Why Does My Cat Meow When I Pick Her Up? [ Is It Normal? ]

If you’ve noticed your cat usually meows whenever you pick her up? I get this question a lot: Why does my cat meow when I pick her up?

Cats usually meow when they are in pain or when they want to get the attention of their owners. It may be also that your cat meows when you pick her because you are holding her wrongly. Kittens are fragile, and you shouldn’t squeeze them. So, if you are carrying them wrongly, meowing is a way to express their discomfort. Sometimes, your cat will meow when you pick her up because of some underlying medical conditions you are unaware of. Some GI-related problems or diseases could be the cause of your pet’s pain. 

This article will explain the various reasons your cat meows when you touch certain parts of her body. So, let’s begin.

Further Reading: “How Many Kittens Can A Male Cat Have In A Year?“

Why Does My Cat Meow When I Touch Her?

If you notice your cat has a habit of meowing whenever you touch her, here are some reason why:

• Your cat is enjoying it

Your cat simply loves your touch. It makes her feel secure and she wants you to know that. Take into account also that while we, humans, not tend to do much pleasurable noise, cats are different and will be happy to show their joy while meowing. It is of course depends on your cat’s personality and some may produce more sounds, some less.

• Keep Doing It!

Your cat wants you to keep touching her, stroking her, she feels your affection and just wants you to continue. If your cat growl, or cry, give her space and not push it too much.

• She’s in pain

Most times, when cats are in pain, they meow after being touched. Think about it. Even in humans, body pain causes discomfort. Sometimes, your pet might just be sick. So, it is crucial to take her to the vet if you notice this symptom.

• To say hello

The ASPCA explains that felines meow as a way of greeting their owners whenever they get home. This sound is usually softer than a loud and aggressive meow. So if you carry your pet when you just got home, and she meows, she’s really pleased to see you.

• Stress

If your cat is stressed, you might notice that she meows whenever you touch her. Most times, felines get stressed and anxious after the adoption of new pets into the household. During this period, your pet will be express her state by meowing. 

It depends on the situation, and I leave it to your judgment to feel when your cat needs your touch, or maybe currently you need to give her space and freedom. It’s not science, and you need to see and judge each situation and behavior as separate. After you’ll spend enough time with your cat I’m sure you’ll know exactly when your cat needs your touch and when she just wants to be alone.

Further Reading: “Why Is My Cat Freaking Out For No Reason?“

Why Does My Cat Meow When I Touch Her Stomach?

Is this the first time, you touched your pet’s stomach? Maybe you expected her to purr, but she meows instead. So, why does your cat meow when you touch her stomach?

The stomach is the most vulnerable part of a feline’s body. So cats meow whenever people touch their belly. It’s more of a cry and a warning. The stomach is where the vital organs are, and cats feel insecure when people touch that part of their body.

Other times, your cat could meow when you touch her stomach because she’s hungry. The part that feels hunger the most is the stomach and you touching that part reminds them they haven’t eaten. So your pet would meow when you touch her stomach. 

But above all, if your cat meows when you touch her stomach, she might be having stomach pain. Some causes of stomach pain in felines are; poisoning, kidney stones, constipation, inflammatory bladder disease, etc. These medical conditions need immediate care from a veterinarian. 

The stomach is the most vulnerable part of a feline’s body. So cats meow whenever people touch their belly. It’s more of a cry and a warning. The stomach is where the vital organs are, and cats feel insecure when people touch that part of their body.

Further Reading: “Do Cats Remember Their Mother?“

My Cat Meow When I Leave – Why?

When cats meow when their owners leave them all alone, this raises one suspicion— your pet is suffering from separation anxiety.  Separation anxiety occurs when a pet is afraid of being separated from its owner, no matter how short the duration is. Excessive meowing when the owner is about to leave or away is a symptom that your pet is suffering from this anxiety disorder. 

But does this mean all cats that meow when their cats leave them alone suffer from separation anxiety? No. Separation anxiety is an anxiety disorder. Other times, your pet could exhibit this behavior when it is merely anxious. It doesn’t have to be a disorder. Think about it. Nobody wants to be lonely. So, if your pet realizes she’s about to be all alone, it’s okay for her to be anxious. 

Separation anxiety occurs when a pet is afraid of being separated from its owner, no matter how short the duration is. Excessive meowing when the owner is about to leave or away is a symptom that your pet is suffering from this anxiety disorder. 

Further Reading: “What Does It Mean When A Cat Chooses You?“

Why My Cat Suddenly Doesn’t Want To Be Touched?

You are probably used to playing with your cat. Then all of a sudden, she doesn’t seem to like the way you touch her anymore. Then you are wondering why your cat suddenly doesn’t want to be touched. Here are three reasons four reasons why:

• Psychological trauma/PTSD

Cats that went through a traumatic event often have a distrust for human beings. So, they would rather stay on their own than allow people to touch them.

• Injury

If your pet is injured, she probably won’t allow anyone to touch her. That’s because she’s in pain and would prefer to be left alone until the wound heals. 

• Offensive scent

Cats have a strong olfactory sense. They love pleasant smells and would allow those they consider as smelling nice to touch them. But if you have a putrid smell, you might notice your cat doesn’t want you to hold her. 

Further Reading: “Why Are Tabby Cats So Friendly?“

Final Thoughts

It’s your responsibility as a cat owner to ensure to ascertain the cause whenever your cat meows.  It can be that your cat just loves your touch as she trusts you and sees you as part of the family. Sometimes, it could mean your cat is sick or in pain. However, if this is a persistent issue in your pet, it could merely be a behavioral problem and must be corrected. 

So, never ignore your pet whenever she meows. If your pet meows when you pick her up because she’s in discomfort, drop her carefully. Ensure to consult the vet to examine your pet. The stomach is the most vulnerable part of your pet’s body, so try not to touch it. But if your cat meows because she is merely hungry, then you know you should feed her. 

To sum up, attending to your pet’s needs is of utmost importance. Animals can’t talk. So, they can’t explicitly tell us what could be wrong or right with them. But with the sounds they make, we can help our pets whenever they need us.