I often get judged from people who think letting a cat outside is cruel but, after all, cats are a lot happier when allowed outside. 5 signs of kitty boredom, #1 Messing up the house and picking fights, #3 Excessive grooming or shedding more than usual, common reasons for not using the litter box and potential solutions. That’s so true. Make sure that your cat is not feeling neglected. That one is a classic 🙂, This is great information. thank you for tips for cats to stay active mentally as well. Also the classic knocking over stuff off the counter or table let me know. They won’t watch cat TV or video games, and I’m running out of ways to keep them occupied. “Cat Constantly Meows and Drives Owner Crazy.” Cattle Dog Publishing. Disorientation is not uncommon, and your cat may meow out of frustration or confusion. Interact with your cat and try to calm them if the vocalizations become worrisome. I’m thinking of a cat run but those are very expensive here. Bored kittens are prone to being overly vocal. These cats might also groom themselves more intensely, even ripping out wisps of their own fur, which in turn just makes them groom even more. Adult cats in particular are not as energetic as kittens and tend to prefer to spend their time looking for a sunny spot or going for a leisurely stroll around the house. The app records and labels a cat’s meow based on their needs. Cats, like people, can become forgetful or confused in old age. I heard about that show but it was never aired on tv in my country in Europe. Stimulation and exercise are so important to our pets. Designed To Make Your Life Easier & Your Kitty Healthier And Happier! Is your cat pacing, over-grooming herself, or is your cat meowing a lot (like non-stop)? However I can definitely testify to my cats experiencing “zoomies” or meowing like crazy for attention and playtime. 2. Maybe this is because the cat wants to play, or they’re bored. I don’t have a cat but depression or boredom is common in dogs and cats. Well, maybe skip the bubble bath and tail braiding, but spending a little time every day on brushing your kitty will give it caring attention, keep their fur healthy and beautiful, and collect some of that pesky cat hair which keeps flying all over the place. Maybe a catio would help if you have that option in your home. A bored cat might meow often and loudly, and for a fairly long time. Mine have a cat flap for free access, a toilet spot in the garden just for them, and there’s nothing nicer than seeing them chase leaves, butterflies stretching out in the sunshine (when we get it) and watching fish in the pond. The most important thing for bored cats is to have a stimulating environment, filled with interesting things, and entertaining things to do. You could also have someone play with them in the backseat to help them calm down a bit. chasing other pets around and fighting with them. They include: Illness. However, some cats can become terribly nervous when they’re bored, especially if they’re left alone a lot, and this extra stress then makes their hair fall out much more than it usually does. A great way of dealing with cats who show this kind of behavior is making grooming time a way of bonding with your pet. Constant cat meowing could indicate an overactive thyroid, kidney disease, problems urinating or a host of other health issues. Box 1084 Monroeville, Pa 15146 Check Out My Merchandise! 6: Give Them Something To Do Some Cat Breeds Are More Vocal. Dahlia: We’ve never heard of “de-meowing” surgery for cats. If your cat has only recently started meowing all the time, perhaps she is in pain? “Why Does My Older Cat Yowl All the Time?”, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/meowing-and-yowling, https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/cats_constant_meowing_is_driving_owner_crazy/. All you can do is try to keep them occupied with toys and by playing with them, but it is their nature to be a bit crazy and that will go away when they get a bit older. Finding and treating the underlying cause can do a lot more than give you back a good night’s sleep — it can add happy years to your cat’s life, as Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, explains in her article “Why Does My Older Cat Yowl All the Time?”. Great ideas and information! This is a terrific post for anyone who suspects their cat is NOT getting enough ‘enrichment’ and entertainment – something every cat needs, Yes, this is mostly an issue with indoor only cats. It is possible that your cat is so stressed from being bored all the time that they develop behavioral issues such as not using the kitty toilet. You would get bored, too. They have scratching posts inside and outside and have never damaged my furniture. It’s their way of communicating with us humans. A bored kitten meows constantly. After first ruling out a health issue with a vet visit, you can try these tips for stopping your cat from meowing all night: 1. Do not respond each time your cat meows; you should instead … By Maddy Shaw Roberts A viral tweet recalls a wonderful anecdote, written into classical music lore, that when Mozart grew bored in opera rehearsals, he … If you are away at work all day long, kittens can become bored during the day. Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. It turns out, cats rarely meow to each other. This article was originally published in 2015 and is regularly updated. So keep on reading and check if your cat might be bored. This can lead to over-grooming. Excessive vocalization in cats is, put simply, a cat meowing more often than normal. If your cat isn’t mentally enriched, she can not only become bored but anxious and obsessive-compulsive. I learned a lot watching Jackson Galaxy on My Cat from Hell. Don’t scold your cat for meowing. Yes, time to get out Da Bird! “They’ll excessively lick the … If this issue is not dealt with, it can lead to depression, so we have to stop the kitty boredom in its roots before it gets too far. So how can you tell the difference? If the kitty is healthy, then it could be that your cat is bored which caused their behavior to change. A lot of cat owners just get angry, without ever realizing that the pet is just asking their human to give them some loving attention. Your veterinarian may refer to your cat's excessive meowing, groaning, howling, hissing, or screeching as excessive feline vocalization. There are some feral cats in my area so it’s dangerous for them to be outside where they o my have claws to defend themselves big attacked. I understand that people live in different conditions and not everyone is able to let their cats go out and that is fine. Don’t respond every time your cat meows — instead, give them attention when they get quiet. ‘ Hello mom…I’m bored. Invest in several toys to keep your cat busy. Your cat simply wants attention. Don’t respond every time your cat meows — instead, give them attention when they get quiet. Most cats meow as an emotional response. Cats meow for many reasons, from the serious to the attention-seeking. They do this to attract males. Best regards. Or, it might be that they’re bored, lonely, injured, or sick; so they meow continuously to seek attention and help. If you are adding an animal to your household, properly socialize the new pet with your cat to avoid behavioral issues. If your cat suddenly stopped using their litter box, you might want to check out my other post about the common reasons for not using the litter box and potential solutions. In Croatia (Europe), it is common to let your cat go outside if you live in the suburbs like I do, so cats can entertain themselves easily. If your cat is meowing a lot during these changes, it could be an occasional “I don’t like this” meow or a constant and loud “I’m really mad about this!” noise. Butters meowing at me out of boredom. This is a massive issue for (mostly) indoor cats. Apart from not being nice, this may cause fear and insecurity — which would mean further behavioral issues. I think it’s cruel to stop cats from living as cats. It was last reviewed for accuracy and updated on Aug. 24, 2019. Keep in mind that, while all of these are signs of boredom, boredom doesn’t necessarily have to be the reason. Here’s to happy cats! Some cats begin meowing loudly or persistently when they are feeling bored or lonely. I have found the best way to stop a cat meowing is with distraction. You cat will need your attention when he is bored or when he wants a playing partner. More Info. I play with them for 10-20 minutes 2-3 times a day. Both are around 2 years old, so maybe they’ll calm down a bit? If you play with them a lot they may be too tired and just sleep the whole car ride. But boredom is also a common reason for this type of behavior. Even if there was such a thing, we wouldn’t recommend it. You have some really active kitties 🙂 Two years old is still young so they probably won’t calm down a lot yet but they might not be as playful as when they were kittens. 4. Your veterinarian may refer to your cat's excessive meowing, groaning, howling, hissing, or screeching as excessive feline vocalization. And how can you help? 7 Reasons a Cat May Be Meowing a Lot 1. I’ve read that in America it’s seen as cruel to let cats outside in case of accidents etc. Feline Exclusive Grooming If you start to notice that your feline poops or pees around the house, even though they were usually good at doing their business in the litter box, it might be your cat’s way of telling you that they are not getting enough attention and that they are bored. If you are owned by a cat, you're in the right place! Since each cat has a unique meow and the app is powered by AI, the more recordings you log, the more precise its