Why do cats meow at night? Your cat might meow at night because they feel bored, unstimulated, lonely or just want to go outside. If your cat won’t stop crying at night even when they have plenty of play time, other causes to consider are thyroid or kidney disease.
Hearing a cat meowing at night is not uncommon – but if you are a cat owner and it’s your cat that is meowing at night, it may be something that you are concerned about. Also known as night vocalisation or night calling, if your cat is meowing at night it can be a problem if it is a sign of their discomfort or it’s disturbing your rest. Read on to find out more about the reasons that your cat may be being particularly vocal at night.
It’s widely known that cats are night owls. They seem to start running around the house as soon as we turn out the lights, kind of like the feline equivalent of dog zoomies. They may also meow a lot as they get ready for their nighttime antics. Additionally, occasionally your cat’s nighttime meowing can be quite annoying and interfere with your ability to get the rest you require.
Here at Purina, we’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know if your feline friend does this and you’re wondering why does my cat meow at night and what can I do about it.
How do I get my cat to stop yowling at night?
The most crucial thing is that you take your cat to the veterinarian for a health examination. Before attempting any other course of action, it is imperative that they rule out cognitive dysfunction and medical causes for the nighttime meowing. Generally speaking, an illness can be managed or treated more effectively the sooner it is identified.
Talk to your veterinarian about neutering your young kitten if hormones appear to be the cause. Neutering also helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and can lessen the likelihood of fighting and roaming. Around four months of age is when cats can be neutered (and sometimes sooner)
If your cat is a territorial feline and is kept indoors during the night, you may want to consider drawing the curtains to block out any unsolicited visitors. Nighttime anxiety can also be reduced with the use of pheromone plug-ins. I’m afraid there isn’t much you can do if they are crying outside!
If all other possibilities have been exhausted and you still suspect that your cat might be bored, you could try playing with them before bed to make them tired. Another option would be to switch up the toys your cats play with every night. Before you go to bed, your cat might also benefit from a snack to prevent them from howling with hunger.
It’s possible that your cat’s nighttime crying is a typical and natural behavior. However, a number of medical conditions can also be the cause of crying at night. Therefore, just to be safe, give your veterinarian a call to schedule a health check if your cat starts meowing at night.
2. Your cat may be bored or unstimulated
If a cat is crying at night, it could be because they are bored or because they haven’t had enough exercise during the day. Playing actively before bed may ensure that they are more exhausted at night, as can making an effort to keep their minds engaged and joyful during the day. Cat meowing at night can essentially be attention-seeking behaviour.
While meeting your cat’s needs is important, giving in to their constant requests for attention can make them ask for it more frequently. If this is the case, try not to give in too frequently.
Make sure your indoor cat gets plenty of playtime during the day if they don’t have access to the outdoors. If they don’t, they might feel a little left out when you go to bed, which could cause them to yowl at night. Use our helpful guide to learn more about providing mental stimulation for your indoor cat.
FAQ
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