5 Reasons Why Your Cat Won't Stop Crying
If your cat starts crying all the time, your first response may be distress and worry. However, many owners become annoyed when there is no apparent cause for constant crying. Since there can be serious underlying medical problems when a cat cries, it is vital to investigate the issue properly. The following advice will help you deal with the wide range of reasons why a cat might become excessively vocal.
1. Health issues
Before considering psychological causes, it's smart to visit your vet so that your cat can receive a full checkup. If you have an elderly cat, an overactive thyroid gland may be the reason for increased vocalization, and this can be treated with a careful balance of medication. Kidney disease is also a common cause in older cats, though it can strike pets of any age. Slowing the progression of kidney disease requires careful monitoring and changes in diet. In principle, any illness that might lead your pet to feel hungry, confused, thirsty or sore can cause constant crying, so a thorough physical examination and a wide range of blood tests will probably be required.
2. Loneliness
If physical problems have been ruled out, it's time to start looking at your cat's mental health. Sociable cats may be crying for attention, especially when the house is quiet at night. Sadly, many cats that are used to having other feline companions can become especially vocal when their friend passes away, as they sense that something has changed. If you want to discourage your cat from crying, you can set a precedent of only paying the pet attention during quiet periods. However, it is important to balance this idea with adequate care; you should never neglect your cat's emotional needs, and you should spend time giving affection and engaging in play every day.
3. Looking for food
If your cat is consistently vocal when you enter the kitchen or when it is nearly time for a meal, you may be able to reduce this crying by providing the food when the cat is quiet. If you give treats, you might also want to consider stopping this practice until your cat's interest in food no longer gives rise to constant mewing. Once again, an elevation in hunger levels should be investigated by a vet, as eating without feeling full is a warning sign of certain health problems.
4. Boredom
Some cats cry because they are not feeling appropriately stimulated, so think about whether you are providing enough fun activities for your pet. There should be places from which your cat can watch the outside world and plenty of standard toys, but smarter cats may also enjoy the challenge of puzzle-based toys.
5. Stress
Finally, think about whether any major changes might be stressing your pet, as there is a link between stress and crying. Common examples include a new home, a new baby, or conflict in the home. You can make things easier by offering extra affection and demonstrating soothing behavior.
Feature image credit
1. Health issues
Before considering psychological causes, it's smart to visit your vet so that your cat can receive a full checkup. If you have an elderly cat, an overactive thyroid gland may be the reason for increased vocalization, and this can be treated with a careful balance of medication. Kidney disease is also a common cause in older cats, though it can strike pets of any age. Slowing the progression of kidney disease requires careful monitoring and changes in diet. In principle, any illness that might lead your pet to feel hungry, confused, thirsty or sore can cause constant crying, so a thorough physical examination and a wide range of blood tests will probably be required.
2. Loneliness
If physical problems have been ruled out, it's time to start looking at your cat's mental health. Sociable cats may be crying for attention, especially when the house is quiet at night. Sadly, many cats that are used to having other feline companions can become especially vocal when their friend passes away, as they sense that something has changed. If you want to discourage your cat from crying, you can set a precedent of only paying the pet attention during quiet periods. However, it is important to balance this idea with adequate care; you should never neglect your cat's emotional needs, and you should spend time giving affection and engaging in play every day.
3. Looking for food
If your cat is consistently vocal when you enter the kitchen or when it is nearly time for a meal, you may be able to reduce this crying by providing the food when the cat is quiet. If you give treats, you might also want to consider stopping this practice until your cat's interest in food no longer gives rise to constant mewing. Once again, an elevation in hunger levels should be investigated by a vet, as eating without feeling full is a warning sign of certain health problems.
4. Boredom
Some cats cry because they are not feeling appropriately stimulated, so think about whether you are providing enough fun activities for your pet. There should be places from which your cat can watch the outside world and plenty of standard toys, but smarter cats may also enjoy the challenge of puzzle-based toys.
5. Stress
Finally, think about whether any major changes might be stressing your pet, as there is a link between stress and crying. Common examples include a new home, a new baby, or conflict in the home. You can make things easier by offering extra affection and demonstrating soothing behavior.
Feature image credit
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