Have you ever been woken up suddenly in the middle of the night by your cat? Many cat parents have experienced this. Cats often make loud noises, or yowls, during the night.
There are different reasons why cats yowl. Sometimes, it is a simple thing, but other times, it could be a sign of something else. Your cat might be hungry, need the toilet, or want more attention. However, it could also be a sign of a health problem.
As a cat parent, you need to understand why your cat is yowling. Knowing the reason will help you decide what to do next. We will delve deeper into it in this article.
What is a Cat Yowling?
Cat yowling is a form of feline vocalisation that is long, drawn-out in nature, and often has a higher pitch. It's different from a playful meowing, which comes out short and sweet.
Cats also growl due to fear or aggression. Yowling expresses things like discomfort, confusion, or companionship. It's their way of ensuring their message, whatever it may be – doesn't go unnoticed.
Why Is My Cat Yowling?
It's important you know why your cat is yowling. Sometimes, you must think about your cat's usual activities and when the yowling usually occurs.
Does it occur during certain hours? Is this caused by specific stimuli or changes in the environment around them? These observations will help you work out why your cat yowls so much.
Perhaps your cat yowls when the food bowl is empty, or when changes were made to your house to which they are trying to adjust. Some cats might even yowl when they're bored and need attention. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce new games to play with your cat.
Yowling is most common in oriental breeds of cat, they are affectionately known to be particularly loud and very vocal!
Common Causes of Cat Yowling
Here are some common causes why your cat could be yowling so much:
- Hunger or Thirst: Yowling could be your cat trying to say they are hungry. This behaviour becomes even more noticeable if your cat is used to being fed at specific times.
- Attention: You may have a cat who's very good at getting what it wants. Your cat could simply make these noises just to get your attention.
- Medical Issues: Any medical issue can make your cat yowl incessantly if they feel unwell or uncomfortable. Hyperthyroidism is a condition among aged felines and one of the symptoms is a cat meowing or yowling more often, particularly at night. Also, dental pain could make your cat meow often. If you are concerned about the increased meowing or onset of yowling, note anything else that's changed and make an appointment with the vet. Things to note should include; any weight loss, rapid heart rate, exercise differences, stress, changes to eating or appetite, drooling and general behaviour.
- Ageing or Cognitive Decline: Cats tend to meow more as they get older. The increase in yowling may be attributed to several issues related to cat age, like confusion, anxiety, or physical discomfort. It is possible for cats experiencing disorientation from cognitive dysfunction syndrome (comparable to human dementia) to yowl, particularly during the night.
Should I Ignore My Cat Yowling?
No, it’s a terrible idea to ignore your cat’s yowling. Vocalisations can be perfectly normal and your pet is simply trying to communicate and greet you, why not chat back to them and enjoy the friendly exchange?
Ignoring them is not the best approach because you can only tell the real problem once you pay close attention.
So, before you jump to any quick conclusion or ignore your cat's yowl, you should consider the following:
- You have to assess the situation: Try to figure out if your cat needs something right away. For example, check if their bowls have water or food or if they have any injuries or pain. This might be why your cat is making a noise.
- Rule out medical issues: If this behaviour is new or you've noticed other changes alongside your cat's incessant yowling, it's time to consult a vet.
- Consistency is key: You have to stick with the approach you choose. You don't want to send mixed signals to your cat.
- Balance attention: Make sure you're meeting your cat's needs for interaction and play while not reinforcing yowling that's done for excessive attention.
How to Address Cat Yowling
Alright, let’s look at some of the ways you can address your cat’s excessive yowling.
Meeting Basic Needs: Ensure your cat's basic requirements are consistently met. This includes daily fresh water, regular meals, and a clean litter box. You can get an automatic feeder if your cat yowls for food at inconvenient hours.
Environmental Enrichment: A bored cat is often a vocal cat. Enrich your feline friend's environment with plenty of toys, multiple scratching posts or pads, and interactive play sessions daily (schedule them before meal times for maximum impact). Puzzle feeders could also provide mental stimulation and satisfy their instinctual desire to hunt prey.
Behavioural Training: One way to address unwanted or unnecessary yowling is through positive reinforcement training. This involves rewarding your cat with treats, petting, cat flap training, or praise when they are quiet. If your cat yowls for attention and you know nothing is wrong, avoid giving them what they want, as this can reinforce the behaviour. Instead, wait until there's a reduction in the noise before responding or providing any reward.
Preventing Cat Yowling
So, how do you exactly stop your cat from yowling incessantly? Well, it's always good to have a routine.
It is important to establish a routine for feeding, playtime, and rest for your cat at certain hours. Such a routine will make your pet feel safe and comfortable, and it will not seek attention too much.
Equally important in preventing yowling is creating a peaceful and comfortable surrounding. Ensure your cat has comfortable resting places in quiet parts of the house and pick some of your cat's best toys.
Using pheromone diffusers to create a sense of security is also a great idea. Consider your pet's instincts, so you might need to provide scratching posts, hiding places, and elevated perches.
When to Be Concerned About Cat Yowling
Although cats normally yowl occasionally, too much or strange yowling could signify hidden problems that need attention. You should know that your cat's yowling could be more than just a normal sound.
Pay close attention if you observe any of this:
- Yowling accompanied by noticeable behaviour changes, such as lethargy or aggression.
- Vocalisation during urination or defecation, could indicate urinary tract issues or constipation.
- Persistent nighttime yowling that disrupts sleep patterns, especially in older cats.
- Increased yowling in senior cats or those with known health conditions.
If you see any of these signs, consult your veterinarian. The vet can help rule out medical issues like hyperthyroidism, dental problems, or cognitive dysfunction.
You also shouldn't ignore strange signs like frequent cat sneezing accompanied by yowling. This could indicate respiratory problems or other health issues.
Wrapping Up
A cat's yowls can seem difficult to understand at first, but it's something you'll figure out if you are patient and observant.
Always remember that your cat is not trying to get on your nerves. The cat is simply trying to tell you something, but you don't speak the cat language.
But when you meet your cat's needs, create a fun environment, and stick to the same routine, you can reduce excessive yowling.
However, if your cat's yowling persists or is due to another issue, you should seek professional help. Your vet can provide valuable insights and rule out any underlying health issues.
Do you want to improve the bond with your cat? Then get some DREAMIES™ Treats today.
FAQ - Cat Yowling
What does it mean when a cat is yowling?
It may signal hunger, pain, attention-seeking behaviour, mating calls, or cognitive issues in older cats. Context and accompanying behaviours help determine the specific cause.
Why does my cat sound like she is crying?
When your cat sounds like she's crying, it could be due to various reasons. This could be due to pain, anxiety, seeking attention, or expressing a need. It could be cognitive changes in older cats or a response to environmental stressors.
Why do elderly cats yowl?
Elderly cats often yowl due to cognitive dysfunction, disorientation, and pain. These pains could be conditions like arthritis or sensory decline. Yowling in older cats could also be a sign of medical issues like hypertension or hyperthyroidism oral pain so contact your vet for a health check.
