Does A Tortoiseshell Cat Meow A Lot? Breed Temperament & FAQ
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If you want to adopt a tortoiseshell cat, you may know that a Tortie is a color pattern and can be one of many breeds. You may have also heard that Torties are more vocal and wondering if they meow a lot. Tortoiseshell cats have been said to meow a lot, but how vocal your Tortie will be will depend on many factors, such as the breed, personality, and the reason it is being vocal.
Some cats are more talkative than others and love to communicate with their humans, and while this is not unusual, it may say a lot about your cat’s personality, behavior, and even health.
In this article, we’ll discuss why tortoiseshell cats meow and why they would meow more than usual, and which breed of cats are known to be more vocal.
The Tortoiseshell Cat
The Tortoiseshell CatTortoiseshell cats are not a specific breed but are named by their fur’s distinct coloring and pattern. Traditional tortoiseshell cats have black, red, and orange fur with brown flecks. There are also tortoiseshell cats that are more dilute and some with darker fur.
Tortoiseshell cats are not rare and can be found commonly in shelters and rescues. However, most females are tortoiseshells, and male Torties are rare, making up about one in 3,000 Torties!
When discussing tortoiseshell cats, their claimed “tortitude” is always mentioned.
Cats are known for their tenacity, but Torties are known to take the cake regarding feistiness. They are highly independent and have strong personalities that earn them the label of sassy. Even though Torties have this alleged attitude, there is no objective evidence that they are more sassy or feisty than any other cat.
The Cat’s Meow
A cat’s meow is a way of communicating with people. Cats will meow for many reasons, and it’s interesting because adults meow only at people and not at each other. Kittens will meow to communicate that they are hungry or cold to their mother but stop meowing to other cats as they age.
Cats usually meow to say hello, ask for food, or let you know something is wrong.
- They are simply greeting their humans. Your cat will usually meow at you when you arrive home or in response to you talking to it.
- A cat may meow to catch your attention. Generally, cats left alone for longer will meow for more attention.
- Meowing is always a clear sign that a cat is hungry and is their way of communicating that to their owner. Some may come into your room in the morning and meow for breakfast or wait in the kitchen meowing.
- A cat will meow at the door to communicate that it wants to be let inside or go outside.
- Meowing is also linked to feline dementia symptoms. Loud meowing or increased howling in elderly cats may indicate cognitive issues.
- A stressed cat will usually be more vocal.
How Much Is Excessive Meowing
Meowing is a natural behavior in cats, so it may be hard to say how much meowing is excessive. It will depend on whether it is a naturally talkative cat or meowing more than usual, in which case it may indicate illness.
If your cat is meowing more than usual, you must get it to the vet for an examination. Cats can feel thirst, hunger, and pain due to various diseases, which can lead to excessive meowing. Stressed cats can also be more vocal. If you have moved, introduced a new pet, or your cat gets into a traumatizing catfight, your feline friend can become stressed.
As you get to know your cat and form a growing bond, you learn their ways and body language. You become familiar with their sounds and what they mean, and your intuition will usually let you know when your cat is meowing more than usual.
Which Breeds are Known for Meowing a Lot?
Some cats, regardless of breed, are more talkative than other cats. However, some breeds are known to be more vocal than others, and tortoiseshell cats can fall into a number of those breeds. Oriental breeds, like Siamese cats, are known to be chatty and meow a lot, but there are a few others as well that are known to be talkers:
Let Your Cat’s Meow Help You Keep It Safe and Healthy
Because your cat communicates by meowing, it’s essential to know their language and understand when they are meowing for a more serious reason. Don’t be quick to keep them quiet, but pay attention and listen to ensure your cat is happy and well.
Your cat could be meowing because it is trapped in a tree or another room, it may not be able to reach its food or water, or it could be feeling ill, so if your cat is meowing, check on it to determine if there is an issue.
You don’t want to reward a meowing cat, but don’t punish it. Hitting, yelling, and spraying cats with water rarely work in the long term to quiet a meowing cat, but these actions will cause your cat to lack trust or even dislike you.
- If your cat meows a lot to say hello, you will likely not be able to change that.
- If your cat meows from being lonely because you are out, consider having a pet sitter or friend come to play and visit.
- If you have recently placed your cat on a diet, consult your vet about foods that can help your cat feel satiated while reducing the amount it eats.
- If your cat meows a lot to be let in or out of the house, consider a cat flap door.
- If your female cat is not spayed, excessive meowing could mean she is on heat. To reduce meowing, you should have your cat spayed.
- If your cat is elderly and begins meowing a lot, visit your vet for an assessment for medical conditions.
Summary
The amount a cat will meow depends on the breed and what it is trying to communicate. Some cats meow more than others, but Torties are known to be more vocal. If you have a breed known to be vocal, your Tortie will most likely meow a lot. If your Tortie is very vocal, it could be for many reasons, and it’s essential to learn your cat’s vocalizations to determine when or if the meowing may be a cry for attention.
Featured Image Credit: Denys R, Shutterstock
