Is my cat talkative or is it a problem?

Some cats are naturally chatty. Worry if there’s a sudden change, distressed sounds, or other illness signs—book a vet visit if unsure.

How do I stop meowing for food?

Use a consistent feeding schedule, measured portions, ignore demands between meals, and try puzzle feeders for enrichment.

Should I worry about senior cats that yowl?

Yowling in seniors can relate to pain, high blood pressure or cognitive change. A vet check is recommended; many causes are treatable.

Behaviour

Why is my cat meowing so much?

From chatty greetings to midnight yowls, cats have a lot to say. Here’s how to decode the noise—and when to take action—using simple, vet-informed tips for UK cat parents.

Read time: 6–8 mins

UK guidance

Advice only—see a vet if worried

Common reasons for constant meowing
Quick checklist: rule out the basics
Kittens vs adult vs senior cats
When to call your vet
FAQs

Common reasons for constant meowing

Hunger or routine changes

Cats lobby hard when mealtimes slip. Keep a consistent schedule and measure portions. Automatic feeders can help with early-morning serenades.

Wants access or attention

Meows at closed doors, the cupboard with treats, or when you sit down? That’s a request. Reward calm behaviour; avoid reinforcing loud demands.

Social cats are chatty

Some breeds (e.g., Siamese) and individuals simply talk more. Provide play and short, frequent interactions spread through the day.

Pain or illness

Increased vocalisation can signal hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, dental pain, urinary issues and more—especially in older cats.

Night-time restlessness

Crepuscular cats wake at dawn. Add evening play + a late feed to reduce 4am performances. For seniors, ask your vet about cognitive changes.

Mating calls (not neutered/spayed)

Unneutered males & females can yowl loudly. Neutering/spaying usually reduces roaming and vocalising.

Quick checklist: rule out the basics

Check	What to do
Food & water	Feed on a schedule, fresh water daily, consider a puzzle feeder for mental stimulation.
Litter tray	Keep it clean (scoop daily). Many cats prefer 1 tray per cat + 1.
Play needs	Two 10–15 minute play bursts daily (wand toys work well). Finish with a small meal.
Environment	Offer high perches, hiding spots, and a quiet place to retreat.
Stress	New pets, building work, visitors or moving home can increase meowing. Add predictability and safe spaces.

When to call your vet

If meowing is new, intense, or paired with weight loss, changes in thirst/toileting, vomiting/diarrhoea, crouching, hiding, or any “not themselves”, book a check-up. Keep a short diary (times, triggers, food, litter use) to help your vet diagnose quickly.

FAQs

Why does my cat meow at night?

Night-time vocalisation is common at dawn/dusk. Add a vigorous play session in the evening, feed a small meal before bed, and keep bedroom doors consistently open or closed (don’t switch nightly).

Is my cat just being “talkative”, or is it a problem?

Some cats are naturally chatty. It becomes a concern if there’s a sudden change, the sound is distressed (yowling, crying), or other signs of illness appear—book a vet visit if unsure.

Will neutering/spaying stop loud meowing?

It usually reduces mating calls and roaming-related yowls, but won’t change a naturally vocal personality.

How do I stop my cat meowing for food?

Feed on a consistent timetable, use measured portions, and ignore “performance meows” between meals. Puzzle feeders provide calories and enrichment more slowly.

Should I be worried about senior cats that yowl?

Seniors may vocalise due to pain, high blood pressure or cognitive changes. A vet check is sensible—many causes are treatable.

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