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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 never makes a noise when she is there. The vet must think I’m crazy.
Why does she meow so much and why doesn’t she beep when she’s at the vet? She is now around 2 years old and a Siamese.
LL, Concord
LOVE L .: You seem to have a chatty catty on your hands.
Since this is not a new behavior, I wouldn’t worry about what is causing it, although it’s 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 investigate 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 after sharing my home with two Siamese cats at different times.
Also, there is a real possibility that your cat may simply have a habit of meowing during the day and sadly at night. She has probably discovered that it is a very effective way of getting what she wants when she wants it.
She wants a treat, so she meows and you obey. She is hungry and meows for dinner. She wants to play and meowing gets your attention. If this is the case and meowing bothers 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 get lonely despite their reluctance. When she sees you, she’s probably expressing her excitement and joy about having you back home, and that’s a habit you can’t really break – and you don’t want to either, I’m sure. We all want to feel loved and valued.
There can be several reasons why she doesn’t meow at the vet. Many animals are restless or anxious in the vet’s office, even if nothing really traumatic has ever happened to them there. You sense 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 female was one of them – or go very quiet, as if to prevent a predator from spotting them.
Nor might she have anything of value to say to the vet. When cats are kittens, they meow to find their mothers, ask for feed and attention. As they get older, they usually meow less and reserve these stables and meows for communication with people.
Your cat may enjoy talking to you, but doesn’t see the vet as someone to talk to.
If you don’t mind meowing, I’d enjoy knowing that your cat likes you enough to have long conversations.
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