Pay attention to how your cat reacts to you when it is meowing. Does it arch its back and rub up against you? Does it reach its head up to meet your hand when you reach down to pet it? If so, your cat may be meowing because it wants your affection. Conversely, meowing may be a sign of aggression or fear. If your cat cowers when meowing, and ducks away from your touch, it may be meowing because it’s distressed.
For example, if your cat is meowing while running to the kitchen, it wants to be fed. If your cat is meowing by the door to your bedroom, it wants to go in the bedroom. Cats often signal what they need in other ways while they meow. If you pay attention to what your cat is doing while it meows, you may be able to figure out why it is meowing.
You should also pay attention to where your cat is when it meows. Cats dislike being alone for long periods. If your cat meows when it’s alone in a room, it may be meowing out of loneliness. [4] X Research source
Cats may get stressed in response to a recent move, a new pet, a new baby, or any other big changes. If your household has undergone major changes recently, your cat may be meowing out of stress. If you can adjust the cause of the stress, this may cut back on the meowing. For example, if your cat dislikes its new bed, switching back to an old bed can help. However, some changes, like a recent move, cannot be undone. In this case, give your cat extra love and attention as it adjusts to the changes.
A long and very drawn out moaning noise is almost always an indication of distress. If you hear your cat yowling, you should check in on it to make sure it’s okay. The frequency of meowing can also indicate what your cat is communicating. Many meows fired off in quick succession usually indicate your cat is trying to get your attention.
In rare occasions, purring can actually indicate distress. Focus on your cat’s body language when it purrs. If your cat seems tense, and is keeping its ears back, it may be purring out of distress.
Cats do not respond well to punishment. A cat is unlikely to realize why it is being punished and will only become stressed. If you punish your cat for meowing, it can create a stressful environment that can lead to other behavioral problems.
