Cat meows at night: causes and tips
Meowing is known to be an integral part of cat language. It is therefore quite normal for a cat to meow. Some four-legged friends are particularly talkative in this respect, so that it sometimes almost seems as if they are engaging their owners in real conversations!
But if a cat meows a lot, especially at night, it can quickly become annoying. In the following, we will explain the possible causes of nocturnal meowing and whether there might even be cause for concern.
Cats are nocturnal and meowing is part of their language.
First of all, you should be aware that cats are nocturnal animals by nature. They can get used to the rhythm of their human companions to a certain extent. Nevertheless, it is not unusual for a cat to be out and about in your home at night, climbing cupboards, working on their scratching post or even meowing.
Sometimes, however, nocturnal meowing also indicates that your four-legged friend is feeling insecure or anxious. This can be the case, for example, if you have just moved house or there has been another major change in your cat's life.
Patience and attention will help your cat feel more secure. Maybe you can let them sleep in your bed or at least in your bedroom. Often this already helps to get the unsettled nocturnal meowing under control and to have a relaxed night's rest.
Occasionally cats meow at night because they are hungry. Fortunately, you can easily resolve this meowing with a late dinner or a small supply of dry food for the night.
If your cat meows a lot at night, the following causes are also likely:
- Lack of exercise
- Loneliness
- Pain
- Dementia
- Hormone fluctuations
Cat meows at night because of lack of exercise
Compared to dogs, cats are usually much more independent. Nevertheless, these four-legged friends need adequate occupation in order to stay busy.
The more you occupy your four-legged friend with suitable games during the day, the greater your chances are that your cat will also sleep at night and not meow all the time.
If this is not enough, it can also help if you provide your cat with intelligence toys, such as a fiddle board, for independent activity at night.
Cat meows at night out of loneliness
Cats are generally considered to be solitary animals. However, they are actually highly social animals who like company. Therefore, if you sleep at night, your cat may be lonely and meow because of it.
In this case, getting a second cat can be a good idea, to ensure that your lonely four-legged friend will also have company at night in the future. In the beginning, however, make sure that the two cats get used to each other and that neither animal feels neglected by you.
Cat meows at night because of pain
Although it is not unusual for your cat to be active at night and to make itself heard, meowing at night may be a sign of health problems.
Your four-legged friend may be in pain, which he does not notice during the day. If your cat meows a lot at night and you also observe other possible symptoms of a disease, you should definitely contact a vet and have your four-legged friend examined.
Cats with dementia often meow at night
Similar to humans, cats can develop dementia in old age. One of the possible symptoms of dementia is that affected cats meow a lot, especially at night. Other possible signs of dementia include restlessness, forgetfulness, anxiety and aggression.
Unfortunately, dementia is not curable in cats either and it is also only a matter of time before the animal's condition deteriorates further. As an owner, you must therefore expect that your four-legged friend will become increasingly dependent on your support in everyday life.
Intelligence and skill games can help to some extent to slow down the progression of dementia. In addition, a dietary supplement like Shiimun Calm can be useful.
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