my spayed female cat won't stop meowing

by Lauren
(Rochester, MI - USA)

I brought home a cat from the humane society a little over a month ago. She is two years old, spayed and front declawed, very affectionate, very loving and sweet. Within the past three days she has been meowing very loudly, and making "coo-ing type" meowing noises.. and she does not stop unless she is sleeping. She has plenty of food and water, and her litter box is clean.. nothing makes her stop. I've tried ignoring her, i've tried petting her.. i've tried giving her a new bowl of food and a new bowl of water.. nothing works, and i'm losing sleep! please help!

Answer by Kate
Funny I have just answered a very similar question for someone else.

This is not an unusual problem, cats are generally more active and alert at night time and they can't understand why we are asleep when we could be paying them attention.

Basically you have to break the cycle and this is not easy or quick. you have to be persistent and calm with the process for it to eventually work.

My advice is

About half and hour before bedtime play a run around game with her to use up a lot of her excess energy. then just before bedtime feed her a meal. then you will have to prevent access to you at night. put her in a room with her bed, litter fresh water and toys.

if you do hear her at night you must not talk to her, or get up to see her as this is just affirming the behaviour.

It can take some time for them to get used to the routine but it will eventually get through to them that the behaviour does not get them what they want and they should stop it.

every night you can find my partner playing with a lipstick top with our little mo is a ritual that if he does not keep she will definitely wake him up for the game.

best wishes kate