You just got a cat. Things are going great! Then it’s lights out and suddenly – it’s 5 am and you are up again, with a cat meowing in your ear!
What you may not realize is that many cat owners have experiences like yours. Nighttime meowings or nighttime ‘zoomies’ are actually pretty common.
As well, your cat can start meowing at night suddenly even when they have slept through the night for years!
The things is that cats can meow at night for many reasons. Thankfully, there are common causes derived from pet parents and veterinarians who have gone before you that you can explore.
If you are here reading this article, it’s likely that you are asking, “why is my cat meowing at night?” Keep reading through our carefully compiled guide to find the answers that you are looking for!
I know this sounds very obvious- but the first step to helping you and your cat sleep at night is to understand, “why is my cat meowing at night?”
If you can correctly answer this, you are already far on your way towards your goals for a peaceful sleep for everyone.
While every cat is unique, there are some common causes for cats meowing at night that come up time and time again. It is very likely that your cat is meowing for one of these common reasons, though, of course, there could be others.
Here is your quick diagnostic kit:
When you read over this list, click on the number that you think may be relevant to you.
Since this is a big topic, the link will take you to an article devoted to that topic. This will save you time sifting through benaviours that probably aren’t relevant to your fur-friend.
If there is no link to your desired behaviour, then the article is in the works. This is a new series we are working on as you read this. Exciting times!
Before we dive into what these nighttime cat behaviours mean, please take your cat to the vet first. Meowing at night could be a sign of illness, and if you take your cat to the vet, you can immediately rule out this significant cause for nighttime meowing.
You may think, “There is nothing wrong with my cat. My cat has no other symptoms but keeping me up when I need to sleep!” But that may, in actuality, be your cat’s only symptom of an illness.
This is because cats disguise and hide pain and illness very well. It’s very important to rule this out as a primary cause before you start treating the symptom of nighttime mews.
Moreover, although it may be difficult to hear because- well, you want to sleep!- try not to be annoyed by your cat. Simply put, your cat is meowing in some way because they need you and they are trying to communicate to you in the only way that they can.
You can trust us- we understand what it feels like not to be able to sleep because our cats won’t stop meowing.
As well, be encouraged that even the most difficult cases of nighttime meowing can be cured!
For more on the topic of cats and illness, consult these articles on cats and the cold and cats and Covid.
. Hello! It is not night, it is morning! Why are you not awake like me! 5 am! Time to play!
Modcat says it well: “A cat’s night-time vocalizations are his way of signaling a need such as hunger, thirst, or loneliness. Once you figure out why your cat fusses at night, you’ll find it easier to calm him.”
When you are searching for a cause and a solution, it’s very easy for things to get complicated.
If you can keep in mind that your cat simply has a need that they are trying to communicate, you will have an easier time of it!
Veterinarians agree:
“So why is your cat meowing at night? Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, CPDT-KA, is a specialist in animal behavior, owner of Behavior Solutions, and a member of the Daily Paws Advisory Board. She says, quite simply, “They need you. Cats meow for a variety of reasons but they’re basically seeking attention, food, or play from their owners,” she tells Daily Paws. “They also do it if they’re distressed, confused, or otherwise worried.”
My cat lived in the wild for a couple of years before he showed up at our house. He used to meow frequently at 5 am, because to him, the sun was up and it was morning! He also wanted his breakfast.
I gave in a couple of times and got up to give him his food so that I could get some sleep. I practiced not giving him his breakfast at this time, and he eventually did stop meowing when the sun came up.
Gradually, his routine adjusted to mine and the rest of the house. What helped significantly with all this was when I let him come sleep in the bedroom!
He didn’t sleep on my bed beside me at first, but he had other places that were ‘his bed’ in the bedroom. For example, he used to sleep on top of my desk. Then one night he hopped on the bed, and now he sleeps on his quilt by my head!
(At a safe distance, of course, so I don’t roll over him in my sleep).
It took my cat a long time to adjust to all this, however. Sometimes much patience and time is required, but it is so worth it!
—> Is your cat meowing at night and body-slamming your bedroom door? See our article on cats body slamming bedroom doors here.
With some patience and study, you can help your cat adjust to your routine. Once you think you may know the cause of your cat’s vocal nature in the wee hours of the night or morning, experiment with the solution for that issue.
If that doesn’t work, try a different solution, or move on to a different cause. Maybe you thought your cat wanted food when they just wanted attention!
Experiment, tweak, research it, repeat, and don’t give up! You got this!
https://bcpvetpharm.com/news/item/how-to-get-a-cat-to-stop-meowing-at-night#:~:text=
https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/behaviour/training/cat-meowing-at-night
https://modkat.com/blogs/modkat-purrr/6-tips-for-quieting-night-time-meowing
https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/behavior/cat-meowing-at-night
https://moderncat.com/articles/how-stop-pesky-night-time-meowing/
https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-wake-up-calls-554049
https://www.catchat.org/index.php/meowing
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