Q. My cat meows incessantly before mealtime. How can I teach her to be more polite when she’s waiting to eat — or is this even possible?
A. Meows are an effective feline communication tool. Instead of a dinner bell, many a cat guardian is reminded that it’s mealtime by the insistent meowing of a four-legged friend. Your cat uses her voice to connect with you, and scientists have found that the mealtime cry is distinct from cries in other contexts: It is more annoying than a typical happy purr—and harder to ignore.