Why does my cat meow at night?

Hunger, boredom, dementia, hyperthyroidism, and pain all cause night calling. Senior cats with new night vocalisation need a vet check — medical causes are common and treatable.

Do deaf cats meow louder?

Often yes — they cannot hear their own volume and may yowl more. Deafness itself is not harmful, but sudden vocal changes in older cats still warrant blood tests for thyroid and kidney disease.

Can pain make cats vocal?

Yes — arthritis, dental disease, and urinary obstruction cause crying. Male cats straining in the litter tray with vocalisation need emergency care — see FLUTD guide.

Should I ignore excessive meowing?

Only after your vet rules out medical causes. Ignoring pain-related crying delays treatment. Once cleared medically, behaviour plans and enrichment address attention-seeking.

Cat Health

Why Is My Cat Meowing Excessively?

Quick answer

**Some breeds — Siamese, Oriental, Burmese — are naturally talkative.** **Sudden increase in loud meowing, especially at night in older cats**, often signals illness: hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, pain, or cognitive decline. Intact females yowl when in heat. Always rule out medical causes before treating as attention-seeking behaviour.

Key takeaways

Hunger, boredom, dementia, hyperthyroidism, and pain all cause night calling. Senior cats with new night vocalisation need a vet check — medical causes are common and treatable.
Often yes — they cannot hear their own volume and may yowl more. Deafness itself is not harmful, but sudden vocal changes in older cats still warrant blood tests for thyroid and kidney disease.
Yes — arthritis, dental disease, and urinary obstruction cause crying. Male cats straining in the litter tray with vocalisation need emergency care — see FLUTD guide.

The full picture

Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete guide.

Read the full guide Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cat meow at night?: Hunger, boredom, dementia, hyperthyroidism, and pain all cause night calling. Senior cats with new night vocalisation need a vet check — medical causes are common and treatable.
Do deaf cats meow louder?: Often yes — they cannot hear their own volume and may yowl more. Deafness itself is not harmful, but sudden vocal changes in older cats still warrant blood tests for thyroid and kidney disease.
Can pain make cats vocal?: Yes — arthritis, dental disease, and urinary obstruction cause crying. Male cats straining in the litter tray with vocalisation need emergency care — see FLUTD guide.
Should I ignore excessive meowing?: Only after your vet rules out medical causes. Ignoring pain-related crying delays treatment. Once cleared medically, behaviour plans and enrichment address attention-seeking.

Reviewed 2026-06-25 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.