why does my cat wake up meowing

Cats wake you up meowing for several common reasons: hunger, attention- seeking, anxiety or stress, medical issues, or age-related cognitive changes. Many cats learn that meowing in the early morning gets a response—often food or attention—so they repeat this behavior. Cats are also naturally more active around dawn (crepuscular), so early morning vocalizations can be part of their natural rhythm. Additionally, changes in environment or routine may cause stress, leading to more meowing. Medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, pain, or cognitive dysfunction in older cats can also cause increased vocalization, so a veterinary checkup is important if the meowing is sudden or persistent. Managing this behavior involves ruling out health problems, maintaining a consistent routine, providing mental and physical stimulation during the day, and not immediately rewarding early morning meowing to avoid reinforcing it.