analysis becomes. Bengal cats, for example, are said to be very vocal. Males are also noisy if they detect a cat in heat nearby. This means that it might just be a phase that you have to wait out. This does not seem to be such a major issue here in NZ where we have a lot more garden/outdoor active cats. Bullying: A bored cat may become a tyrant, who pounces on other fur-family members and makes their life a misery. What a great resource. Learning how to distinguish the different meow sounds will provide insight on how to respond, especially if you’re dealing with a highly vocal feline. scattering shredded toilet paper everywhere. But for indoor cats, we have to help keep them entertained 🙂. Do keep an eye on how the cat behaves around their food bowl because improper eating can damage your pet’s health. If your cat meows at night, it may be lonely or bored. I live in the U.K. and we mostly let out cats outside. “Communication between cats is by smell and tactile signals, and, of course, body language,” explained Celia. Check Now: Blue Buffalo • Science Diet • Purina • Wellness • 4health • Canine Carry Outs • Friskies • Taste of the Wild • See 200+ more brands…. They’re now even bored with the da Bird toys! Kristyn Vitale, cat researcher and PhD candidate at Oregon State University, states that these types of repetitive actions are known as stereotypic behaviors, and can be signs of psychological stress in the animal. Those behaviors might mean that she’s bored. It’s as simple as that. She loves to rub against every possible object and sleep long hours. If your cat keeps meowing, walk away until they calm down. Also, both my guys have no teeth. Meowing is one way a cat communicates, and your cat may be trying to tell you that they don’t feel well. Our cat goes outside on adventures, so she is usually a nice, tired, fulfilled cat at the end of the day. Just like people, cats sometimes deal with boredom by changing their mealtime habits. A cat yowling might be the cat’s way of expressing that she’s frustrated and bored. Here is a video of cats and kittens meowing to confuse your petsPuppies & Babies & Kitties OH MY! Copyright © 2019 Meows 'n' Paws. "Meowing in cats is just like barking in dogs: some dogs bark all the time at the littlest things and others hardly bark at all. Yes I very much like what you have to say about Cats being bored out of there brain as I my self have a ten year old Liac Siamese that I truly love to peace’s & she dose sit & staring into space or at me for long time & she dose have her moments of ignoring her food she will walk up to it just look at it then walk a way & toys well she has so many toys she use to play with a little 🧸 Teddy she would fetch it theni’d through on to the couch & she would go & bring it back to you but not any more all that she wants to do now is sleep all the time I must say that she is on medication ( Fluoxetine Tab 20mg ) a 1/4 every second day & Inisolone Tab the Same 1/4 every secondary & i’m Wondering if this is making her lazy & sleey all the time i’d Love to know what you think about my Jenni -Leigh D O B is the 26/6/07 with many thanks & kind regards Carol Graydon. The app starts with 13 identified cat demands including hunger, thirst, or irritation. Especially if your older cat isn’t just “talking” to you but is yowling very loudly, then please see the vet. Also, underexercised cats tend to meow consistently even at night. She had lived with several other cats in her previous home (though was very poorly taken care of and thus surrendered at the SPCA) She is super sweet and I love her to death. No cats were harmed during the making of this site. These DIY cat toys might also help. You will also need to device a plan to make sure that your cat does not get bored. the cat sitting and staring into space for a long time. You can rub some catnip in the toys you buy to your bored cat or spray them with it, to push him or her out of this state, as Catnip is a herb from the mint family and it a natural stimulant that is safe for cats with no heart diseases history, not all cats are impacted by catnip, but if your bored kitty is, he won’t be a bored cat anymore, he will become a high happy cat, as he might start rolling around and jumping up … They have their toys indoors mainly for winter use when they choose to stay in at times and they love their cuddles but it’s all their choice. Your cat may be bored or unstimulated. But if your cat’s natural curiosity isn’t kicking in, it could be a sign of boredom. It might be a good idea to have her checked out by a professional. Yet still they get bored! A PDF Printable to Keep Track of Your Cat’s Health & Well-Being. It is common for younger cats to adhere to their natural body clock. Yet, when they are really in pain they will show you just like they will show when they are bored if you know what to search for.