Unusual vocalizing

Is your cat meowing more, or more intensely, than usual?

The frequency, volume, or timing of your cat's meowing is clearly beyond its usual pattern. Interestingly, adult cats **only meow at humans** (cats don't meow at each other); what cats actually use with other cats is the **yowl** — a drawn-out, melodic sound mainly heard during mating season.

Possible medical causes

Hyperthyroidism, kidney disease
Any illness that causes abnormal hunger, thirst, restlessness, or irritability
Senior cats: sensory decline (vision/hearing), cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS, the feline equivalent of dementia)

Possible behavioral causes

Greeting — when you come home, make eye contact, or talk to your cat
Attention-seeking — wanting to be petted, played with, or talked to; cats left alone for long hours are more prone to this
Begging for food — meowing the moment you enter the kitchen, wanting human food
Demanding doors be opened or closed — especially during the transition to being an indoor cat
Seeking a mate — mostly yowling; seen in unneutered/unspayed cats during heat
Cognitive confusion in senior cats — crying out when disoriented

Warning signs — see a vet right away

A normally quiet cat suddenly becomes very vocal (especially middle-aged to senior cats)
Vocalizing accompanied by restlessness and a reversed day/night sleep schedule
Meowing that clearly sounds pained

Initial at-home suggestions

Don't ignore the meowing (unless you're sure of the cause) — it likely means a real need isn't being met
Don't punish or shout — it has no lasting effect and will only make your cat afraid of you
Keep a log: when the meowing happens, where, and what just occurred
If you suspect food-begging, switch to a timed feeder to avoid your cat learning "meowing = food"

Sources: ASPCA. For reference only — please consult a vet.