves the sound of your voice just as much as the actions you do for them.
What is your cat saying to you? Why do they have so much to tell us? And how can we get them to talk less? Let’s have a closer look at the sounds they make when they make them and how we, as pet parents, contribute to this behavior.
Cats Actions With Meows and What They May Be Saying
Kittens meow at their mothers to let them know they are hungry, cold, in danger, or even let mom know she is sitting on me. Left to their own survival, once a cat is weaned, other natural forms of communication kick in, and cats no longer meow to other cats. However, the domesticated cat keys into their high level of intelligence, realizing that you respond to the meow; thus, they discover they have a lot to say to their humans.
In truth, feral cats do not speak to one another; however, as humans, we may assume they are when we see them sitting in groups talking away. The fact is, most likely, that group is talking to you. Especially if you provide full water containers or a bit of extra food when the weather is unproductive to their hunting seasons. Now our domesticated fur babies are another story. They have lots to show us and talk about. Your cat will say hello. This is an action mixed with their happy to see you sound most of the time.
They may rub their bodies along your legs, part of this is joy, but it is their instinct. Of course, your cat is happy to see you. They are also delighted to rub you down with their scent glands claiming – stating you belong to me. Your cat will lay on your lap, twisting this way and that giving you directions of how they want you to pet them. Some cats are not satisfied with just the head pat or rub of your hand. They want you to rub your arm down them. This is a way of making sure you have come into contact with their scent glands, once again marking you as theirs. However, this tactic ensures your scent is on them when they are in your lap.
Your cat may stand in front of you, swinging its tail from side to side, giving loud vocal meows. This action and verbalization generally mean they want something, and their patience may be running a little low. One more movement and sound cats are known for is lying in wait. Maybe they’re in the window have spotted something that has kicked in their hunter’s instinct. Domesticated house cats will use this kind of communication when ready to play.
The cat positions themselves, and almost appears in a frozen state. Their tail is taunting the tip, which is rapidly waggling all about. Now they may give you a direct meow, but lots of cats chatter or squeak in this mode. Cats that are used to laser pointer play may quickly shift into this mode as soon as you get the toy out and before you ever turn on the light.
Cat Problems Associated with Meowing
Your cat has almost scientifically developed a series of meows that works to get what they want from you. While your cat meows to greet you, they may also meow to announce someone else’s arrival. Cats may know the mail person comes every day at two because they come right up to your door but never come into the house; your cat could play a territorial game with them. They may give a meow, chatter, or even hiss as your mail person approaches, then rush to a different window giving a yowl or growl. Until they are sure this invader is out of their visual territory. A few cats are simply socialites and will happily meow at anyone who may give them the attention they want.
Cat’s meow for food, letting you know they are ready to eat. They tell you when they want to go outside or are prepared to come in. Cats will also use their meow to let you know they do not want to be alone. Some cats are very quiet until you are going out the door or already gone. One owner said she didn’t think her cat ever meowed until her neighbors asked her if her cat was in heat? Evidently, while she was out, the cat did its best to let the apartment building know where she was.
Cat’s will suddenly do lots of meowing if they are hurt or even sick to let you know they need evaluating now. Your cat will meow away when they are stressed. Just think about the last time you put them in the car. Most likely, they had a lot to say about it. Older cats may develop what we view as random meows, yet those louder out-of-character moments could be telling you a lot.
If a cat has always had a quiet meow then suddenly turns its volume up, it could be a sign of hearing issues. Or a cat that sits at the bottom of a darkened staircase talking away but not moving could signify they are dealing with some sight issues. Both of these issues can be confirmed by your vet. Older cats could also get mental confusion, they may become disorientated, and they will meow, seeking your comfort. These could be signs of feline Alzheimer’s. Contact your vet and have them evaluated to confirm this is the case because cats who get ear infections can have similar symptoms.
Cats Meow To Share Information
Cats can and do have moments when they are incredibly vocal. While we now know cats do not necessarily meow at one another, they yowl to share information. The sound is a long, almost low-pitched drawn-out meow.
If your cat is female and un-spayed, it lets male cats know she is in heat. This song of hers could last from four to eighteen days if you do not get her spayed and could also be repeated every eighteen to twenty-four days. Male cats express their yowls when they smell or hear a female in heat. Your male is likely to meow restlessly as long as the female is in heat; however, if you get them neutered, they lose interest and no longer respond to females. This doesn’t mean there will no longer be moments your cat won’t yowl.
Cats use this technique to let other cats, dogs, and humans know they are in their territory. Some cats can become rather demanding with their meows. They will continuously talk to you until they get what they want. This situation can feel quite waring but should be looked at like a child throwing a tantrum. The best way to handle this situation is to ignore your cat when they are meowing excessively then reward them the instant they are quiet.
Over time your cat will understand that excessive meowing will not get them what they want. Cats became domesticated around 1895. Even though they are considered house cats today, their natural traits and instincts are just as present as their ancestors were. The night owl cat is an excellent example of natural behaviors. It is usual for a cat to be more active at night when things are quieter. They can sleuth around under the cover of darkness.
However, the cross between domestication and their wild traits may have them sitting at the foot of your bed, meowing away, wanting you to be part of this energy. A great way to handle this situation is by playing with your cat, helping them expunge some of the energy they have been looking forward to using, then giving them a little something to eat right before bed. It won’t take your cat long, and their happy, full tummies and worn-out bodies will be snuggling in with you for a good night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Perhaps your cat is yowling at the moon in hopes that you will get on their schedule or meowing in complete satisfaction with everything you do for them. Whatever the reason, we now know how special it is that are cats communicate in meows just for us. No one knows your cat’s communication better than you. Their pitch and actions for happy to see you, those I’m ready to eat, play, or go out tones, and even those I’m currently not satisfied with the choice you are making meows.
You and your cat have a bonding communication. Even if your cat doesn’t understand your words, they know and love your tone, making them great listeners. You can recognize your cat’s pitches and know when something is off. You’re going to listen to them talk about the ride in the car on the way to the vet, but you look forward to their next happy, hungry, let’s play normal meows.
The next time your cat gives you a meow, you can provide them with a cat kiss; just look in their eyes and give them a long slow blink letting them know you are happy they are talking to you!