If your cat has been meowing at you then running away, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat meow at me then run away? Likely reasons why your cat meows at you then runs away are that it is playing or that it wants something from you such as food.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat does it and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
Why does my cat meow at me then run away?
Below are likely reasons why your cat has been doing it and what would make them more likely.
It is playing
A likely cause is that your cat wants something from you. This would be more likely if your cat does it when running around the house, it also plays with toys and if it does it more in the early morning or late evening when cats tend to be more energetic.
It wants something from you
Another likely cause is that your cat wants something from you. This would be more likely if your cat does it more at a certain time such as before you have fed it in the morning and if it runs to the kitchen. It could also be because it wants you to let it outside, in which case it would likely run to the front or back door.
It changed its mind
The reason might also be that it wanted to interact with you but it changed its mind. This would be more likely if it does not always run away from you when it comes and meows at you.
Intimidation
A possible cause is that something caused it to get intimidated and to run away. This would be more likely if your cat seems to be scared when it starts running away and if it does it more when you are loud or bold around it.
Something causing it to be anxious
The cause could also be that something has been causing it to be anxious. This would be more likely if it does it more at a certain time such as when there are loud noises inside or other people or pets around.
Things to consider
Below are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always meowed at you then run away
If your cat did not always meow at you then run away, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it could actually be a sign that it has become more comfortable around you if it also plays when it does it.
What is different when your cat does not run away
If your cat tends to do it more at a certain time, it would also help to consider the timing. For example, if it tends to do it in the late evening, it would be more likely that your cat is playing since that is a time when cats have more energy.
What to do about my cat meowing at me then running away?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Limit reasons why it might be anxious
If it seems like your cat has been doing it due to something causing it to be anxious, it would help to limit reasons why your cat might be anxious. One way to do so would be to let your cat stay in a cool quiet room where it can be safe from other pets.
Feed it sooner
If your cat has been doing it in the morning and it seems like it has been doing it due to wanting food, it could also help to feed it earlier than you currently have been.
Avoid intimidating it
If it seems like your cat has been running away due to getting intimidated, it would also help to limit reasons why it might be intimidated. Ways to do so would include being quiet around it, petting it gently and not making aggressive movements.
Let it do it
If it seems like your cat is just doing it because it is playing and naturally full of energy, the easiest thing to do would be to let your cat continue doing it and to give it some toys to play with as well.