Dear Dr. Purrfect,
How are you? I am fine.
I have a question. I have a cat named Gabby. Gabby likes to meow. Gabby will meow over and over. Sometimes 25 times a minute. Sometimes more frequently.
Sometimes I’ll grab him for cuddle time, and he’ll stop meowing, but I’ll stop shortly after because he doesn’t really like it.
Then when he leaves he back to meowing.
Sometimes I’ll put him outside, and he’ll stop for a minute, but then goes back to meowing. And then the neighbors complain.
What can i do to make the cat stop meowing so much?
Signed
Owner of noisy cat
–
{Dr. Purrfect types something in her phone, and a moment later a printout occurs.}
Dear ‘Owner of noisy cat’,
Here are some strategies you can try to reduce Gabby’s excessive meowing:
Address Underlying Needs:
- Hunger: Ensure Gabby has consistent access to fresh food and water. A hungry cat might meow to remind you it’s feeding time.
- Boredom: Cats are naturally curious and playful. Provide Gabby with stimulating toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures to keep him occupied. Consider puzzle feeders that dispense treats as he works for them, engaging his mind and slowing down his eating.
- Attention: While cuddling might not be his preference, Gabby might still crave attention. Try interactive playtime sessions using feather wands, laser pointers, or other engaging toys. Dedicate some short periods each day for focused play to tire him out and fulfill his need for interaction.
- Medical Issues: Excessive vocalization can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Rule this out by scheduling a checkup with your veterinarian.
Responding to Meows:
- Ignore unwanted meows: This might sound harsh, but rewarding meows with attention (even if it’s negative attention like scolding) can reinforce the behavior. If he meows for something he doesn’t need (like cuddles), avoid responding. When he quiets down on his own, then offer positive reinforcement with a treat or playtime.
Environmental Enrichment:
- Cat perches and window views: Cats love to observe their surroundings. Create perches on window sills or shelves with sturdy scratching posts to allow him to survey his “territory.”
- Feeder placement: If Gabby meows near his food bowl, consider placing it in a quieter area to reduce his association of meowing with mealtime.
- Nighttime routine: If Gabby is particularly vocal at night, try a short playtime session before bedtime to tire him out. Ensure he has access to a litter box, food, and water throughout the night.
Additional Tips:
- Feliway diffusers: These diffusers release synthetic pheromones that mimic calming feline facial pheromones. They might help create a more relaxed environment.
- Consult a cat behaviorist: If the problem persists, consider seeking professional advice from a certified cat behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance and training techniques to address Gabby’s specific needs.
Remember, consistency is key. It might take some time and patience to see a significant reduction in Gabby’s meowing. Be patient, reward positive behavior, and address any underlying needs to create a more peaceful environment for both of you.
AI Notes
AI Notes
The prompt I used was this: I have a question. I have a cat named Gabby. Gabby likes to meow. Gabby will meow over and over. Sometimes 25 times a minute. Sometimes more frequently. Sometimes I'll grab him for cuddle time, and he'll stop meowing, but I'll stop shortly after because he doesn't really like it. Then when he leaves he back to meowing.Sometimes I'll put him outside, and he'll stop for a minute, but then goes back to meowing. And then the neighbors complain. What can i do to make the cat stop meowing so much?
