Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/28/2009

Question
Dear Tabbi,

I have a small four-year old Maine Coon male, and he is neutered. He is such a sweet cat, and I love him and love having him around. He is a great family member, but lately he has been excessively crying. I don't exactly know why. He starts from the range of 3:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. He keeps hitting everyone with his paw, maybe in hope that we'll wake up. Then he keeps crying, and it's hard to ignore because he keeps going and he has a very loud, deep voice. I read online that a deep cry in a male means they were very vocal as a kitten... so he's always been this way? I check to make sure his litterbox is clean, and that his food bowl and water bowl is full. It's always in the clear! So what exactly is his dilemma? He keeps going all day and he follows people around screaming in their face. Is there anything in particular he wants? He doesn't often follow me aorund and scream at me, only in the early morning. Maybe it's because I give him the most attention during the day. Does he want attention from everyone else? He stays inside all the time- the only time he goes out is when he makes the great escape... but he always comes back on his own free will, we never drag him back in. Of course we want him back, but what I mean is I don't think the situation is that he wants to be a permanent feral cat. Sometimes he hears birds chirping, and there must be seven feral cats outside. But they are all fixed too (Trap, Fix, Release), so they aren't causing the insanity. We also have someone missing from the house because she has gone away to college. He has been sleeping in her bed every now and then too, but he isn't really attached to her. And his main screaming isn't always in there. It's around the house. It's been driving another person in my house insane, but that's the one who he's been following around and screaming at the most. There are currently only two people living in the house with the college student away at college (it's usually three people). His screaming has become quite chaotic, and I can't figure out why. So I can only help that an expert like yourself can help me. Thank you.

-Jenna, the Maine Coon Cat Owner

Answer
Jenna,

Maine Coons are usually a fairly quiet cat so your cat's excessive meowing (called hypervocalization)is unusual and he is telling you something the only way he knows how. It may a way to get attention, he may be missing the person that is no longer in residence, or it may be a medical issue. Excessive meowing can signify pain.

He may be wanting outside to hunt or play, or to protect his territory from stray cats.

Play with him right before you go to bed. A pet laser light is an excellent interactive toy (you can get them at PetSmart, Petco, etc.)  A good play session before bedtime will tire him out, which is essential for a good nights sleep for you both! Then give the cat a can of catfood after you play with him, just before you go to bed. Being tired from playing and a full tummy SHOULD help him sleep.

Do not punish the cat. He is only trying to get your attention and tell you his needs the only way he knows how. If some behavior got your attention before, then that is how he will do it again. Physical punishment, throwing things,  squirt bottles, or even yelling can destroy the trust built with your cat. Once that trust is gone, your cat’s behavior will become worse, and your ability to work with that behavior will be lost.

Sometimes in this situation a second cat about his same age and temperament can be of help. Some cats need a kitty friend to help them from being bored. It gives them someone to play kitty games with, snuggle with, and be companionship for them. It can help take the pressure off of you to keep your cat amused.

You may try blowing in his face and saying "shush!" when he starts a meow. Keep doing that everytime he continuously meows and he should finally associate being blowed at and/or told "shush" with his meowing.

I am including a link that has a good article on excessive meowing for further reference:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

http://www.petplace.com/cats/cats-that-talk-and-talk-dealing-with-hypervocalizat...

If you can afford it, you may want to get him checked by a vet to rule out a medical issue causing his behavior before dealing with it as a behavioral problem.

Since I do not answer specific pedigree cat questions, you may also want to ask this question of "Norman", an expert under the heading of CATS on this site. He is very familiar with Maine Coons and their behavior. He can tell you if this is a breed-specific behavior problem common to Maine Coons.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi