Why Is My Cat Meowing Excessively?

Medically Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on February 06, 2025
Written by Sandy Eckstein, Lori M. King, PhD
9 min read

Cats meow for several reasons, which change as they grow from kittens into cats. Kittens meow to their mothers to let them know when they're hungry, cold, or scared. But once kittens grow into adult cats, they use other sounds — such as yowling, hissing, and growling — to communicate with each other. Adult cats generally only meow to people, not other cats.

It's normal for your cat to meow to you to communicate. But whether or not your cat is meowing excessively depends on your cat's breed and personality, as well as how they socialized as they grew.

If your cat is talking a little more than you'd like, try to figure out the cause first. Then, you can work to meet your cat's needs so they'll feel less inclined to meow at you. Keep reading to learn a bit more about what your cat is trying to communicate and what you can do to meet their needs.

Cats meow for many reasons, including:

To greet you

Your cat may meow if you've been out and come back home, when they see you first thing in the morning, and whenever you speak to them. Meowing is their way of talking, so look at it as your kitty saying they're happy to see you.

To get your attention

Despite what some people think, cats don't like being alone a lot. If your cat is left alone for long periods, they may be more likely to meow for attention. They may meow to get you to play, pet, or talk with them.

Cats that are going through stress often become more vocal. A new pet or baby, a move or changes to the home, an illness, or the loss of a loved one can turn your cat into a talker. Try to find out what's stressing your pet and help them adjust to the change. If that's not possible, give your cat extra attention to help soothe them.

To ask for food

Like everyone else, cats like to eat. Some cats have learned to meow every time someone walks into the kitchen, hoping to entice you to give them a bite. Some cats may wake you up in the morning for breakfast or meow for their meals. Some cats meow to beg for people food.

To ask to go outside or let inside

If your cat is indoor-outdoor, they may meow at doors and windows to tell you they want out or in. If you're trying to train your formerly indoor-outdoor cat to become an indoor-only cat, you may have a few weeks or months of meowing before they get used to staying inside all the time.

To find a mate

If your cat hasn't been spayed or neutered, they may yowl or meow to let other cats know they're looking for a mate.

To let you know they don't feel well

Several conditions may make your cat excessively hungr y, thirsty, irritable, or restless. They may also be in pain. For instance, kidney disease or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can make your cat feel uncomfortable, and they may meow to let you know they need help.

To let you know they feel confused

Cats, just like people, can have a form of mental confusion, or cognitive dysfunction, as they age. They become disoriented and often cry for no clear reason, especially at night. A nightlight can sometimes help if your cat becomes disoriented at night, and veterinarians often can prescribe medications to help with these symptoms.

One of the conditions that can cause your cat to meow a lot is an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This can happen in any cat, but it's more common in cats older than 7 years. 

Cats with hyperthyroidism may have the following symptoms:

  • Weight loss
  • Increased appetite
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased need to pee
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Hyperactivity or restlessness
  • Fur that looks tangled, matted, or greasy

Many of these symptoms cause discomfort, so your cat may cry or meow to ask for help.

Any cat who is meowing more than usual needs to go to the veterinarian to get checked out. Your cat may be meowing a lot because of a medical condition that can be treated.

Once you've ruled out a medical condition as the cause of your cat's frequent meowing, try to identify what triggers your cat to vocalize and what makes them stop. You may want to keep a log book to help you find patterns in your cat's behavior. 

Here are some suggestions for curbing excessive meowing, based on your cat's triggers:

If your cat meows for attention

Your cat may be lonely. If they're alone in your house for many hours during the day, consider getting another cat they can spend time with. Or, you could ask a trusted friend to come over or hire a pet sitter to visit and play for part of the day. And make sure you spend quality time each day, playing, grooming, and talking with them.

Your cat could also be bored. Try putting a bird feeder outside one of your windows so they can watch. Or, get them a kitty condo and rotate different toys that you leave out for play. Consider adding some foraging toys to your cat's toy collection. Foraging toys (sometimes also called puzzle toys) give your cat a mental and physical workout as they have to figure out how to get the treats inside the toy.

If your cat isn't lonely or bored, you can teach them that you'll only pay attention when they're quiet. Wait for a moment when your cat is quiet, then give them the attention they're asking for. If your cat starts to meow again, look or walk away until they are quiet again. If you're consistent with this, your cat should get the idea.

If your cat meows for food

Don't feed your cat when they meow. Feed your cat their meals at set times so they know not to meow for food at other times, and don't give them treats when they meow. If your cat wakes you up for breakfast, it may help to get an automatic feeder that drops food at set times. Eventually, they'll stop meowing at you for food and start waiting by the feeder. 

