8 Tips for Quieting Excessive Meowing

8 Tips to Quiet Excessive Meowing

Some cats like to chat, but some never seem to know when to quit. Caterwauling morning, noon and night can drive a pet owner bonkers! Some cats simply like to excessively communicate with their owners and some just might like the sound of their own voice. Regardless, excessive catcalls can become a nuisance, so here are some tips to stop the caterwauling.

1. Regular Feedings. Rather than feeding your cat only when he vocalizes for food, try feeding your cat at the same times every day. Your cat's meowing food reminders should cease; giving you a little relief.
2. Go for a walk. That’s right! It is perfectly fine to take your cat for a walk and probably good for you too! Make sure you have a good harness and lead such as this braided cat harness and lead so you don't lose your cat.
3. Attention! Frequent caterwauling can just be a way to get your attention. Spending a little extra quality time with your kitty when you get home from work will keep him quieter. Talking to your cat as you are doing chores or fixing dinner can also help relieve their anxiety. Petting your cat with this Zoom Groom Flexible Cat Brush can help keep them happy and quiet while helping them out with their grooming.
4. Stand your ground! Sometimes, you can try and give your cat everything under the sun; food, attention, etc. and they just won't stop meowing. This is when it is time to ignore them. Most cats hate to be ignored, and this may lead to more meowing in the beginning; but encouraging meowing won't help the problem either. If it gets to be too much, put your cat in another room for a while to give yourself a break.
5. Reward Good Behavior. Just as it is good to ignore him when he is excessively meowing; it also is good to reward him when he is quiet. Rewarding good behavior encourages good behavior. Give your cat their favorite treat when they are being quiet and relaxed. Cat toys such as this Kong Stuff A Ball Toy stuffed with cat treats will keep them entertained for hours.
6. Stress relief. Constant caterwauling can be due to boredom. Make sure your cat has some entertainment during the day while you are gone. Put in a bird feeder next to a window so your cat can watch the birds or other wildlife. Plug in some stress relief with this Comfort Zone Feline Behavior Modification Plug In that uses pheromones to help calm your cat.
7. Don't let the door hit you on the way out! If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, make sure to have a kitty door available so they can go outside when they want. This will prevent you from constantly getting up to open the door when they want to go out. It should also cut down on the communicative meowing of "Hey, let me out"! The Perfect Pet Small Pet Door is usually large enough for most cats.
8. Vet Check. If you have completed tips 1-7 and still no luck, take your cat to the vet for a checkup. While most meowing can be a cry for attention sometimes it can mean that your cat is sick or in pain. Taking notes of your cats behaviors before you go to the vet can give your vet valuable clues as to what might be wrong.

Following these simple tips and observing your cats behavior to solve any problems that may be the culprit of excessive vocalizations will lead to a relaxed happy cat and cat owner.

Author: Catherine Critz, Staff Writer, PetSocialOnline.com

MS, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University