Amelia Taylor – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
It’s late, the lights are off, and just when you’re about to drift into sleep — your cat starts meowing loudly from another room. If this happens often, you’re not alone. Many cat parents wonder why their cat meows so much at night and how to make it stop. While the behavior can be annoying, it’s your cat’s way of communicating something important. Let’s discuss the why and how you can assist your feline companion (and yourself) in having a restful night’s sleep.
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Your Cat Craves Attention
Cats are social animals by nature, particularly those that are very close to their owners. If you have been occupied the whole day, your cat may utilize the stillness of nighttime to call your attention. They meow to make you play, pet them, or talk.
What to do: Engage in quality playtime with your cat before bedtime. Use a wand toy or laser pointer to allow them to expel energy. After play, provide a little food — it imitates their natural hunt-eat-sleep routine and promotes sleep.
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Nighttime Energy Bursts
Cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. Indoor cats may exhibit this instinct in the form of nighttime zoomies and meowing.
What to do: Exhaust your cat by engaging them in interactive playtime at night. Give them stimulating toys, such as puzzle feeders, to keep their minds active during the day so they sleep soundly at night.
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Hunger or Thirst
If the bowl of your cat is empty or the feeding schedule is irregular, meowing simply indicates that they’re hungry. Some cats wake up their owners because they anticipate food at certain times.
What to do: Feed your cat at night or use an automatic feeder that releases food during the night. Ensure there is always fresh water.
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Loneliness or Separation Anxiety
Nighttime loneliness is a common issue in cats, particularly if they have been sleeping close to you. Kittens and adopted cats may meow as they miss the company and heat they used to receive.
What to do: Place a soft blanket, an article of your clothing, or a night-light in their bed. Calming music for cats may also have a soothing effect.
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Medical Issues or Discomfort
Night meowing might also suggest pain, discomfort, or illness — particularly if it’s recent. Illnesses like hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, or mental decline in older cats can lead to restlessness and meowing.
What to do: If the nighttime meowing of your cat is unexpected or repeated, make an appointment with your vet. The vet can eliminate medical causes and recommend treatment if necessary.
Mating Behavior
If your cat is not spayed or neutered, mating urges might be the reason for the nighttime meowing. Unspayed females can howl loudly for males to come over, while unneutered males can make a plaintive cry if they catch a whiff of a female in the area.
What to do: Spay or neuter your cat not only to stop unwanted litters, but also stress, roaming, and meowing.
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Aging and Cognitive Changes
Older cats can develop a feline equivalent of human dementia, called feline cognitive dysfunction. They become disoriented, worried, and vocal — particularly at night.
What to do: Make your cat’s resting area comfortable and familiar at night. Talk to them gently and keep their schedule regular so that they will feel safe.
