Why does meowing Harmony cat clam up on the vet’s workplace?

DEAR JOHANNA: My cat meows all the time, day and night, without exception.

This is not new behavior. I got her when she was a kitten and then it started. I took her to the vet, but she doesn’t make a sound when she’s there. The vet must think I’m crazy.

Why does she meow so much and why doesn’t she look when she’s at the vet? She is around 2 years old now and she is Siamese.

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LL, Concord

LOVE L .: You seem to have a Chatty Catty in your hands.

Since this is not a new behavior, I wouldn’t worry too much about the cause, although it is always a good idea to speak to your veterinarian and have the cat checked out. Excessive meowing can be due to illness, pain, or growing dementia.

Once all of the health issues are resolved, you can start looking for other causes. Siamese cats have a reputation for being overly talkative, among other things. They like to comment on almost anything and are not afraid to raise their voices when life does not meet their particular standards.

I know this from experience as I have shared my home with two Siamese cats at different times.

Also, there is a real possibility that your cat has simply developed a habit of meowing all day and sadly all night too. She has probably discovered that the most effective way to get what she wants, when she wants it.

She wants a treat, so she meows and you obey. She’s hungry, so she meows for dinner. She wants to play and meowing gets your attention. If this is the case and meowing is bothering you, you will need to exercise some practice to break the habit.

If she meows for treats, don’t give them to her. Feed her regularly whether she meows or not. Cats feel lonely despite their reluctance, so when they see you they are probably expressing their excitement and joy in having you back home, and you can’t really break that habit – and you certainly don’t want to. We all want to feel loved and valued.

There are several reasons why she doesn’t meow at the vet. Many animals feel uncomfortable or anxious in the veterinary practice, even if nothing really traumatic has ever happened to them there. You feel the fear and fear of other animals along with all the strange smells. They may also sense our concern, especially if the pet is there for an operation that may be uncomfortable for them.

Some cats become extremely hyperactive and howl – my Siamese was one of them – or go very quiet, as if to prevent a predator from seeing them.

Or maybe she has nothing of value to say to the vet. When cats are kittens, they meow to find their mothers, ask for food and attention. As they get older, they usually start to meow less and reserve those meows and meows for communication with people.

Your cat may enjoy talking to you, but doesn’t see the vet as someone to say to.

If you don’t mind meowing, I’d enjoy knowing that your cat likes you so that you can have long conversations.

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