CAPITAL HUMANE SOCIETY
2320
Your Talkative Cat
Copyright Denver Dumb Friends League and
Humane Society of the
Vocalizing
is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some
cats “talk” more than others, but most cats do make noise some of the time.
We’re all familiar with the meaning of hissing and growling, but there are also
many other sounds that your cat is capable of, and a variety of reasons for
vocalizing. If your cat is hissing or growling, please see our handout: “Understanding Cat Aggression Towards People.”
Medical
Reasons
If
your cat’s behavior changes suddenly, the first thing you should do is take her
to your veterinarian for a thorough health examination. Cats often hide
symptoms of illness until they’re seriously ill. Any change in behavior may be
an early indication of a medical problem. A new vocalizing behavior, in
particular, may indicate physical discomfort stemming from an urgent need for
medical attention.
Breed
Tendency
Oriental
breeds, such as the Siamese, are known to be very vocal. If your cat has a
pointed face and a long, lean body, chances are she has some oriental heritage,
so “talking” may be a part of her character. Avoid giving her any attention
when she is vocal because this will only encourage the vocal behavior. Instead,
give her attention when she is quiet.
Attention-Seeking
Behavior
Some
cats “talk” because they know they’ll get a reaction. People may talk back,
feed her, yell at her, pick her up and lock her in another room, or pick her up
and soothe her. All of these responses will encourage an attention-seeking cat.
To discourage this behavior, simply ignore your cat when she does this, and
when she is quiet, pour on the love, feed her or give her some treats. This
will teach your cat which behaviors you would like her to continue.
Your
Cat Wants To Go Outside
If
your cat was previously an outdoor cat and you plan to keep her inside, then
good for you! Following are some suggestions to help make the transition easier
on both of you.
·
Spay or Neuter: Spaying
or neutering will rid your cat of those hormonal urges to go out and seek a
mate. This will esult in a
calmer, friendlier cat.
·
Play Schedule: Schedule
play times during the times your cat would normally be outside. This will
distract her from her normal routine and establish another, safer routine.
·
Window Seat: Be
sure your cat has a view of the outdoors and a sunny place to lie. Cats like to
watch birds, so putting a bird feeder outside this window is likely to make it
a favorite spot for your cat.
·
Scavenger Hunt: Give
your cat a game to play by hiding bits of dry food around the house. Hide the
food in paper bags, boxes and behind open doors. This will give her exercise
and keep her busy so she doesn’t think of going outside. This is especially
good to do right before the family leaves the house for the day.
·
Attention: Try
to give your cat extra love and attention during this difficult transition.
·
Aversives:
If your cat still won’t give up meowing
by the door, try an aversive. Leave strong citrus scents by the door or hide
behind a wall and shake a pop can filled with coins to interrupt the behavior.
When she is quiet, walk out and give her a food treat and encourage her to play
or cuddle.
Grief
Sometimes
after the death or departure of a person or animal in your cat’s life, she will
vocalize to express her grief. This can be a normal part of the grieving
process. The best thing you can do for her is keep her schedule the same (or as
close as possible) and spend some extra cuddle and playtime with her. With
time, this problem should take care of itself.
Transition
If your cat is new to your home or has just gone through a change (move, new person/animal in the household, person moved out)and has just started her talkative behavior, be patient. This may be happening due to the transition and will stop on its own if the behavior is not encouraged. Remember, even scolding can be perceived by your cat as attention, and thus encourage the behavior.