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Night falls, silence sets in… and here comes your cat meowing, again and again. A common behavior, but often misunderstood. If you have a cat that meows at night, you are not alone. These nocturnal meows can make nights difficult, disrupt sleep, and cause anxiety. This comprehensive guide helps you understand the reasons why cats meow at night, to distinguish the normal from the abnormal, and especially to take concrete action to regain peace, both at home and for your companion.

Why a cat meows at night: all the common causes

A cat never meows without reason. At night, these reasons can be numerous and varied. The first thing to do is to consider the entirety of its behavior, both day and night, to better understand what prompts it to vocalize. Many cats are more active at dusk and before dawn. Their natural rhythm, called crepuscular, makes them more alert at these times. So it is no coincidence that they choose this moment to make their voices heard. For some young or very active cats, the night may be perceived as an extension of the playground. Their day hasn’t exhausted all their energy. Other cats meow at night because they are bored. A cat left alone all day may seek companionship as soon as it senses you are available, that is to say, at bedtime. It solicits you, calls you. Its meows convey a need for interaction, not necessarily for food or care. Finally, certain medical reasons should not be ruled out. Pain, urinary discomfort, cognitive disorders in older cats, or hormonal issues can also explain these meows. In these cases, nocturnal meowing becomes a warning signal.

When a cat that meows at night hides a health problem

Not all meows are the same. A cat expressing itself intensely, repeatedly, without apparent reason, may mean much more than “I want out”. It is important to pay attention to the tone, duration, frequency, and context in which the meows occur. An elderly cat that begins to meow unusually at night deserves particular attention. It may be suffering from cognitive disorders similar to senility. The mental disorder causes it to feel disoriented in the darkness, which can trigger anxious vocalizations. A cat in physical pain may also start meowing at unusual times, even if it didn’t do so before. A sudden change in behavior, especially at night, should alert you. Some meows are muffled, low, panting: they sometimes indicate pain or deep discomfort. If your cat also seems more lethargic during the day or eats less, consult promptly. But be careful, not all meows are indicative of a problem. In certain breeds, like Siamese, meowing is more frequent and louder. Therefore, vocalizations should be placed within the general profile of the animal to judge their severity.

What to do when a cat meows at night: simple and effective methods

Your cat is keeping you awake? Simple gestures can already make a real difference. Before looking for a medicinal or radical solution, start by observing the triggers. What time does it start to meow? Is it regular? Is it always after a particular event like bedtime, turning off the lights, or the end of a meal? Make sure its basic needs are met before you go to sleep. Full food bowl, clean litter, cozy and quiet corner, accessible toys… Sometimes, a simple oversight triggers a long night of meowing. Next, encourage daytime activities, especially in the late afternoon. Playing, running, jumping, chasing a ball: everything that can tire them will help them sleep through the night. A cardboard scratcher enriched with catnip, like the one offered by Wasabycat, can also encourage them to expend energy naturally without stimulating their excitement, making it easier to calm down in the evening.