Help! My Cat Meows All Day Long! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My partner and I adopted a stray female (neutered) 1-year-old cat 6 months ago. Her name is Maru. The worrying issue is that she keeps meowing multiple times a day, loudly, at walls and doors. She has hip dysplasia, so she can’t jump like a normal cat.
We know she was living outside before, but now she is supposed to be an indoor cat. Our apartment is quite big, so there is no space issue, but the meowing is stressful for all of us. I am practising with her on a harness every day to get her going on outside walks in the summer, but we have no idea if this will help her. We play with her multiple times a day (sometimes a few hours in a row), she is never alone for too long, and she is well fed and her litter box taken care of. I’m also giving her some no-stress treats, etc. We also hung cat climbing stairs on the wall, and she has multiple scraping posts and good views from the big windows.
We have absolutely no idea what to do with her to keep the meowing to a
minimum and would be very grateful for some new tips “ – Emili
Quick Info about Maru
Hello Emili, thank you for sharing Maru’s story.
She is very lucky to have found such a loving and attentive home. From everything you describe, it is clear that you are doing a wonderful job supporting her physical and emotional needs, especially considering her hip dysplasia and her background as an outdoor cat. Cats like Maru, who have had to rely on themselves in unpredictable environments, often develop strong vocal habits as a way to express their needs or communicate uncertainty. Even once they are safe and well cared for, those behaviors that became habitual can continue, even when things are calm.
Her meowing at walls and doors could have a few different explanations. Cats have incredibly sensitive hearing, and sometimes they react to sounds we cannot detect, like plumbing, wind, or even small animals behind walls. It might also be a sign of frustration related to her mobility challenges. Cats are wired to climb and explore vertically, and when their bodies limit that ability, they may feel restless or unfulfilled. That feeling can come out through vocalizing. You are already offering her an enriched environment, which is wonderful. Creating predictable routines around feeding, play, and rest can help some cats feel more secure and may reduce vocalizations over time. Your plan to start taking her on outdoor walks during the warmer months sounds promising and might offer her a healthy outlet for both mental and physical stimulation.
If her meowing is becoming more frequent or intense, it is worth considering whether pain may be playing a role. We actually have a tele-triage veterinary service, PangoVet, where you can speak to one of our experienced veterinarians online from the comfort of your home, where they can help answer questions in real time and help guide you toward the next best steps. Chronic discomfort from conditions like hip dysplasia can sometimes show up in unexpected ways, and even subtle relief can bring meaningful improvement in her behavior. You are clearly offering her a safe and loving space, and that makes all the difference. I hope this helps!
Dr. Paola