There’s a reason why your cat goes to empty room to meow (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Cat owners will be all too familiar with the fact that their beloved pets can display some peculiarly odd habits and quirks. From raising their behinds while being stroked, to chattering at birds and ‘making biscuits’ with their paws while getting comfortable, these are all widespread behaviours that can appear rather baffling when you first encounter them.
With such a wealth of strange conduct, it can prove challenging for cat owners to establish whether their pet’s behaviour is perfectly ‘normal’, or whether it signals distress or an unmet need. To assist, one feline behaviour specialist named Khris has taken to TikTok to share her professional expertise with cat owners across the globe.
In one particular video, Khris proceeded to explain why your cat might occasionally wander into an empty room only to begin howling or meowing loudly.
While this can give the impression that your cat is in distress, Khris offered a straightforward explanation for the behaviour.
“This is the reason that your cat goes into an empty room and howls,” Khris said at the start of her video.
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She continued by explaining that the majority of cat owners will most likely have witnessed their four-legged companion venture into an empty room, such as a bathroom or hallway, and howl or meow at considerable volume. While this can appear alarming and concerning at first glance, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation behind it.
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 explanations as to why a cat might behave in this manner. One reason, the expert revealed, is that they are simply under-stimulated and seeking something to occupy themselves with.
“And this entertains them,” she explained. “It’s a different sound. Sometimes it draws you, you come running, wondering what’s going on.”
She stressed that it is merely something fresh and unfamiliar compared to their usual routine, and they find it amusing. She said: “And so, that’s what they’re looking for.”
She continued by suggesting that if you notice your cat doing this, you should consider establishing a play routine for your pet. According to Cats Protection, you should engage in play with your cat regardless of its age.
They noted that older cats will typically enjoy playing three or four times daily, while younger cats will happily play ten times a day or more.
Cats Protection also explained that play is crucial for cats, particularly kittens, as it equips them with essential life skills and knowledge about the world surrounding them.
She continued by suggesting that if you notice your cat doing this, you should consider establishing a play routine for your pet.
According to Cats Protection, you should engage in play with your cat regardless of its age. They noted that older cats will typically enjoy playing three or four times daily, while younger cats will happily play ten times a day or more.
Cats Protection also explained that play is crucial for cats, particularly kittens, as it equips them with essential life skills and knowledge about the world surrounding 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 achieved using cat toys, and can even comprise very brief sessions of one to two minutes at a time. They further advise rotating toys regularly to maintain the cat’s interest. “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.
Household items that your cat has taken a particular shine to can also be used, provided they cannot be consumed or accidentally swallowed.
