You're not alone if you've ever been startled awake by a sound that sounded like a baby wailing and discovered that your cat was the cause. Many people who own pets or simply live close to stray cats have pondered why cats occasionally scream in such eerie, infantile ways. It can be puzzling and worrisome. While this behaviour is unusual, it usually has a reason.
Whether it's a stray in your neighbourhood or your own cat, I’ll explain why do cats cry like babies in this blog and how to react.

Why do cats cry at night?

Cats are smart: Cats are intelligent. Over centuries of domestication, they've learnt that particular noises stimulate responses from people. The baby-cry? That's one of them.
Pet cats may be attempting to wake you up, requesting food, or simply demanding to be cuddled, but stray cats may meow to communicate with humans they encounter on a daily basis, looking for food or assistance.
Sounds like: A lengthy, loud meow that is nearly whining, usually in the early morning or at night.

Unspayed/Unneutered Cats: In order to attract a mate, female cats frequently cry out loud, practically sobbing, while they are in heat. Male cats may respond by yowling as well. Your indoor cat may scream during mating season if they haven't been spayed or neutered. While street cats frequently make mating cries, especially at night.
Sound like: Intense, repetitive, and drawn-out cries.
Solution: Spay or neuter your cat to prevent this behavior and reduce stray overpopulation.

They’re hungry or thirsty: If a cat is hungry, especially if they are used to receiving their meals at specific times, they will wail like babies. This is among the most frequent causes of vocalisations used to attract attention. Loud meows in the house kitty may be triggered by abrupt changes in feeding schedule or nutrition.
Outdoor starving cats, particularly kittens, may cry out to attract humans for food.
Sound like: Repeated meows or cries of desperation close to doorways, food bowls, or kitchens.
Solution: Adhere to a regular eating schedule. Make fresh water available. Try leaving tiny amounts of food in secure areas for strays.

Unwell or in pain? Cats do not always express physical pain, although they may vocalise it. A cat may be crowing excessively and sounding distressed for one of the following reasons:
- Injury
- Dental issues
- Urinary tract problems.
- Digestive discomfort
Sound like: Anguished, irregular sobbing, frequently coupled with fatigue or hiding behaviour. 
Solution: See a veterinarian right away if your companion is sobbing strangely. If a stray cat's weeping doesn't stop, call a nearby animal care organisation or a veterinarian clinic.

Lonely or Anxious: Meowing can be a sign of boredom or loneliness in cats, especially those that are left alone for extended periods of time. This behaviour is particularly typical in single-cat households or following a shift, such as moving or losing a partner. Sounds like: sad, whiny sobs, occasionally accompanied by scratching or pacing. The answer is:
- Spend time with your feline companion.
- To keep them interested, use interactive feeders or pet toys.
- If your cat is really social, consider getting another pet.

They are confused: Senior cats may get feline memory loss, which is comparable to human dementia. They can get confused, cry at night, or seem nervous.  They sound like confused, low-pitched yowls, particularly at night.
Talk to your veterinarian as a solution. To lessen anxiety, they might advise dietary adjustments, medicine, or nightlights.

What about stray cats crying outside at night?
Perhaps you've heard stray cats outside your window screaming like infants and have been unsure of what to do.
Here's what it might mean:
-  Mating behaviour (most prevalent)
-  Hunger
-  A lost kitten calling its mum
-  Disease or injury

What can you do?
- Keep food or water away from the main entrance to prevent crowds.
- If the crying is distressing or the cat appears to be sick, contact a local animal NGO.
- Encourage TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) initiatives to help control the overabundance of stray animals.

Conclusion
Cats use baby-like crying as a means to communicate with you when something is amiss or when they just need to be cared for. Knowing these sounds enables you to respond with kindness and care, whether you're a cat parent or someone who wants to aid the local strays.

If the meowing continues for several days or sounds unusual, see a veterinarian or animal expert. After all, every meow has a message, and behind every baby-like cry is a creature simply begging to be heard.

Disclaimer - The information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only and the readers may use or apply the same at their will. We believe in the uniqueness of every pet and its parent. Therefore, not every piece of information and idea presented here may be suited to all.