Why do Cats Meow Back at You? Cat Vocals Explained & 6 Common Reasons Cats Meow

Some cats meow a lot and others hardly ever. Cats will copy noises that we make, often becoming very vocal and seemingly answering us back.

Why do cats meow back at you? When your cat meows at you, she is trying to communicate with you and get your attention. Cats have a variety of ways to communicate with us, from vocalizations to body language. Your cat’s meows convey an array of messages. This article will answer the question, ‘Why do cats meow back at you?’

Why do cats meow back at you?

Cats learn to copy your behavior. If you frequently talk to your cat and interact with her, she will become more vocal in her attempt to communicate with you. Many cat owners make meowing noises to their cats and will be answered with a reply. In most cases, cats meow at you because it gets them attention.

Cats rarely meow at each other. Meowing is a form of communication that domesticated cats have learned to communicate with people. Cats also purr as a sign of contentment, happiness, or relief. They purr at a pitch that sounds like a new born baby to get our attention and care.

As with most cat sounds, the reason your cat is meowing may depend on what she is trying to communicate at the time. Pay close attention to your cat’s meows and other vocalizations, as well as her body language. You will quickly learn what each of her sounds means. Here are some common reasons that your cat may be meowing at you:

1. Communicating basic needs

If you have a new kitten, she will meow because she is trying to communicate with you. Kittens are often not able to express their basic needs, such as hunger or discomfort, without making a sound. So, your new kitten will be very vocal about all of her wants and needs. It’s important not to feed your new cat or kitten every time she starts meowing. Cats often meow because they are bored and want attention. Many owners of overweight cats have made this mistake.

2. Pain and discomfort

A cat’s meow can also mean that she is in pain or distress. If your cat becomes sick or injured, she may become distressed enough to cry out for help. While most cats have a wonderful ability to heal themselves without our help, it’s still crucial that we take them to the vet if they experience any discomfort or pain.

3. Happiness

Cats also meow back at you as a way of showing happiness and contentment. A cat that is purring with her head or body leaning against you is showing great happiness and satisfaction. Cats will also meow back at you when they are excited to see you after being apart for a short time, such as when you come home from work.

4. Looking for attention

Cats also meow back at you because they want attention and affection. If your cat sees that her meows are not getting the desired response from you, she might follow that up with a more urgent request, such as jumping onto your lap or scratching on the furniture. Cats love to be around people and usually enjoy being petted and played with.

5. Warnings and fear

If you have a cat that suddenly starts meowing at you and running away, she may be trying to warn you about something, such as a strange person or animal in the house. Some cats will run from the room when they see a spider or other strange insects, but will then come back when they are over their fear. Like dogs, cats can growl when they are in pain or otherwise upset. They will also meow when they feel scared or threatened by an outside animal or person.

6. Your cats just talkative

A cat that meows a lot and is very talkative may just have a friendly and confident personality. Your cat may be trying to get you to interact with her more often. Cat’s need attention and love just like people, so if you’re home all day, your cat might want some of your time throughout the day.

What to do if your cat is too vocal

It is not an uncommon problem for cats to become too vocal and make unwanted noise. More commonly, dogs are too noisy, but some cats can also have excessive meowing problems. If you are having issues with your cat, seek help from an animal behaviorist or take your cat to the vet to rule out any medical issues.

Vet check-up

Suddenly meowing more often than usual could indicate pain or discomfort; take your cat to the vet for a check-up. If your cat is elderly, it may be more difficult for her to wander outside to relieve herself. This may make her more vocal when she needs to go to the toilet. Older cats often suffer from joint pain or conditions such as arthritis.

Please note: this article does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any medication or supplement.

Get your cat spayed or neutered

Unneutered female and unspayed male cats may become more vocal as they look for a mate. If your male cat is not spayed, he will scent mark your property by spraying and may also wander further.

Ensure your cats needs are met

A cat’s meow may be an indication that your cat is lacking something in her life, whether it’s food, attention, or companionship. If you are spending long hours at work, hire a pet sitter to come into your home and spend time with your furry friend each day.

If your pet is meowing because she’s trying to communicate with you, remember that her hysteria may be due to boredom. A cat can get bored of the same toys and activities over and over again; try switching things up every once in a while. Play games with her; these can include hide and seek with a treat or a feather toy that you can move around to keep her interested. It’s also important to remember to give your cat attention when she is being quiet as well as when she is noisy.

Final Thoughts

Cats can be very vocal creatures and will often meow back at you if you talk to them. Cats who are just a little bit more vocal may become a nuisance or even go as far as being too noisy. It is important that your cat is looked over by a vet if you think that she may have an underlying issue.

A vet will be able to rule out any medical problems which may cause your cat to meow excessively. There are also great training tools and tips available which can help resolve the problem!