Kittens may be small, but their voices can be surprisingly mighty—and persistent. If your new furry friend won’t stop meowing, it’s natural to wonder what they’re trying to tell you. Whether it’s a call for food, attention, or comfort, meowing is one of the main ways kittens communicate.
Let’s take a closer look at why your kitten might be so vocal—and how you can better understand their needs, including expert insights from Dr. Stephanie Liff, Lemonade’s favorite vet.
Why do kittens meow?
Kittens meow for a variety of reasons, and this vocal behavior is one of their primary ways of communicating. Unlike adult cats, who often rely on body language, kittens are much more vocal because they are still learning how to interact with their environment and their human companions. Here are some of the most common reasons that kittens meow so much:
Hunger or thirst
Kittens have small stomachs and need to eat more frequently than adult cats. Dr. Liff explains that if your kitten’s food or water bowl is empty, you might hear excessive meowing as their way of saying, “Feed me!”
Younger kittens meow more often because they eat more frequently and might feel hungry more often.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
Attention-seeking
Kittens love attention, whether it’s for playtime, cuddles, or simply some human interaction. If your kitten feels ignored, they might use their voice to grab your attention. Loud or drawn-out meows can often signal that they’re craving companionship.
Stress or anxiety
Environmental changes, like moving to a new home or introducing a new pet, can cause stress, leading to excessive vocalization. Dr. Liff notes:
Anything that causes stress—like separation anxiety or environmental changes—can lead to excessive meowing.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
Loneliness
Kittens, especially those who are newly separated from their littermates, may meow out of loneliness. This is especially common in a new kitten adjusting to their surroundings. Offering extra cuddles and enrichment, like interactive toys, can help ease their transition.
Medical conditions
Persistent meowing or changes in vocalization can sometimes indicate underlying health issues such as an overactive thyroid or kidney disease. If your kitten is also showing other symptoms, like lack of appetite or lethargy, it’s time for a check-up with your vet.
Dr. Liff highlights that “even if it’s a health condition, they are still trying to communicate that they don’t feel good.”
When to be concerned about excessive meowing
Most of the time, your kitten’s meowing is perfectly normal—they’re hungry, curious, or just want to play. But sometimes, vocalization can be a sign that something’s off. It’s all about tuning into changes in how and when they meow.
Here are some specific situations where excessive meowing might mean more than just a chatty personality:
- Sudden change in behavior: If your typically mellow kitten starts pacing, crying out more often, or acting unusually needy or distant, it may be a response to pain or stress.
- Meowing combined with physical symptoms: When meowing is paired with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or breathing changes, it’s time to call the vet. The same goes for kittens who stop eating, have trouble using the litter box, or seem unsteady.
- Vocalizing at odd times: Most kittens adjust to routines fairly quickly. If your kitten starts meowing non-stop at night or during times they’re usually calm or asleep, something might be off—like discomfort, anxiety, or digestive issues.
- Meowing that sounds distressed: Over time, you’ll learn to tell the difference between a playful “chirp” and a meow that sounds more urgent or pained. If your kitten is yowling, crying loudly, or sounding panicked, take it seriously.
What you can do
- Monitor closely – Keep an eye on patterns and note any changes in behavior or appearance.
- Stay calm – Avoid scolding them for meowing; this could increase stress or confusion.
- Check the basics – Ensure their food, water, litter box, and space are all clean and comfortable.
- Reach out to your vet – If you’re ever in doubt, a quick call to the vet
Different types of meowing and what it means?
Not all meows are created equal. Kittens can express a lot through the tone, pitch, and pattern of their vocalizations. While every kitten is unique, here are a few common meow “types” and what they might be trying to say:
- Short, high-pitched meow: “Hi!” or “Pay attention to me!” Often used as a greeting or when they want interaction.
- Multiple meows in a row: A sign of excitement, like when you’re getting their food ready or coming home from work.
- Drawn-out meow: “I need something—now.” This one often means hunger or impatience.
- Low-pitched or growly meow: Discomfort, annoyance, or fear. Pay attention to body language in these moments.
- Chirps or trills: These happy, curious sounds often indicate playfulness or excitement, especially if they’re watching birds or toys.
Learning your kitten’s individual vocal patterns will help you better understand what they’re trying to communicate—and build a stronger bond in the process.
How can I stop my kitten from meowing excessively?
While it’s important to address the root cause of your kitten’s meowing, here are some ways to help reduce excessive vocalization:
- Establish a routine: Kittens thrive on consistency. Create a schedule for feedings, playtime, and sleep to help them feel secure.
- Provide enrichment: Toys, scratching posts, and interactive play can keep your kitten mentally and physically stimulated, reducing boredom-related meowing.
- Ensure their basic needs are met: Regularly check their litter box, food, and water bowl to make sure they’re clean and full.
- Give them attention: Spend quality time cuddling and playing with your kitten to fulfill their social needs. Some breeds, like Siamese cats, are particularly vocal and crave extra interaction.
- Rule out medical issues: If your kitten’s meowing is unusual or persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms, schedule a check-up to rule out underlying health problems.
Before we go…
Kittens meow to communicate with their humans. By understanding why your kitten is vocal and taking proactive steps to address their needs, you can help them grow up healthy and happy.
And just like your kitten needs care and attention, they also need protection. The best time to sign up for pet insurance is when your pet is young and still has a clean bill of health—so you’re covered before issues pop up. With Lemonade pet insurance, you can cover your kitten starting at just two months old.
FAQs
Why is my kitten meowing at night?
Nighttime meowing is common in kittens, especially if they feel lonely or anxious. Providing a warm, cozy sleeping area and engaging them in play before bedtime can help reduce this behavior.
Do certain cat breeds meow more than others?
Yes, some cat breeds are naturally more vocal than others. If your kitten belongs to one of these breeds, their meowing might just be part of their personality. Here are a few known for being especially chatty:
- Siamese – Famous for their loud, expressive voices and constant commentary
- Oriental Shorthair – Related to Siamese cats and just as talkative
- Burmese – Social and affectionate, often vocal to get attention
- Tonkinese – A mix of Siamese and Burmese, they’re lively and love to “talk”
- Maine Coon – Known for their unique chirps and trills rather than traditional meows
If you have one of these breeds, frequent meowing is often just their way of staying connected with you.
Is it okay to ignore kitten meowing?
It depends on the context. If your kitten is safe, healthy, and their needs are met, it’s okay to let them settle on their own—especially at night. However, ignoring meows caused by hunger, illness, or emotional distress can lead to bigger problems. The key is to understand why they’re meowing before deciding how to respond.
What if my kitten meows when they’re hungry?
Hunger is one of the most common reasons kittens meow. They have small stomachs and high energy needs, so it’s normal for them to ask for food more often than adult cats. Just make sure you’re feeding them appropriate portions on a regular schedule. If they’re still meowing after being fed, they may just want some extra love or playtime.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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