Help! My Cat Won't Stop Meowing!

Don't you wish your cat could talk? Although most interactions they'd have with us would likely consist of requests for food and brutal indifference, they could also finally explain many of the behaviors that leave us perplexed.

Sometimes, though, they can talk a lot. If your cat constantly meows or seems anxious, there could be a number of reasons, including illness and general anxiety. In extreme cases, visit your vet to rule out medical causes and seek solutions to behavioral issues. In the meantime, here are a few things your chatty cat may be trying to tell you.

I Need a New Water Bowl

If your cat has a habit of lurking near the kitchen sink and licking the dripping faucet, there's a reason for that. Cats highly prefer running water to water that stagnates in their water bowl. Bacteria can collect very quickly in standard water bowls, and cats (notoriously picky critters) will often turn up their noses at it after a couple of days. Feline water fountains are a great remedy for this issue.

Something is Wrong

Dogs easily let you know when they're too hot by panting heavily. Cats, however, don't normally pant. A panting cat may actually be a sign of a medical emergency, extreme anxiety, or respiratory and/or cardiovascular issues.

I'm Hungry

Veterinarians recommend feeding canned cat food over kibble. Canned foods have a higher percentage of protein and fat than dry foods and are significantly higher in water content than kibble (70 percent vs 10 percent). Also, canned foods tend to be more palatable to cats that are finicky, elderly or have dental problems.  

Leave me Alone

What can you do to get a cat to come to you? Avoid eye contact. Cats don't like eye contact with strangers, so will almost always go to the person who's not looking at them. This also is the answer to the age-old mystery of why cats always seem to go to the one person in the room who doesn't like cats. It's because she may be the only one not "rudely" - in the cat's view - staring.

I Have Pain

Chronic pain is not uncommon in cats, especially as they age. Cat-lovers miss the signs of a pet in pain because cats are good at hiding it. Any cat observed as being hesitant to jump up or climb, not using the litter box, not able to groom themselves as well, more aggressive or more withdrawn need to see the veterinarian. These are classic signs of pain and need to be addressed immediately.

Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

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