Cat's Constant Meowing Worries Owner

When annoyed by our pet's behavior, we often react in an attempt to stop it. Yet, this is often interpreted by our pets as social interaction and therefore inadvertently rewards the behavior. As a rule of thumb, ignore unwanted and reward desired behavior.

In the senior cat, sudden changes in behavior can be an initial symptom of an underlying illness and should prompt a visit to the veterinarian for further investigation. In the younger cat, it is more often than not, simply behavioral and can often be altered through modifications in the way we interact with our pets.

Like all animals, social interaction is important, and more so for some individual pets than others. You have probably noticed that when you come home from work longing for "down time", your cat is eagerly awaiting your arrival and is rested and ready to go! Consider scheduling in regular play sessions so that you can provide an outlet for your cat's need for social interaction. This will hopefully preempt annoying meowing behavior from occurring later on. This time can also be a very effective way for you to wind down from a busy day as well. Many interactive toys exist – from self-made to store-bought – to help facilitate your play sessions. There are also many toys or feline play centers available to encourage independent play.

Have you ever considered getting another cat as a playmate? Although this isn't the right answer for everyone or for every situation, if your cat is relatively young, accepting of newcomers, and has more energy than you can accommodate, a housemate may be the solution to keeping you both happy.