Have you ever been kept awake by a persistent, unusual sound coming from another room? For about six weeks, our cat, Newtie, has been engaging in a nightly ritual that’s both endearing and a little perplexing. Every evening, without fail, she retreats to a different floor than us and begins to yowl. This isn’t just any meow; it’s a distinct, sharp sound, often accompanied by her picking up a cat toy, carrying it a short distance, dropping it, and continuing her vocalizations. It took us some time to realize the toy moving was connected to the yowling, especially since she only does this when she believes she’s alone. My Cat Doesn’t Stop Meowing This behavior reminded me of her interactions with our previous pet, Teddy, though Teddy’s vocalizations were more conversational and chirpy, often occurring during her adjustment to living with dogs. This led me to wonder if Newtie’s current behavior is also a response to a transition, perhaps related to the increased activity of our other pet, Violet.
Understanding the “Toy Yowl”
The phenomenon of cats meowing while carrying toys is surprisingly common, with millions of online resources dedicated to it. Initially, we assumed Newtie was distressed and would try to comfort her with treats or by joining her. However, as soon as we appeared, the behavior ceased, suggesting it’s not a sign of upset. While I’d love to capture video evidence of this amusingly loud performance, her audience (us) is precisely what stops the show.
The prevailing theories for this behavior center on two main feline instincts: hunting and caregiving for kittens. Mother cats often bring prey back to their kittens as a way to teach hunting skills. Some interpretations suggest that when a cat vocalizes while carrying a toy, they are seeking attention for their “prey” or are engaging in a form of play that simulates teaching kittens. This activity provides both mental and physical stimulation. The sounds might resemble distress, but they are often a cat’s way of showing off their treasures and seeking acknowledgment.
Possible Explanations for Newtie’s Behavior
While the idea of an invitation to play is appealing, Newtie’s immediate cessation of the yowling and toy-carrying when we join her makes this less likely. This leads to two primary working theories for her behavior:
- Maternal Instinct: Newtie might be attempting to “teach” our other pets, Ripley or Violet, how to hunt, using her toys as surrogate kittens.
- Past Experience: It’s possible Newtie was a rescued street cat who had kittens before being adopted. If so, the instinct to move and vocalize about her “litter” might be a deeply ingrained behavior that she now carries out in what we perceive as “inappropriate situations,” as suggested by some experts.
The specific toys Newtie chooses for this ritual include a felt eggplant, a blue mouse, and a small tracker. The exact reason behind her nightly serenade remains a mystery, as Newtie isn’t divulging her secrets directly. However, her actions clearly indicate she’s trying to communicate something important. If you’re curious about feline communication, understanding these unique vocalizations and behaviors can deepen your bond with your pet.
Sharing Your Cat’s Quirks
It’s fascinating how many cat owners search for information about cats meowing while carrying toys. If your cat exhibits similar behavior, sharing your experiences and insights can be incredibly helpful. What do you believe your cat is trying to tell you when they engage in this unique ritual? Learning from each other’s experiences can provide a more comprehensive understanding of these intriguing feline behaviors.
For more insights into the lives of Newt and our other furry family members, including videos and photos of their daily antics, feel free to connect with us on Instagram. We often share these special moments, like Newtie’s toy-carrying yowls, on our platform.
References
- “Why do cats meow with toys in their mouths?” (n.d.). Blind Cat Rescue. Retrieved from http://blindcatrescue.blogspot.com/2017/02/why-cats-meow-with-toys-in-their-mouths.html
- “Why does my cat carry a toy around while miaowing loudly?” (n.d.). Your Cat. Retrieved from https://www.yourcat.co.uk/cat-advice/cat-problems/why-does-my-cat-carry-a-toy-around-while-miaowing-loudly/
