Why do cats meow?

Updated 13/02/24

From a flick of the tail to a rub of the head, our feline friends have lots of ways of telling us what’s up without having to open their mouths. But when they decide to get vocal, figuring out what they’re trying to say can be challenging. Join the conversation on “why do cats meow?”, as we spill the beans on the top reasons your cat loves to chitchat, unearth answers to questions like “why do cats keep meowing” and “why do cats meow at night”, and finally, give pet parents and cat sitters some tips on how to respond. 

Why do cats meow? 

Cat got your tongue? Not these chatterboxes, whether they’re vocalizing their hunger or seeking attention or affection from their pet parents, there are lots of things to meow about! Let’s take a look at what our furry felines are trying to tell us in a little more detail. 

Hunger and mealtime demands

Kitties get hangry too, and whether you’ve got a mature mog lurking near their food bowl or a young kitten trying to tell their furry mama they want some milk, it’ll be pretty obvious if your fur baby’s tummy’s rumbling. Why do cats meow in the morning? It’s most likely because they’re expecting breakfast! 

Seeking attention and affection

Friendly cat meows might be a little “hello, welcome home” or a call for a cuddle. Some kitties meow when they want to be stroked or played with, especially if they’ve been left home alone for a while. This also explains the answer to “why do cats meow at night?”. On the other hand, if you’re wondering “why have I got a cat meowing outside my door” it’s likely your kitty (or someone else’s, for that matter) is asking to be let in. 

Territory marking and mating behaviors

More of a yowl than a meow, kitties make this sound to warn unwelcome intruders off their turf and assert themselves as top dog. Want to know “why do cats meow when in heat?”? If you hear a male cat yowling, they’re likely trying to catch the attention of a female cat passing by. 

Expressing discomfort or pain

We’re afraid our feline friends aren’t always so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. If you’ve got older cats that meow excessively or a cat crying all the time, this could be a sign they’re in pain or suffering from a condition such as arthritis, kidney disease, mental confusion, or cognitive dysfunction. If your cat keeps crying, it’s a very good idea to take them to the vet.

Stress, anxiety, and fear-related meows

If you’re still wondering “why do cats meow so much”, consider whether your fur baby could be stressed, anxious or scared. A particularly loud meow might be a sign of distress, especially if it coincides with a change in routine, schedule, or household dynamics.

Age, breed, and personality

If you haven’t found the answer to the question “why do cats meow” yet, there are a number of other factors that can affect cat behavior. 

Ever thought “why do cats meow at humans?” Although kittens meow at their furry mamas, once they grow up, adult cats learn that meowing is the best way to get what they want from their cat parents. Breed also plays a part in how vocal your fur baby is, and certain kitties such as the Siamese are known for being chattier than others. Aside from age and breed, the answer to “why do cats meow all the time?” might be simpler than you think. For some cats, nattering is in their nature, while others prefer to watch from the sidelines. 

How to respond to cat meows

If your fur baby’s chatter’s getting out of hand it’s definitely worth taking a trip to the vet to see what all the fuss is about. Once you know it’s nothing to worry about, pay attention to what’s causing your feline friend to speak up - their wish is your command (within reason). So if your kitty’s looking for some TLC, give them a cuddle, if you’re worried they’re lonely, get an in-house cat sitter to take care of them while you’re away. In some situations, it may be necessary to teach your furry friend they can’t have what they want all the time, but only ignore their demands if you’re sure there’s not a bigger issue at play. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Common cat questions

By now you’ll have a clearer understanding of “why do cats meow?”, but if you want to learn more about the weird and wonderful land of mogs, check out our post answering all your common cat questions.