7 Reasons You’ve Got A Cat Meowing at Night
If you've been losing out on sleep because of kitty's howling spree, here's why it's happening - and what you can do about it.
You’re just about to drift off when — meow. Again. And again. And if your cat won’t stop meowing at night, the earplugs aren’t going to help past a certain point. The good news? With a little detective work and with the help of a GPS & Health Tracker for cats, you can help the two of you get a better night’s sleep. Let’s find out how.
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Read moreWhy is my cat meowing at night?
Nighttime meowing is a pretty common issue you might run into as a cat parent. Some cat breeds, like Siamese, Bengals, and Sphynx cats, also tend to be more vocal than others. But while it can be frustrating, it’s often your cat’s way of trying to tell you:
- They’re bored
Cats are crepuscular, or more active around dawn and dusk. They may meow at night simply because they’re bored and need an outlet for all that energy. - They want to go outdoors
Even indoor cats might feel confined and paw the door to be let out at night. A GPS tracker for cats strapped to their collar can help you monitor their location in real-time. So you always know where they’re off wandering – and can intervene if they’re away for too long. - They need attention
Your cat might have learned that meowing equals attention. But it could also be them trying to signal their food or water bowl is empty. Or their litter box needs cleaning. - They’re in heat
If your cat isn’t spayed or neutered, they might meow at night to seek out a mate. Watch out for the common behaviors of a female cat in heat to prevent an unwanted litter of kittens. - They’re stressed or anxious
Like if you’ve moved to a new home or majorly changed their routine. (Like if you’ve brought home a new pet, baby, or housemate.) - They might be in pain
A medical condition could cause your cat to meow in discomfort. (Including UTIs, kidney problems, or even hyperthyroidism.) Keep an eye out for the common signs of illness in cats so you can get them to a vet on time. - They’re getting older
Senior cats may develop cognitive issues that make them more vocal, particularly at night. Or they might be experiencing a loss of senses, like their hearing or vision. Which can be disorienting and frightening to experience.
⚠️ One of the first signs of cognitive decline in cats is a change in their sleep cycles. Think more wake-ups, poor quality sleep, and disturbances. You can catch on to these signs earlier with a Sleep Tracker for cats. (Which we’ll cover in detail a little further below.)
How to get your cat to stop meowing at night
It can be difficult pinpointing why your cat is on a nighttime howling spree – but keep an eye out for if their behavior improves from these steps:
- Tire out your cat before bedtime
A tired cat is a quiet cat. You might want to just relax with some evening Netflix, but it’s worth playing with them extra around evening times. Try interactive toys like laser pointers or feather wands to help your cat burn off some energy before bedtime. Else, a toy that smells of catnip might get them a bit hyper before they eventually settle down. - Feed your cat before bedtime
If hunger is the culprit, slightly warmed wet food can be both hydrating and heavy on the stomach. This can help your cat feel full and sleepy, so they’re less likely to get up to mischief at night. While you can add a sleep aid to their water bowls, we’d recommend getting the green light from your vet first to ensure it’s safe. - Set up an automatic feeder
A timed automatic feeder can also help by dispensing your cat a middle-of-the-night snack without waking you up. Some of these are interactive in design and can keep your cat occupied throughout the night without a meowing fit. - Help your cat figure out you won’t be around during nighttime
Tell your cat “Goodnight!” or some version of “Night night,” close the door, and put on the earplugs. Repeat these steps before bedtime over a week or so to help your cat learn that you’re not going to be around that time. It should help them learn that meowing doesn’t mean attention. - Watch out when and where your cat tends to meow the most
If this tends to be at the door, it could be them wanting to be let outdoors. If it’s by their litter box, they could be demanding it’s cleaned. If it’s by a corner meowing at seemingly nothing, it could be due to cognitive issues. - Ensure your cat has a comfy sleeping space
Including a warm bed, familiar scents, and a pheromone diffuser to help them feel more relaxed. Some cats actually relax at the smell of catnip, so give it a try to see how yours reacts to it. - Get your cat fixed
A cat in heat is, well, in a bit of a hormonal mess. Spaying your cat or getting them neutered can go a long way in reducing behaviors like nighttime meowing, peeing around the house, or even escaping to find a mate. Plus, you’ll be doing your part as a responsible pet parent by avoiding an unwanted pregnancy. - Ensure your cat isn’t bored
Cat TV, scratching posts and perches, cat trees, or even the presence of another cat can help yours feel less bored or restless. - Provide some safe, supervised outdoor time
Cats can and do adjust pretty well to being walked on leashes and in harnesses, much like dogs. Letting them explore the outdoors during daytime could help reduce nighttime meowing. Plus, with a cat GPS tracker, you can follow your cat’s every step – as they make their every step – with just a glance at your phone.
Where a GPS & Health Tracker for cats can step in
What if your cat is meowing at night because of a medical issue? Their nighttime shenanigans could, sadly, also be due to health problems, like an overactive thyroid, cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), or even diabetes. Even worse, your cat likely can’t communicate what they’re going through or if their condition is worsening. That’s where technology can lend a hand.
With a Tractive device strapped to your cat’s collar, you can monitor both their location via GPS – but also their sleep patterns and activity levels. A sudden change in your cat’s behavior, like more sleep disturbances or even hyperactivity around nighttime, could signal something’s wrong.
So with this actionable data, you can have a more productive conversation with your vet – and potentially save your cat’s life, while at it.
Ready for a peaceful night’s sleep – for the both of you?
Cats meow at night for many reasons, including boredom, hunger, stress, attention-seeking, loneliness, and even medical issues. But with a little patience and consistency, you can turn those restless nights into a peaceful 8 hours — both for you and your cat.
- Playing with your cat in the evening and providing a wet food meal can help ensure they meow less, sleep more.
- Figure out where your cat tends to meow around the most, like if someone leaves home or if the lights suddenly go off. This can help you figure out what might be triggering it.
- Create a consistent bedtime routine, like telling your cat “Goodnight” and then shutting the door. So they learn you won’t be around at bedtime and that meowing alone won’t get them attention.
- Ensure your cat has a comfy sleeping area with warm bedding and maybe a pheromone dispenser. A timed treat dispenser can help with any late-night cravings.
- Spaying or neutering can also help reduce hormone-driven behaviors, like nighttime meowing and escaping home to find a mate.
- Supervised outdoor time can help your cat get their fill of nature, keep their hunting instincts sharp, and get enough exercise by themselves.
Finally, if you want to let your cat explore the outdoors safely – or you suspect they might be sick – a Tractive GPS & Activity Tracker can help you both track them in real-time or spot any behavioral changes early.
“Great little tracker, perfect size and weight for cats.
Tracks activity and sleep habits making it easier to spot issues and discuss activity levels with her vet. Also tracks her when she decides to roam the neighborhood.”
– Clayton Ward, (Source: Trustpilot)
Stay on top of your cat’s wellness
See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far from home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you. Track sleep and activity.
And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.
