Cat meow for a variety of reasons; some might even seem obvious. They use a range of vocalizations to exchange messages. They communicate using a variety of sounds, including meowing, purring, chirping, and hissing. Cats express their own identities through these vocalizations, which is a trait that most people find appealing.
When kittens are young, they meow to their moms in times of coldness, hunger, or fear. As kittens mature, they acquire new methods to communicate and engage with other cats, most frequently by hissing or yowling. An adult cat’s primary way of interacting with humans is meowing. However, issues develop when these vocalizations go out of hand or happen when they shouldn’t.
All these may seem reasonable and explain many instances in which we may hear a cat meow. However, it does not explain why cats meow when you pet them. So, if you wonder why your cat meows so much when you pet it, we have brought you some of the best possible reasons. Check them out below!
Why Does Cat Meow?
The sound of a cat meowing is highly effective. This is because your cat uses meowing as a form of communication. The primary hypothesis behind the meowing of adult cats is tied to habits they acquire when they are kittens. Just like newborns or toddlers cry out for milk or a new toy, kittens meow to attract attention.
Here are some of the reasons for the meows of your furry friends.
What Is Your Cat Trying To Say By Meowing? |
What Does It Signify? |
| The “Welcome, buddy!” meow | It is their usual meow you might hear when you go home from work or when your cats return from whatever misadventures they had. It typically has a positive tone.
|
| “I need to make some babies” meow | Your cat is far more prone to vocalize if it has not been spayed or neutered. However, this is considerably more the case when females are in heat. In most cases, this habit will stop after being neutered or spayed.
|
| The “give me what I want, now!” meow | Your cat will meow specifically when it wants something from you. It will repeatedly meow until you give what it desires. Most often, it occurs when your cat becomes hungry.
|
| “Hey, let’s chat” meow | Some cats like interacting with humans. They could even make repetitive or chattering meows to start a “conversation” with us. But, on the other hand, their meows may be an attempt to respond to the noises we produce when we speak to them.
|
| “What was that!!” meow | This meow will sound like a scream or a loud shriek that lasts a few seconds. They usually produce it if they are startled or alarmed. You may hear it when you accidentally touch or step on their tail. It may also occur when they come across another animal and are delighted.
|
| “Where are you?” meow | Since you are the protector of your cat, it frequently depends on you for security. They may meow to let you know their whereabouts if they get lost or need you and can’t find you.
|
| “Hey, give me some love” meow | Your cats will meow to you softly and low to get you to notice them. These creatures will ask you to pet them and pay them attention. This type of meow typically indicates boredom, so you should give your cat some extra toys to play with and keep them busy.
|
Why Does My Cat Meow Constantly And How To Stop It?
Cats may communicate with their owners through body language and talking to other cats. However, it might get annoying if your cat is continually meowing. Determine the cause of your cat’s meowing as the first step in getting them to stop. Something different will be needed when screaming out in agony versus shouting out for attention.
Below are some of the most frequent causes of cats meowing non-stop and their helpful remedies.
Reason for Non-Stop Meowing |
Significance |
Remedies |
| They want your attention | Sometimes, cats will constantly meow merely to gain your attention, and they have learned that meowing will do the trick. |
Try paying your kitty attention when it is calm to stop it from meowing all the time. If it starts meowing again, turn aside or put down what you’re doing. Your kitty requires uninterrupted time each day to play, groom, and speak with you. So, whether it is meowing or not, make time to spend with your pet buddy.
|
| They are aging | Cats might develop cognitive impairment and mental disorientation as they age. So, a cat may meow more frequently, mostly at night. |
A nightlight might occasionally make your cat feels more at ease if it becomes confused at night. But a veterinarian can help you understand whether your cat’s meowing is brought on by age. Additionally, they can recommend drugs to treat your pet’s symptoms.
|
| They feel bored or lonely | Some cats may grow agitated and meow incessantly when left alone for extended periods. They also do it when they feel bored. |
To keep your kitty entertained, think about keeping some toys around. For example, you may purchase engaging and amusing toys or a cat cave. Additionally, you may attract birds and provide your cat with something to engage with by placing a bird feeder outside its favorite window.
|
| They are hungry | Some cats become pretty noisy when they feel it is time to be fed. So, they make sure you are aware it’s their feeding time. |
Don’t feed your cat when it meows. Instead, hold off on setting down your dish until it is calm. Then, resist the need to treat your kitty when it cries to you. It will eventually discover that it will get food only when quiet.
|
| They feel stress or have an underlying condition | Stressed cats could vocalize more than usual. In addition, many illnesses and conditions might make your cat meow excessively. |
Make an appointment with the vet for a thorough examination if you feel your cat suffers from physical or emotional distress. They can develop a comprehensive treatment plan to ease your cat’s discomfort and advice you on how to calm your cat’s anxiety.
|
Why Does Your Cat Meow When You Pet Her?
