Control the excessive meowing!

Some cats are noisier than others. It’s a curious and very pleasant characteristic of the eastern cats but it isn’t exclusive of this group. And when the meowing becomes annoying? Well, it won’t be possible to correct the cats´ behaviour completely. After all, you can’t change the tiger’s stripes!

Some of this noise is innate: the cats call their mothers when they want something. The owner is an extension of mother, he is considered as the provider and, as such, there’s a transfer from one to another: mother to provider. If it’s a change in the cat’s normal vocalizing behaviour it may be an indication of illness and the animal should be taken to the vet without delay.

However a good amount of this excessive meowing is a learned behaviour. The cat gradually learns that whenever he meows it unchains a reaction from his owner, which is very pleasant to her: she will be given some food, water, be cuddled, be allowed to go inside the house or enter the room, etc.
This situation can become quite unpleasant if the cat comes to the conclusion that by meowing he can control his owner. Surprised? Well, it’s true! Quite often inexperienced people in dealing with animals become themselves a toy in their cats paws. Besides the problem of not being able to control their animals these owners run the risk (especially when living in a condominium) of having problems with the neighbours.

Quite often owners believe that the excessive meowing is due to the fact that the cat is alone all day long and decide to buy another cat to keep him company. It may be even worse! The same errors will be made with the new cat and instead of a problem, owners have now two in hands.

To train your cat to become less talkative, you should not pay him too much attention, neither too quickly when he is vocalizing. Feed him, or cuddle him, only when he is quiet. If you are capable of ignoring him when he is demanding attention then, with the time, the cat will learn that making such a racket is a negative stimulation and as such, will become quieter. Use this technique with good-sense (the animal may indeed need help) and you will be able to get good results. Otherwise the situation may become out of control.