Cat meows at night

Your cat meows constantly at night and sleep is out of the question? You're not alone! Many cat owners face similar challenges when it comes to the behaviour of their cats. Find out what reasons can be behind the nightly cat concert and what you can do to ensure that you and your cat sleep restfully.

Why does my cat meow at night?

Meowing is the most important means of communication between cats and us humans. If you hear these sounds from your cat, it most likely wants to tell you something. However, your cat's nocturnal meowing can be very stressful for both you and themselves. But why does your cat cry at night in the first place? We explain the different causes of meowing:

• Hormonal fluctuations during heat: Unneutered queens can meow loudly at night during heat, especially outside, to attract potential mates. Male cats can also meow at night when they are looking for a partner and a cat in heat is nearby.

• Attention and boredom: Your cat can also simply demand your attention by meowing at night. This behavior can also develop into a habit . For example, if you respond to the meowing of your house cat, he will notice that it is worth it and could also draw attention to himself in other nights through his cat language.

• Hunger: Cats prefer to eat several times a day in small portions. If your cat has not yet received enough food during the day, it may get hungry again in the evening or at night and demand its food by meowing. Again, if you jump straight out of bed and feed your pet, your smart velvet paw can remember this success and demand her meal regularly during bedtime.

• Loneliness: Cats are social animals and can meow at night to express their insecurity or loneliness.

• Illnesses or pain: Health problems such as pain or illnesses, such as dementia, can also be behind your cat's nocturnal meowing.

• Insecurity: An insecure or anxious cat can also express its feelings through behavior such as meowing at night. Cats are very sensitive animals, even small changes in their environment such as new furniture or even a move to a new apartment can make them feel very insecure and cause stress.

To find out why your cat meows at night, also pay attention to their body language. The posture, tail position, ears and eyes of your kitty will tell you its emotional state.

Cat meows at night – here's what you can do

The nocturnal cat terror can therefore have different reasons. Depending on the cause, you can take various measures to ensure that your cat no longer deprives you of sleep with its meowing at night.

• Hormone fluctuations: Castration can reduce heat behavior and end the hormonally induced nocturnal meowing. However, castration should be well considered and in any case discussed extensively with a veterinarian, as negative consequences such as obesity and behavioral changes can also occur.

• Attention and boredom: If your cat wants to have your attention through its meowing, it is possible that it has not been exhausted enough during the day and is therefore bored. It can also happen that she vents on doors, furniture or your sofa. For a restful sleep for cats and cat owners and peace and quiet at night, you should therefore really let off steam with your cat in the evening, especially if you have a domestic cat that can't let off steam outdoors. For example, with the help of cat toys or climbing and scratching opportunities such as scratching walls - then scratching furniture will soon be a thing of the past.

• Hungry: If your cat is often hungry late at night or keeps you awake by meowing or even rattling its bowl, there is a simple tip: feed it right before bed or provide it with a meal for the night that it always has access to. You can also set up an automatic feeder through which your cat gets its food and can fill its belly when it wants.

• Uncertainty: Take your cat's feelings and needs seriously in any case. If your cat has developed insecurities or fears, try to get to the bottom of the cause. Insecurities can arise, for example, from inconsistent behavior: If you don't want your cat to go into the bathroom or bed, never let it. If she is allowed to do it today and not tomorrow, she cannot assess your behavior. A regular daily routine, consistency and loving interaction can help her develop a good rhythm and build a strong bond with you and thus strengthen her self-confidence.

• Loneliness: If your cat meows because it's lonely, consider giving it access to your bedroom at night . Leave your bedroom door open and set up a permanent place to sleep with you so that she can be close to you at all times. If that doesn't help, a second cat can drive away its loneliness. Your nocturnal four-legged friend can play or cuddle with a fellow friend at night and will feel more comfortable - after all, you're less alone as a couple!

• Illnesses or pain: If you are unsure whether an illness is the cause, take your pet to your veterinarian and get advice from him. He will introduce the necessary examinations and treatment methods to help you and your cat sleep well again.