Cats meow when you pet them because they like it, making them feel good. They simply enjoy and appreciate your caress. Also, it makes it easier for you to talk to your cat. They like being around you and your hooman personality. Your cat may even trill when it is pleased or thrilled.
Your cat is making an effort to communicate with you and express itself. Trilling is a gentle sound made with their lips closed which cats produce when they feel positive. Your cat produces a soothing sound when it trills. They sometimes trill when they appreciate being touched and feel joyful and delighted.
They show their kitty love by meowing and trilling at you when you pet them. However, it may also mean they want you to stop and don’t like it.
Here are some possible reasons for meowing when you pet your cat.
- Your Cat Loves Getting Some Petting
A cat will meow when you pet them just because they like it. In the same way, as we would love receiving a back rub or massage, cats also appreciate being touched.
Cats are less restrained and thus vocalize when they feel pleased and enjoy something. Some cats are loud in their happiness and are more loving than others.
- They Want You To Keep Doing It
The need for you to continue petting them will make them meow while they are being caressed. Some cats even touch their hooman companion when they stop petting them to tell them to keep going on.
If you have been at work all day, they could be unsure when the next pet will arrive and will meow to make as much noise as possible. A meow signifies a cat wants you to continue petting them.
- Your Cat Trusts You
A cat will meow to let you know it trusts you when you pet it. These creatures expose themselves to vulnerability by getting closer to you.
However, since they treat you like family, they let you touch and pet them. It also shows how much they love you and like to get some petting from you. They will even try to get as much petting as possible.
- Your Cat Doesn’t Like Your Pets
The contrary to the above points is probably true if you hear a growl, loud howl, or hiss. If they produce any of these sounds when you pet them, they don’t like it and want you to stop.
It happens because of their past when they encountered a terrible incident with a human touching and hurting them. However, it will mostly resolve once the cat gets used to you and start trusting you.
Why Your Cats Meow When You Pet Her While She’s Sleeping?
While they are asleep, your cat may meow because it appreciates your caressing it.
If they meow while you pet their back, they want you to continue caressing them.
How To Satisfy Your Kitty With More Petting?
Certain cats may meow in more particular ways when you pet them. And some cats are apprehensive of it.
Petting a cat while resting lowers the stress and tension in its body. It keeps your pet calm and decreases its blood pressure. The sound they produce is the satisfied meow while they sleep.
Your attachment with your cat will deepen if it enjoys when you pet it and even sleeps next to you. It provides the feline with security. If your cat feels cold at night, petting it will make it feel warmer, making the kitty meow in satisfaction. It’s possible that your cat enjoys your presence and wants you to pet them more. Additionally, you will sense a strong bond with your adorable furry friend with some much-kneaded petting.
So, here are some suggestions for the greatest pet-giving techniques if your cat meows and loves to get petted.
Pet Their Bellies
Most cats don’t let others touch their belly and keep them away. However, they will let you pet their bellies if they completely trust you.
Since it is a delicate area that has to be safeguarded, they hiss or try to move when they don’t allow it. If the cats feel assaulted, they may also attempt to seize your hands and protect themselves.
Pet Their Head
Cats like head strokes and even demand them. It can take the form of a tickle beneath the chin, a head scratch, or ear caressing. So, when your cat softly taps you with its head while you are stroking it, it may be letting you know it wants its head to be petted. They may even give you a head butt if they want some petting.
So, you can get a cat petting device like the Aumuca cat brush to give them an enhanced petting cum grooming experience.
Pet Their Paws
Cats dislike having their feet touched. So, you shouldn’t take the chance of doing it. Also, since cats’ paw pads are so delicate, cats might not appreciate being petted there.
Just like humans usually don’t like their feet or certain parts of their bodies tickled, cats may not like it either. So, paws are one of the places you should not pet.
Pet Their Back
Petting the back area of their body is relatively safe, and your cat will probably like it. It is one of the safest places on their bodies where you can pet them.
Even strangers are welcome to pet the back of your cat, and it will like it. The back of your cat is not as bad as any other region of its body.
Winding Up
You may not completely know what a cat meow exactly means at first. Therefore, you will need to listen carefully to understand what your kitty is trying to tell you. Also, as each cat has a unique dialect, it may occasionally produce peculiar noises.
Additionally, certain breeds are more vocal than others, so they can require a greater level of tolerance. With time and experience, you may learn what your cat is trying to tell you through its meows.
