Cats meowing excessively can often be mistaken for a behavioral issue, but it’s usually just their way of communicating. However, if a normally quiet cat suddenly becomes vocal—or the other way around—it might be time for a vet visit.

Loud meowing or crying can sometimes be linked to other behaviors aimed at getting attention. These behaviors may stem from physical or emotional factors, so it’s important to investigate the potential causes. Here are some activities associated with attention-seeking behavior:

Insistent Meowing:

Certain cat breeds, like Siamese and Orientals, are known for being quite vocal. Many cats enjoy engaging in a back-and-forth conversation with their humans and will meow in response when you talk to them. If you enjoy this interaction, embrace it! However, if you prefer a quieter cat, try to focus your attention on them when they’re not making noise.

Some cats meow for various reasons, including greetings, expressing objections, or seeking comfort, and their vocalizations may increase as they get older.

No matter how much your cat typically meows, it’s important to pay attention to their vocalizations. If a usually quiet cat suddenly begins to meow persistently—or if a normally vocal cat suddenly stops—it might indicate they are in pain or discomfort. Alternatively, they could be experiencing gradual hearing loss. In such cases, a visit to the vet is essential to rule out any medical issues.

Then there’s the phenomenon of “howling in the night.” The reasons behind this behavior are not entirely understood, but it’s most often seen in older cats experiencing cognitive decline or those with diminished vision or hearing.

A mournful calling, especially when combined with cats running around with twitching fur along their backs, may suggest feline hyperesthesia. Other medical conditions that can lead to excessive vocalization include hyperthyroidism, cancer, and neurological disorders. It’s important to visit the vet for a proper diagnosis.

Begging for Food and Treats:

Cats know we have their food, so they often meow to try to get it. Occasional treats are fine, and for overweight cats, small, low-calorie treats can be a good alternative when they beg for food.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Feeding several small meals throughout the day is actually better for cats than one large meal in the morning or evening. Aim for three or four small servings of canned food, and remove any leftovers after 20 to 30 minutes. If your cat prefers dry food or if it fits your schedule better, you can offer one small meal of dry food in the evening and leave it out overnight.

Pawing Your Arm or Leg:

Some cats crave frequent attention and may paw at your arm while you’re sitting or weave between your legs as you walk.

If a cat is the only one in the home, they might benefit from the companionship of another cat. Otherwise, try to set aside specific times for play, cuddling, and petting. Cats appreciate routine, so if they know lap time is coming up, they’re more likely to leave you alone in the meantime.

Pica:

While pica (the ingestion of non-food items) isn’t necessarily a behavior aimed at getting attention, it certainly can have that effect. Pica can also present as wool-sucking or chewing, which is particularly dangerous if your cat consumes plastics or string-like items. Wool-sucking is especially common in certain breeds like Siamese, Burmese, and Himalayans, and it may occur in cats that were weaned too early or separated from their mothers. Stress often plays a significant role in cats with pica.

To address the stress associated with pica, it’s important to implement regular petting or play sessions in a calm environment, along with providing plenty of toys, vertical spaces, and other enriching activities. In rare instances, anti-anxiety medication might be necessary.

Additionally, pica can be linked to specific mineral deficiencies, so ensure your cat’s diet is well-balanced. It’s also crucial to remove any strings, small plastic pieces, and rubber bands to prevent ingestion.

Inappropriate Scratching:

Even when cats have access to plenty of scratching posts and other suitable surfaces, they may still choose to scratch carpets or furniture inappropriately. This behavior can sometimes serve as a form of communication.

To encourage proper scratching habits, provide a variety of scratching posts made from different materials and in various shapes so your cat can find their favorite. You can also use treats and catnip to entice them to use the appropriate scratching posts.

Stress and Anxiety:

Many attention-seeking behaviors in cats can stem from stress or anxiety, especially following recent changes in the household, such as:

• Moving to a new home
• The arrival of a newborn baby
• Introducing a new pet (either cat or dog)
• The owner’s absence due to a new job or vacation
• Sudden aggression from another cat
• Illness of the owner or another pet

In these situations, it’s crucial to provide environmental enrichment for your cat.

By understanding your cat’s typical behavior and closely monitoring any changes, you can help your cat reduce attention-seeking behaviors.