How to Control Cat Meowing

Most of the time, meowing is to bring attention to a cat’s immediate needs and it subsides once that need is met. Food and bathroom activities top the list for meowing, but there are cats that howl on and on, driving their owners to distraction. When the caterwauling becomes unbearable, try some techniques to sooth your vocal kitty.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Perform a quick check to make sure the noise is not intended to bring attention to an immediate need. Make sure he has food and water and is not in pain. Check to see that he can reach his litter box or put him outside to relieve himself.
2. Make dinner a constant buffet. As long as your cat is not overweight, you can leave his food bowl out for him to dine on at his leisure. Most cats will only eat when they are hungry. Likewise, make sure he has access to water at all times.
3. Install a pet door just his size. Cats are indecisive creatures, wanting to be outside when they are in--and inside when they are out. If you find yourself constantly opening the door for a cat that can’t make up his mind, installing a pet door will install some sorely needed silence.
4. Praise your kitty for good behavior. If his howling is strictly to get your attention, withhold it until he is silent. Once he settles down, shower him with kind words and a lap-snuggle session. Ignoring him until he exhibits the correct behavior shows him that you are serious.
5. Read the newspaper instead of hitting him with it. You may temporarily scare him into silence, but he will become more anxious and the howling will return with a vengeance. Worse, he will learn to run whenever you enter the room. Physical punishment does not work with cats.
6. Water down the wail. Cats are not big fans of water unless they are drinking. A concealed child’s squirt gun will show him that meowing unnecessarily may result in a shower. Use only a squirt gun that sprays, not one with a powerful stream that will cause pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Spend extra time with your pet when you can. Cats need attention and love just as humans do. Schedule a little play and pet time every day.
• Call your veterinarian if your cat's meowing is out of character and he appears to be uncomfortable.