It is normal for cats to make the usual meows and other unique sounds but it can be annoying if they do it at night when you are trying to sleep.
Why do cats make weird noises at night?
Cats may make weird noises at night for the following reasons:
1. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
This syndrome is also known as Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FCD) that usually affects senior cats although also younger cats can be affected. Memory, ability to learn, awareness, sight and hearing can all deteriorate in cats affected with the syndrome. This may result in increased vocalization due to anxiety, disorientation and separation distress.
2. The cat is in Heat
If a healthy unspayed female cat makes constant noises at night the reason could be that it is in heat. Spaying the cat is usually a good idea and will also reduce the risk of illnesses like uterine infections and certain types of cancer.
3. Stress
Cats can easily experience stress and making excessive noise or meowing can be one of the symptoms. There are a number of reasons that can cause stress in felines:
New House
Most cats are highly territorial creatures who prefer to spend their days in a familiar environment. Moving to a new house can be stressful for them. With a new place, they may find it hard to be comfortable and can get anxious, that in turn will cause them to be noisy at night.
New Routine
Disruptions in a cat’s routine can cause them stress. Stress can be avoided by keeping the meal and play times stay as consistent as possible. If you need to change your pet’s routine, plan it ahead and do it slowly to help your cat ease into the new routine.
New Pets
Some cats are cautious about newcomers. When you bring a new pet to your home, it is safe to assume your feline will be stressed by it. Plan ahead how to introduce them to each and other.
4. Need for Food and Water
A potential but very simple reason why cats make weird noises at night is their need for water or food. It is possible that you may have forgotten to give them their usual food or water or maybe you are simply not giving enough.
How to quiet your cat down?
Showing your own frustration or punishing your cat for making noises is not recommended and can only increase its stress and aggravate the problem. It is better to treat it by increasing your cat’s activity during the day and gradually reestablishing its proper sleep-wake cycle.
Pheromone or drug therapy may help your cat feel less anxious. You can use feline pheromone sprays or diffusers in areas where your cat normally spends its time. Anti-anxiety medication can also help reduce vocalizations.
You can get pheromone diffusers from amazon.com.