Cats start meowing at a young age to get attention, just as babies and kids will cry out for milk or attention.
This can explain why adult cats meow most of the time, but it doesn’t explain why they meow when you pet them since they already have your attention at the moment.
Most adult cats meow when you pet them because they enjoy your attention. They use meowing as a tool of communication with their humans as well.
If you’re interested in learning more about your cat’s body language and how to pet your feline properly, keep on reading.
Why Does My Cat Meow When I Touch Her?
Petting domestic cats can help you learn more about their personality since every cat is unique, so different cats will interact with their favorite humans in different ways. Kittens meow when you pet them as feedback, so let’s learn more about this behavior.
1. They Enjoy the Petting
The first and obvious reason why your cat meows, while you’re petting them, is just because they love it. Kittens enjoy when they’re petted, just as people might enjoy a massage.
And while people restrict themselves from making pleasurable sounds during a back rub or massage, felines don’t as they don’t repress their emotions. In fact, they meow excessively as they want their pet parents to know they’re happy.
However, keep in mind that some kittens express their enjoyment vocally while others don’t. Therefore, while some felines release sounds, other cats don’t as they’re not as affectionate.
2. They Want More Petting
Cats will meow when being petted because they want more attention. They’ve probably missed you throughout the day if you have been absent, so they want to make up for the lost time.
If your cat makes a threatening sound while you pet her or him, they’re likely annoyed by your presence. In this case, back off and give your cat some space. Otherwise, you will get bitten and scratched as they feel attacked.
3. Your Cat Trusts You Completely
Last but certainly not least, cats meow when being petted to express their trust and love for their pet parents. Note that even being close to your cat means they’re opening themselves up to being vulnerable.
Your kitten considers you family and uses meowing as a way of communication and expressing feelings, so pay close attention to your cat’s meow as each cat is unique and has different ways of speaking.
Also, certain breeds may meow more than other cats, so they may need more understanding. However, don’t worry as you will start to understand your cat’s meows and other sounds.
Why Do Cats Meow When You Pet Them?
Most cats meow when you pet them because they like attention, but some cats don’t like being petted due to past unpleasant experiences with humans.
Typically, if your feline meows when you pet them, they’re likely expressing positive emotions. To enhance their petting experience, follow the next tips.
Where to Pet a Cat?
Some cats like being petted. Others not so much. If your cat seems to enjoy petting, here’s advice on how to do it properly and spend quality time together.
Your Cat’s Ears, Chin, and Head
Most cats like being petted on their head. In fact, some even gently hit their owner’s hand with their head as a request for petting or scratching on top of their head.
Therefore, if you don’t know where your cat likes to be petted, definitely try the head first. Most cats also like being tickled under the chin and stroked around the ears.
They Enjoy a Back Rub or Massage
Since the back isn’t a vulnerable part of their body, most cats will allow their owners and even strangers to give them a back massage.
They also like to be petted along their spine as it’s another outer and therefore, less vulnerable part of their body.
However, don’t be surprised if some felines refuse back massage. They’re either not socialized enough or fear people’s touch due to past bad experiences.
If your cat enjoys your touch, they will likely lay on the ground and meow during the whole encounter.
Be Careful With Their Stomach
Unlike the back, the stomach is a no-no for most cats as it’s a vulnerable spot. They keep their belly protected at all times, so they will only allow a belly rub if they really trust the person.
If they don’t trust you, they will probably grab your hand and act defensively as they see your attempt to touch their stomach as an attack. In this case, you should back off. Otherwise, your cat can feel attacked and attack back.
Cats don’t like their paws being touched as well, so keep that in mind. It’s another vulnerable area of their body that they keep protected at all times, so respect your cat’s boundaries.
Why Do Cats Meow When They’re Being Petted While Sleeping?
Most cats meow when they’re being petted while resting or sleeping as they actually enjoy your attention.
They usually love back rubbing, head scratching, and tickling under the chin. A cat’s meow has many meanings and one of them is showing trust.
