Hypervocalization in cats — excessive meowing, yowling, or calling — is a welfare concern that can indicate pain, cognitive dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, or unmet needs. Understanding the causes is essential to addressing feline suffering effectively.
Cats that vocalise excessively are often communicating genuine distress, pain, or disorientation. Nocturnal yowling in older cats is particularly associated with cognitive dysfunction and hypertension, both causing significant suffering. When owners respond with punishment or ignore the behaviour, the underlying cause remains unaddressed and welfare deteriorates. Veterinary investigation to rule out medical causes is the first step; treatment of hyperthyroidism typically resolves vocalisation rapidly. For cognitive dysfunction, environmental modification — nightlights, maintaining familiar routines, and melatonin supplementation — improves welfare outcomes.