While it may seem strange for your cat to go into an empty room or hallway only to start meowing or howling really loudly, a cat behaviour expert has explained exactly what this means
A cat behaviour expert explained why cats sometimes go to empty rooms ‘to howl’ (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Cat owners will be well aware that the common house pet can have some odd quirks and habits. From lifting up their behinds will being petted, to chattering at birds and ‘making biscuits’ with their paws while getting cosy, these are all common habits that can seem bizarre when you first witness them.
With so many odd behaviours, it can be difficult if you’re a cat owner to determine if your pet’s behaviour is ‘normal’ for them, or if it means they’re in distress or want something from you. To help, one cat behaviour specialist named Khris has taken to TikTok to share her expert knowledge with cat owners all over the world.
In one video, Khris went on to explain why your cat may sometime enter an empty room only to start howling or meowing loudly. While this can make it seem like your cat is in distress, Khris went on to share a simple explanation for it.
“This is the reason that your cat goes into an empty room and howls,” Khris said at the start of her video.
She went on to say that many cat owners will most likely experienced their four legged friend go into an empty room, such as a bathroom or a hallway, and howled or meowed really loudly. While this can look distressing and worrying at first glance, there is a reason for their behaviour.
She explained: “Your cat might be one of those cats who really enjoys that echo sound that gets in an empty room.”
There are several reasons that a cat might do this. One reason, the expert shared, is because they’re simply under stimulated and are looking for something to do.
“And this entertains them,” she explained. “It’s a different sound. Sometimes it draws you, you come running, wondering what’s going on.”
She emphasised that it’s simply something new and different to the everyday they’re used to, and they are entertained by it. She said: “And so, that’s what they’re looking for.”
She went on to say that if you find that your cat are doing this, you should look into a play routine for your pets. According to the Cat Protection, you should play with your cat, not matter how old it is.
They explained that older cats will usually love to play three or four times a day, while younger cats will be happy to play 10 times a day or more.
The Cat Protection also explained that play is very important for cats, particularly kittens, as it teaches them the skills needed for life and lessons about the world around them.
“Play is a great way for a cat to use up some of their energy, keep fit and healthy and keep their brain alert and active. The best games encourage cats to stalk, pounce, chase and bat objects with a paw in a safe way,” they explained.
This can be done with cat toys, and can even consist of very short games of one to two minutes at a time. They also recommend to swap toys around regularly to keep them interesting.
“But don’t leave your cat on their own with toys which could be shredded and eaten or ones that they can get tangled in,” they urged cat owners.
You can also use items around the house that your cat has found a special liking for, as long as it’s not something that they can eat or end up swolling.
