One of our community cats, about 2 yrs old and spayed, often mews at us, a high-pitched whining sound that lasts about 2-3 seconds. The mew is always accompanied by squinted eyes. She does this often--it's the only sound she makes at us giant furless cats aside from the occasional soft warning hiss. She makes the mewing sound when she brushes up against me when it's food time. She makes the sound when she's already eaten or was given food and won't eat it. My suspicion is that she is crying for the treats we sometimes give them, which are nutritious but are meant to taste like catnip, and it says to only give a cat about 10/day.
She's in good health, was literally just seen yesterday by a vet to get microchipped. She's a tiny thing, 5.5 lbs and doesn't eat large meals. She's perfectly lean for her size, not 'skinny' at all. And except when it's super hot, she's very active. (She also gets some food from neighbors).
It really seems like it's a "feed me please" cry, perhaps a "I know humans fall for this sound!" manipulative cry. Today she mewed after eating a bit, and despite having more wet food and kibble (which she prefers) and water in front of her, after not getting what she wanted, she went to have a nap.
I'm left wondering if she just wanted more treats, or if there's something else she wants that I didn't give her.
It isn't a cry for pets: she doesn't let us touch her.
It isn't to come inside: she doesn't understand houses, it seems.
It could be "get my brother away from me; I am a princess who deserves all attention always". (Indeed, she doesn't much like other cats, but definitely tolerates her brother, who is neutered now). But I'm not sure she'd be asking my help for that when she can swat at him perfectly well.
It's probably just "more treats, please!" but I'm curious as to your ideas!
She's in good health, was literally just seen yesterday by a vet to get microchipped. She's a tiny thing, 5.5 lbs and doesn't eat large meals. She's perfectly lean for her size, not 'skinny' at all. And except when it's super hot, she's very active. (She also gets some food from neighbors).
It really seems like it's a "feed me please" cry, perhaps a "I know humans fall for this sound!" manipulative cry. Today she mewed after eating a bit, and despite having more wet food and kibble (which she prefers) and water in front of her, after not getting what she wanted, she went to have a nap.
I'm left wondering if she just wanted more treats, or if there's something else she wants that I didn't give her.
It isn't a cry for pets: she doesn't let us touch her.
It isn't to come inside: she doesn't understand houses, it seems.
It could be "get my brother away from me; I am a princess who deserves all attention always". (Indeed, she doesn't much like other cats, but definitely tolerates her brother, who is neutered now). But I'm not sure she'd be asking my help for that when she can swat at him perfectly well.
It's probably just "more treats, please!" but I'm curious as to your ideas!