Why Is My Cat Meowing So Much? 2025 Vet Advice on Vocalization 🐱✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

A little meow is cute—but when your cat starts yelling at 3 a.m. or won’t stop talking all day, it can become a concern (and a serious sleep disruptor).

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Excessive meowing can be a sign of medical issues, emotional needs, or even cognitive changes. Here's how to tell the difference and help your cat feel better—and quieter.

🔍 Is It Normal for Cats to Meow a Lot?

• Some breeds like Siamese and Burmese, are naturally more vocal
• Young cats meow more for attention, food, or stimulation
• Sudden increases in meowing, especially in older cats, can signal a problem

🔊 Common Reasons Cats Meow Excessively

1. Hunger or Routine-Based Demands

• Many cats learn to “ask” for food at the same time each day
• Try an automatic feeder to reduce begging and anticipation

2. Attention-Seeking

• Cats may meow to request play, affection, or just interaction
• Be cautious about reinforcing excessive meowing with attention

3. Stress or Anxiety

• New pet, baby, move, or even furniture rearrangement can cause vocal stress

4. Pain or Illness

• Arthritis, dental pain, or urinary issues can cause sudden vocalization
• Meowing may be louder, distressed, or paired with hiding

5. Hyperthyroidism

• Very common in cats over 10
• Causes weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, and loud meowing

6. Cognitive Dysfunction (Feline Dementia)

• Senior cats may meow loudly at night, seem confused, or pace aimlessly
• Often paired with sleep cycle disruption and memory loss

7. Mating Behavior

• Unspayed females and unneutered males may yowl, especially at night
• Spaying/neutering typically resolves this

🧪 What a Vet Might Check

• Full physical exam
• Bloodwork (especially thyroid and kidney values)
• Blood pressure measurement in older cats
• Behavioral history and environmental review

✅ What You Can Do at Home

• Stick to a strict feeding and play schedule
• Use puzzle feeders to reduce boredom
• Ensure they have safe, elevated perches or windows for enrichment
• Try pheromone diffusers (e.g., Feliway)
• Provide night lights for senior cats with confusion

❌ What NOT to Do

• Don’t yell—it increases stress and doesn’t reduce vocalizing
• Don’t ignore sudden behavior changes in older cats

🔗 Tools from Ask A Vet

• Felt Cat Caves – Safe, quiet hideouts for anxious or overstimulated cats
• Ask A Vet – Upload videos of excessive meowing and get professional advice fast

📋 Summary Excerpt

Excessive meowing isn’t just annoying—it may signal a deeper issue. A vet explains the most common medical and behavioral causes and how to restore the peace.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Why does my cat meow loudly at night?
  A: It could be hunger, anxiety, or feline dementia. Try structured feeding, night lights, and calming routines.
• Q: Is excessive meowing a sign of pain?
  A: Yes—especially if it’s new or paired with hiding, limping, or aggression. See your vet.
• Q: Can I train my cat to meow less?
  A: You can reduce it by reinforcing quiet behavior and addressing the root cause, not by punishment.