If your cat isn't prone to overeating, consider leaving dry food out all the time so they can eat whenever they're hungry. If your cat is overweight or prone to overeating, ask our vet about leaving out high-fiber diet food that can help them feel satisfied for longer on fewer calories.

If your cat meows to be let in or out

Most vets recommend you keep your cat indoors to keep them safe and healthy. But if your cat is indoor-outdoor, consider installing a cat door so they can come and go as they please. If you're trying to train your cat to stay indoors, you can expect some meowing around your doors and windows. If your cat is having a hard time adjusting, consider getting an outdoor cat enclosure so they can safely spend time outside.

If your cat meows to attract a mate

Female cats that aren't spayed will go into heat periodically during the breeding season. In the Northern Hemisphere, breeding season is usually February through September. But if your cat is indoor-only, she may continue her heat cycles all year round. She'll typically repeat her heat cycle roughly every 18-24 days until the end of the breeding season or until she mates.

During heat, female cats typically become very affectionate. She may rub against you, roll around on the floor in front of you, purr, and meow loud, long, and often. Heat typically lasts 4-10 days. The best way to prevent excessive meowing due to heat is to spay your female cats.

A male cat that isn't neutered may pace and meow relentlessly if he hears or smells a female cat in heat. The best way to reduce this is to neuter your male cats.

If your cat meows because of illness or confusion

Take any cat that meows excessively to the vet to rule out medical conditions, especially in cats older than 7. Older cats may begin to lose their ability to see and hear and may lose some cognitive function. This can be very confusing and distressing to your cat, but medicines can help them feel more comfortable.

How to calm a crying cat in the night

Any cat may cry at night, but cats older than about 7 may be more prone to it. Younger cats tend to cry at night only when they're bored or anxious. For instance, if they have changes in their environment, such as moving to a new house, they may be anxious for a time until they get familiar with and comfortable in their new territory. The crying will likely stop once they get adjusted. If they're crying because they're bored, you may be able to help by setting a nighttime routine. A nightly play session before dinner and bed may help your cat feel tired so you can get a good night's sleep.

Older cats tend to rely on their humans for reassurance. If your older cat cries in the night, but their vet says they're healthy, it may just be that your older cat is having trouble moving around their territory at night. You can help by putting some plug-in night lights at the darkest places in your home. Consider leaving your bedroom door slightly open so your older cat can get to you if they need to.

Don't ignore

Don't ignore your cat without making sure there's no problem. It's best to assume something is wrong unless you're sure they're meowing to demand attention. Although you don't want to reward meowing as a demand, cats meow to communicate with you. For instance, check to make sure your cat can reach their litter box and their water bowl has fresh, clean water. Check on them when they meow to find out if it's something you can safely ignore or a problem that must be fixed right away.

Don't punish

Hitting, shouting, and spraying cats with water rarely work to quiet a meowing cat in the short run. And in the long run, these actions may make your cat distrust or even dislike you. Assuming that your cat is healthy and not bored or anxious, your best bet is to calmly ignore the meowing.

Don't give in

If you're sure your cat's needs are met, but they're still meowing, be persistent in your training. Ignore the meowing and reward your cat with loving attention when they're quiet. Cats are very intelligent. Soon, they'll understand that the best way to get your attention is to approach quietly.

Some cat breeds tend to be more vocal than other cat breeds. Siamese cats are probably the best known "talkers" of the cat world. But some other breeds that are known to vocalize more than typical include:

  • American and Japanese Bobtail
  • Balinese-Javanese
  • Bengal
  • Burmese and European Burmese
  • Maine Coon
  • Ocicat
  • Oriental
  • Peterbald
  • Singapura
  • Siberian
  • Sphynx
  • Tonkinese
  • Turkish Van and Turkish Angora

Adult cats meow to humans as a way of communicating. Your cat may meow to say hello, get your attention, or tell you they need something. If your cat is meowing a lot, take them to their vet to make sure they don't have any medical problems that need to be treated. If your cat is physically healthy, they may be bored, anxious, or confused. Depending on your cat's personality, you may be able to keep your cat quieter by making sure their physical and emotional needs are met.

Why is my cat meowing loudly so much all of a sudden?

Cats meow for many different reasons. If your cat is meowing more than usual — especially if it's a sudden change — it's time to take them to their vet for a checkup. Your cat may have developed a medical condition, which can be treated to help them feel more comfortable so they don't meow. Or, your cat may be getting older and is feeling confused. If your cat is physically healthy, they may be feeling bored or anxious. If that's the case, ask their vet to help you come up with ways to help tire them out and keep them mentally active.