Why does my cat meow with a toy in her mouth?
Have you ever watched your cat walk around the house with a toy in her mouth and a lot of meows? This cute behavior frequently makes cat owners laugh and puzzle at the same time. The following article will explain why cats meow while holding toys in their mouths and what this lovable habit tells us about our furry friends.
Understanding Feline Behavior
Due to their complicated nature, cats can do a wide range of behaviors that stem from their social requirements, emotions, and instincts.A cat's existence revolves around toys, which give them mental and physical excitement and allow them to fulfill their natural hunting instincts. Consequently, your cat is really acting out the part of a "hunter" who is now catching her prey when she plays with toys! This helps her to satisfy natural demands that are ingrained in her feline nature.
The Instinctual Nature of Cats
As we understood this is their nature behavior, let's further develop on why your cat is carrying a toy in her mouth and meows, like the gif above of what Dong Dong is doing.
In a nutshell, cats are natural-born hunters. Even our pampered indoor kitties retain the instincts of their wild ancestors. When your cat carries a toy in her mouth and meows, she's essentially mimicking the behavior of a successful hunter returning with prey (your cat: Yaaaa! We got dinner tonight!). This action, known as "prey-carrying," is deeply ingrained in feline DNA.
In the wild, a cat might vocalize to announce her catch to her family or kittens. On the other hand, your domestic cat, viewing you as part of her family, may be proudly showing off her "hunting skills" when she brings you a toy while meowing.
Communication Through "Meowing"
It is a primary form of cat-to-human communication. Interestingly, adult cats are not using meow to communicate with each other. In most cases, this vocalization is reserved almost exclusively for interacting with humans. When your cat meows with a toy in her mouth, she could be conveying various messages:
- "Look what I caught!": Pride in her "prey", with their ears up and tails raised.
- "Let's play!" : An invitation for interactive play. She will bring the toys in front of you and meow you to throw it for her (see example below for Dong Dong's)
- "Pay attention to me!" A request for acknowledgment or praise
Example of cat's invitation for interactive play (see the toys at the back)
The tone and intensity of the "meow" can provide clues about your cat's intentions. A soft, chirp-like meow might indicate contentment, while a more insistent meow could signal a desire for interaction, like LOOOK AT MEEE!
Seeking Attention or Interaction
Being social animals, cats also seek interaction with their tursted best friend,you. Your cat can get your attention and start playing by carrying a toy in front of you or on your bed and meowing.This behavior often brings in positive feedback, so you might praise your cat, pet her, or engage in play, which encourages her to repeat the action in the future.
To respond positively to this behavior:
- Acknowledge your cat with gentle praise or petting, especially the part in front of their tail
- If possible, get sometime to have an interactive play with your cat
- Respond to their "meow" every time, if you are busy, then tell them that you are busy. Don't just keep silent, it will hurt their feelings.
