Why does my Siberian cat meow so much?

 

Oh my God! This cat just won’t stop meowing. It keeps on and on and on. I don’t know what is wrong, or what I can do. His litter box is spotless. I just cleaned it five minutes ago. His food bowl is full and his water bowl is overflowing. We take care of that. I got him three new toys this week. I pet him and play with him regularly. (Sometimes more than I do with my kids!) He has everything he needs and more! What is going on with him? How can I help?

Concerned Siberian Cat owner

Is your kitty behaving like this? Although some Siberian cats can be somewhat vocal, excessive mewing can also be a symptom of an issue or concern that is best to be investigated and, if possible, solved.  Siberians really don’t tend to meow too much unless there are reasons for it. (Unlike some breeds we know!) Here are a few reasons your cat might be overly vocal.

Your Siberian Is Uncomfortable Or Sick

Not to scare you, but excessive meowing can be a sign that your kitty is in pain or is feeling discomfort.  Check the cat carefully to see if it has any wounds or anything else unusual. It could be a bite of another animal, a sliver, or even a broken bone! See if your cat is eating as usual, and if it has any troubles relieving itself. Does it seem to have issues peeing? Does it pee past the litter box?

If you don’t find anything unusual, take your cat to the vet to discuss the problem and to give the cat a more thorough examination.  A vet might have some ideas for you or suggest some tests to rule out any possible diseases/ sources of discomfort.

Your Cat Is Anxious

Have you just moved to a new house? Is there a new baby in the family? Or a new pet? Or even a new sofa in your living room? If there are any big (or small) changes in your house, it might affect your kitty. Some cats won’t bat an eyelash if you moved it to Paris, but some are fairly sensitive to any change in their environment.

Your cat might be taking its time to adjust. Cats, in general, prefer things to be the same and don’t like change (just like some people!). Who would blame them? Give your kitty some time to adjust and hopefully, the noise and complaints levels will be back to normal in no time.

Your Siberian Cat Is Territorial

If there is another pet in the house, your cat will definitely react. Cats can be very territorial, especially if they aren’t used to a presence of another animal in their home. Introducing your Siberian to another pet should be a slow and delicate process. Take your time, and respect your cat’s territory and status.

Your kitty might feel uneasy or threatened in presence of another animal and will demand more of your attention by increased meowing. Just like little children do when there is a new baby in the family.

Loud anxious and sometimes aggressive meowing might also be your cat’s way to keep the stranger at bay while venting out displeasure. It’s hard to explain to your cat  that the new cat (or dog) will soon become their best friends (which will definitely happen over time!).

In any case, such hostile behavior shouldn’t last too long. Siberians are usually friendly and thrive in company of other pets after a period of getting used to not being the only “baby” of the family. After a few stand-offs, your Siberian will get curious about the stranger and will eventually mellow out.

Your Siberian Is Hungry!

Do you feed your kitty enough food for their age? And are they getting their proper nutrition? Be sure to check our food guide for tips on best approaches to your Siberian cat nutrition!

Is The Litter Box Clean?

Seriously, when is the last time you checked your cat’s bathroom? Cats are cleanliness freaks. They hate dirt. Have you noticed how much time your kitty spends cleaning him or herself? When it comes to the litter box, cleanliness is number one priority.

Your kitty will not want to use it if the litter is not clean and there are strong odours coming from the box. (Cat’s sense of smell is far superior to ours, so even if it doesn’t smell all that bad to you, it probably does to you cat.)

This is why the dirty litter has to be scooped at least once every day, and the litter needs to be replaced every week. If the litter box is messy or smelly, it will be unpleasant for your cat to use it, which will result in anxious behaviour and a possible surprise under your bed. Check out our litter-box tips!

Your Siberian Cat Is Looking For A Mate

If your cat is intact (has not been spayed or neutered), it will be looking for another cat to mate with, which often includes characteristic meowing. It usually is fairly different from your cat’s normal meowing. It’s far more persistent, anxious and dramatic. It is generally recommended to neuter/spay pet animals, which will lead to a better, calmer life for them and less worry for you.

Your Siberian Cat Wants Attention And Knows It’ll Get It

Sorry, but this one is your fault. Although Siberian cats are not usually overly vocal, Siberians are very intelligent and good at recognising patterns. If you respond every time your  cat meows, whether with treats or attention, your smart cat will learn that meowing is the best way to earn your attention. So try to ignore him or her next time they start their meowing sessions.

You might have to ignore them for a while before it sinks in (or before they give up), but the result might be well worth it! You will appreciate the newly found quiet in your house, and your kitty will have to come up with better (and less annoying) ways to earn your attention.