Why do cat cry?

Why do cats meow? The reasons change as they grow from kittens into cats. Kittens meow to their mothers when they’re hungry, cold, or scared. But once cats get older, they use other vocalizations -- such as yowling, hissing, and growling -- to communicate with each other. Meowing is reserved for their communications with people.

Of course, the amount of meowing varies by breed and even cat. Oriental breeds, especially Siamese cats, are known as great “talkers,” so anyone who doesn’t like meowing probably should steer clear of these breeds. 

People talk to communicate and cats do, too. Your cat cries because:

•    Your cat is hungry

•    Your cat wants some type of attention

•    Your cat is annoyed at you

•    Your cat is frightened

•    Your cat doesn’t feel well

•    Your cat is simply chatty (Some breeds – Siamese, Bengal, Tonkinese and Sphynx – are particularly known for this trait.)

Unfortunately for us, humans are notoriously bad at interpreting cat messages from the sound alone. To understand what your cat is trying to say when she’s meowing, pay extra attention to what she’s doing when she talks during the daytime. Listen to what your cat says to you when:

•    You make your cat’s food and briefly withhold it

•    Your cat gets tired of being petted

•    Your cat wants access to a blocked-off room

•    Your cat rubs against your leg and wants some attention or playtime

•    Your cat is traveling in the car

•    Your cat is in the vet’s waiting room

Meowing for a late-night snack or a wee-hours play session can be discouraged by giving your cat a before-bed snack (if her diet allows it) and then by ignoring her. Talking back to her or giving in to her demands will just encourage her. Expect things to get worse before they get better.

Notes: In general, meows tend to be louder and more rapid when a cat is stressed. Also, cats tend to get more vocal as they age and their cognitive functions start to decline. If your usually quiet cat turns into a chatty tabby as she reaches seniorhood (or at any age, really), a visit to the vet is warranted to rule out a physical cause.