Where Did The Phrase “The Cats Meow” Originate?

The phrase “the cat’s meow” originated in the 1920s and is attributed to American cartoonist Thomas A. Dorgan, also known as Tad Dorgan. He was known for coining many slang expressions that became popular during the Roaring Twenties, including “the cat’s pajamas,” “the bee’s knees,” and “the cat’s meow.”

“The cat’s meow” was part of a trend during that era of creating whimsical expressions using animals to describe something as excellent, stylish, or highly admirable. Much like “the bee’s knees,” it was a playful way of saying something was top-notch or trendy.

The top three reasons a cat meows are:

1. To Communicate with Humans
   Cats meow primarily to communicate with people, not other cats. They may be asking for food, attention, or to be let in or out. Each meow can vary in tone and urgency depending on what they want.

2. To Express Discomfort or Medical Issues
   A sudden increase in meowing, especially in older cats, can indicate pain, illness, or cognitive decline. Conditions like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or urinary tract issues often cause increased vocalization.

3. To Seek Attention or Affection
   Many cats meow simply because they want to interact. They may be lonely, bored, or just craving some petting or playtime, especially if they’re indoor-only cats.

Here’s a simple daily routine chart to help reduce excessive meowing, by keeping your cat mentally and physically satisfied. You can customize this based on your schedule and your cat’s habits. It’s the cats meow:

🐾 Daily Cat Routine Chart