Simply put, your feline trusts you. Now, let’s learn how petting while sleeping affects their overall well-being.
Reduces Stress and Depression
Petting while sleeping decreases stress, depression, and anxiety in your cat’s body. It also normalizes their blood pressure and provides relaxation.
Strengthens Your Relationship
Petting while sleeping improves the relationship between cats and their owners.
If your kitten allows you to pet them while they rest or sleep, they probably trust and love you and feel safe in your presence.
Keeps Your Cat Warm
When you cuddle with your feline while they’re resting, they feel warm, especially at night as nights get cold sometimes.
Why Does My Cat Chatter When I Pet Her?
Cats often chirp or trill not because you pet them but because of neurotransmitters like dopamine.
This usually happens when cats want to hunt and the hormone cortisol is released into the system. They’re typically attracted to a visual stimulus like birds or rodents.
Your cat also experiences physical changes at this moment such as pupils dilating, ears tilting forward, eyes widening, excessive meowing, and severe concentration on their prey.
And if you’re petting your cat while they’re watching birds or rodents in front of the window, they will chatter displaying their frustration at obstacles like the window that obstructs their attack.
Some cats can chatter in the middle of playtime with their humans, especially if their toys resemble prey.
My Cat Meows When I Stop Petting Her, Why?
Some cats meow when their owners stop petting them because they probably loved it. They’re also more affectionate than others and meow excessively.
Moreover, some kittens meow when petting time is over because they want you to keep doing it. They likely missed spending time with you, so try to understand their needs.
Do Cats Get Mad When You Stop Petting Them?
Most cats enjoy their cuddle and play time, so when their owners stop cuddling and playing with them, they get angry.
Cats can also get angry, especially when they’re being ignored by their owners and they might express their anger through love bites or loud meowing.
Why Does My Cat Meow When I Touch Her Stomach?
Cats, in general, don’t enjoy their stomach being touched as it’s a sensitive part of their body. So, they might hiss, fight, or meow loudly when you touch their belly.
Moreover, if your cat looks like they’re in pain and releases a loud cry, try touching their belly. If they reel, meow, or grunt, they need immediate medical attention.
Cat Behavior and Final Cat Care Tips
Learning your cat’s behavior and knowing why they react the way they do in certain situations can help you not only bond with your feline but also meet their needs.
Most cat owners talk to their cats and dogs in a baby voice. So, most felines associate the “baby talk” with positive emotions.
Moreover, they take lower frequency noises like growls as scary and threatening, so stick to the higher pitch. Note that most felines get scared of louder noises, so they prefer a lower volume.
Why Does Understanding the Body Language of Adult Cats Matter?
Learning your kitten’s body language matters because you can easily notice if they start acting differently all of the sudden.
Felines that suddenly change their behavior might experience pain.
In case you haven’t heard, cats hide their pain as that’s what wild cats do out in the wild to prevent themselves from becoming prey.
Therefore, if you notice sudden changes in your cat’s behavior, make sure you take your feline to the vet for a regular checkup.
Common Signs of Unhappy and/or Sick Cats
Some of the common signs of unhappy and/or sick domestic cats include excessive weight loss or weight gain, avoiding the litter box, increased thirst, incessant meowing, etc.
If your feline suddenly avoids their litter box, they’re likely trying to tell you that they have a bladder infection or don’t like the size, shape, or litter of their litter box.
Changes in vocalization along with hiding more than usual, changes in grooming, or energy levels also indicate a problem, so pay attention and make sure you take your cat to the vet.
Important note: As cats age, they experience heat and excessive meowing is very common in felines during the mating season.
So, if your female cat isn’t neutered, schedule a vet appointment after the heat cycle and have her spayed as this procedure extends their life.
Overall, a vocal cat is a content cat. However, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, there’s probably something wrong with your pet, so don’t just ignore your kitten as they probably have something to say as they trust you with their life.
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*image by ShotStudio/depositphotos
