Constant Meowing

[PrincessMyss]

Hello. I have a 1 year and 9 month Boy Cat named Toby. We got him neutered in January. Since we found him in our tree in October he does nothing but meow constantly. I have tried everything from constant attention to even letting him back outside to see if it helps. Right now i have to lock him in his own bedroom at night because he is so loud. He does stop when you hold him or pet him or even play with him, but the minute you stop he goes right back to the meowing. Is there something wrong with him? Or is this normal? I have grown up with cats my whole life and none of them did that.

thank you.

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

I have seen cats like this.  Real Talkers!  

It usually means they want something, but seems like you have tried various things and it does not change his vocalization.  

I'll ask our behaviorists for opinions.  Medically I would want to be sure he is not in any pain, and a good physical exam should determine that.  

[PrincessMyss]

Thank you very much Jim for answering my questions and for finding out whatever you can for me.
The Meowing is so bad my boyfriend made me put him back outside (but please keep in mind that he hasn't been outside since October) because I felt bad for locking him up and not letting him run and everything, So he now sleeps in the Garage with blankets and food/water even toys and Cat nip, Plus since he is used to it a Cat box also. Do you think this will affect his health in anyway?
I just would like to let you know that I can not take him to a Vet because i can not afford to send him, that is one reason i am on here asking. I do not want him hurt or anything, Also I live in the Country (not in Windsor... I just work in Windsor) I live on Lake St. Clair in the country where there are also many barn cats wandering our streets. Toby IS neutered.

Does a Flea collar work? and How should i keep him healthy enough until i can afford to send him to the Vet?

[Suzanne Hetts, PhD]

Since your cat hasn't seen your veterinarian since January I would definitely get him in for a good exam, and be sure to specifically tell your veterinarian about the meowing.  I agree with Dr. Jim - we have to be sure there isn't something physically/medically wrong with your cat before we start talking behavior solutions.  A trip to the vet is what I'd do if it was my cat.

We know that cats meow much more toward people than they do toward other cats.   If the behavior is not medically related then you need to figure out what triggers the vocalizing and how it is "working" for your cat.  It sounds like it may serve him well when he wants attention and petting.

I'd make sure your cat is getting plenty of play time.  Try to engage your cat - give him attention, petting, play with him, when he is quiet.  Once he starts meowing at you, try leaving the room.  

Remember however, that cats tend to be most active at night, or at dawn or dusk.  If you isolate him at night, chances are that may increase his distress and make him more likely to vocalize. At 9 months he's still  a "baby" so I'd try some soothing music and maybe a hot water bottle - something warm for him to snuggle up against and some comforting sounds.

I'd not allow him unsupervised access to outside.  Free roaming cats are at risk for running into all kinds of dangers and exposure to disease.  I just heard about a new cat toy that delivers food - go to www.pipolinousa.com - may keep him busy and active throughout the day so he is more tired at night.

But first - see your veterinarian.