Except between mothers and kittens, cats don't usually meow or talk to each other much. Meowing is thing they share with humans. As cats learn with age, meowing is a way to obtain things they want.
Some breeds meow more than others, for example : Siamese and Burmese cats are known for their vocalization.
We expect our cats to meow when they want in and out. We also want them to meow when their hungry. But if cats meow excessively, it may be an indication of a health problem.
When cats get old, they may meow more because they are disorianted, or feeling needy. If they meow more loudly than they used to, it could be hearing loss, where they can't hear themselves as well as they used to at their normal volume.
Cats that haven't been spayed or neutered, tend to meow alot to attract a mate. Females meow when they are in heat, and males meow to attract females.
Pain, neurological problems, or major changes such as a loss of vision can cause cats to meow excessively.
If your cat's excessive meowing was caused by health problems, take it to a vet to be examined and checked for any problems. If your cat hasn't been neutered, the only way to alleviate the meowing is to neuter it.
Cats learn through repeated meows get them what they want. They will stop if they get what they want or the specific meow no longer get's them the intended results.
First, identify what your cat wants. Is it bored lonely, hungry, anxious? Notice the timing of the excessive meowing episodes. If they happen after you've been away for a long time, it may be lonely or bored. If your cat goes through a meowing frenzy every night, that means it's wide awake and ready to play.
Meet your cat's needs when it isn't meowing by petting and comforting it if that's what it craves. Play with it and give it excersize before bed so it'll be more likely to go to sleep at night. Feed it at regular times so it can expect meals.
Don't give your cat attention when it is meowing excessively. Even negative attention must be avoided at these times because it reinforces behavior. If it meows all night, keep it in another room until it realizes it won't get that attention.
Pay attention to body language. Cats can tell you things with their tail, eyes, meows, , ears, and whiskers.
Greetings - When cats greet each other and their human friends, they rib the full length of their body around you to mingle odors. Tehy also hold their tails high.
Territory Marking - They rub against the person or item to establish their scent.
Hapiness - Cats hold their tails high. Their whiskers are outward, eyes wide, ears are wide open and flick to a certain noise. They may purr.
Content - They knead their paws against you.
Affection - The cat touches it's nose or paw to your face. They may also lick you. Some cats give little love bites.
Interest - Their ears are pricked and their eyes are wide open. Whiskers are fully foward.
Curiosity or Exictement - The tail twitches.
Sleepiness - The eyes are half-closed.
Submissiveness - The tail is on the ground, sometimes moving. Their ears are flat against their head. They may feel the need to defend themselves.
Anxiety or Fear - Cats sometimes purr when in distress or pain. They hiss, if feeling threatened. The ears may move back and forth, or flat against the head.
Irritation - The tip of the tail twitchs. Ears are laid back and whiskers pulled towards the face.
Anger - A bushy tail and flattened ears. Watch out!
Ready to Attack - Tail is low and twitchs. If the tail is arched and the pupils are dialated, the attack may be immanent.
A change in your cat's normal communictaion can indicate sickness. If you observe unexplained changes, you may want to take your cat to to a vet.
Cats solemnly bite people, but when they do, it's dangerous. If the bite draws blood, go to a sink and wash it throughly. Make sure your cat has had it's shots and vaccines against diseases like rabbies. If not, you mgiht want to take your cat to the vet afterwards. Also make sure to put on a bandaid directly on the wound to avoid infection and heal faster. If an infection does occour, seek medical attention.
Purring is an obvious sign of contentment from the cat. It closens you and your cat's bond. It may also purr when facing a critical situation to calm itself. However nobody is sure where a purr comes from. Some people think that it may come from the vocal cords. Others disagree and think it comes from other places as well.