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Sometimes, cats love to carry around their toys and meow. To some people, this behavior might come across as very strange.
If you’ve noticed this behavior with your feline friend, it’s normal to have a couple of questions like, “Is this normal?” or “Is this behavior unique to my cat?” The following are some common reasons for this behavior and what to do about it.
The 4 Reasons Why You Is Carrying Around a Toy and Meowing
1. They Want to Play With You
Although cats are often perceived as solitary creatures, pet cats who are used to human companionship form close bonds with their owners and often seek their company. Perhaps even more interesting is that meowing is a trait mostly attributed to domestic cats as a means of communication with humans (but not other cats). As such, if your cat is carrying a toy and meowing, there’s a good chance that they are doing so to get your attention.
Though there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging your cat’s request and playing with them, you should be mindful that if you do so, your cat will quickly learn that meowing while carrying a toy around is a surefire way to get your attention. Therefore, if this is something you don’t want your cat to do, a more precautionary approach is recommended (more on that later).
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2. It Has Worked Before
Our pet cats are smarter than we give them credit for, and their intelligence is often underestimated. This is partly because they’re often directly compared to dogs, who are typically easier to train. However, a theory exists that cats might be more intelligent because they choose how to “train their humans.”
What this means is that if your cat had an experience of carrying a toy and meowing and it got them whatever it is they wanted from you, such as attention, cuddles, a rub, treats, or playtime (to name a few possible outcomes), they may quickly learn to repeat the behavior to get the same “benefits” from you again. If your cat has repeatedly gotten something from carrying their toy and meowing at you, odds are they’re doing so because they know it’s a tried and true method.
3. It’s a Personality Trait
Sometimes, there’s no real explanation for why our cats act as they do. Our cats are individuals with personality traits and quirks. Some cats may seemingly just enjoy carrying around a toy and meowing happily. This is similar to how some cats have a “storage stash,” a secret place to hoard their favorite toys.
4. They’re (Possibly) Presenting a Damaged Toy
Anecdotally, some people believe that your cat may meow while carrying a toy because it has been damaged or is no longer functional. In other words, they believe that your cat is seeking assistance from you about their toy conundrum.
Though adorable, it’s important to keep in mind that for this to be factual, your cat would have to know that the toy is not working and also know that you can fix it for them. It’s a massive assumption and leap of imagination, of course, but this theory does nonetheless remain popular among cat parents.
How to Stop My Cat From Carrying Their Toy and Meowing
For starters, there’s nothing wrong with your cat carrying around a toy and meowing. Unless it bothers you, there’s no reason to go out of your way to “fix it.” One could also make the (very valid) argument that if it does indeed bother you, the issue might not be with your cat but with your annoyance with the fact that your cat meows while carrying a toy. Nonetheless, there are ways to discourage the behavior.
Rule Out Other Issues
It’s important not to approach undesirable feline behavior with a tunnel-vision mindset. Cats can act in strange ways for many reasons, including medical issues. As a general rule, if your cat suddenly begins acting strange and is carrying a toy (or any object) around and meowing, you should have a vet examine them to ensure that they’re not experiencing a medical issue.
Ensure Your Cat Has Everything They Need
As mentioned earlier, cats typically meow because they seek our attention. Before attempting to engage in training and mind games with your cat to curb this habit, ensure your cat has everything they need. Food, water, toys, a scratching post, a clean litter box, and a resting spot constitute the bare necessities for your cat. Beyond that, they’ll also need plenty of avenues for physical and mental enrichment and exercise, including playtime and socializing with you daily (toys cannot replace the social companionship you provide your cat).
Ignore Your Cat
If your cat is incessantly meowing with a toy in their mouth to get your attention, responding to your cat’s requests will only encourage the behavior. Of course, you shouldn’t deprive your cat of their needs (which we just explained). However, as far as getting your cat to let go of this habit, it’s important to re-wire them into learning that meowing will not work. However, this is easier said than done. A cat can definitely throw a tantrum of sorts to get their way.
Embrace Your Cat
Perhaps a more rational and realistic approach is to understand that your annoyance with this behavior does not indicate that there’s something wrong with your cat, but rather, something that you need to work on for yourself. This approach often ends up being the most beneficial long-term solution. Though it understandably takes time to work on yourself, it often ends up being the most rewarding solution when you do put the time and effort toward it.
Seek Out a Cat Trainer
Finally, remember you’re not alone in your frustrations or struggles with your cat’s antics. A cat trainer can help you understand your cat and how you should handle their behavioral quirks. This might be a reasonable option if your cat is meowing to the point where your patience is wearing too thin.
Final Thoughts
Cats sometimes act in ways we simply can’t comprehend. Meowing while carrying a toy is generally a sign that they’re seeking attention and is usually not a cause for concern. It’s just cats being cats, and scolding them won’t do you any good. Instead, sometimes, the simplest solution is to consider playing with them and strengthening the bond you share.
See Also:
- Why Do Cats Sit on Their Toys? 5 Common Reasons
- Why Does My Cat Put Toys in the Water Bowl? (10 Likely Reasons)
Featured Image Credit: Christian Bodhi, Pixabay
