Pet Monologues

In non-neutered and non-spayed younger cats howling is part of the mating ritual. Older cats, may begin howling for no apparent reason. Howling may indicate pain or discomfort.

Your best plan is to examine your cat with exploratory firm petting to see if there are obviously areas of soreness. Or have a vet take a look.

If your female has not been spayed, then have her spayed as soon as possible. A complete blood panel will be very helpful. If she is healthy spayed, then try to determine when she howls and what it is associated with. A new cat in the neighborhood may be the cause. If you keep in mind feline howling is derived from long distance communication, you may be able to determine the cause.

Older cats often become talkative, spending less time physically active and more time expressing their opinions. Some are seeking reassurance, but others take a chatty interest in your activities. Not only do they enjoy your company, they tell you how much they enjoy it!

Some of the increased vocalisation (especially increased volume or howling) is due to deafness - the cat literally can’t hear himself speak. If your cat’s eye sight is going, the cat may have a need to be more vocal.

Extremely old cats may become forgetful, suffering "senior moments", staying outdoors in bad weather or wandering and becoming lost. These are signs of senility though the cat may enjoy several more months of reasonable health if senile behaviour can be managed.

Cats which wander and become lost should be confined indoors for their own safety. If you have an escape-proof garden they can venture out in good weather or they may go out on a harness and lead.

A senile cat which house-soils should have a veterinary check-ups to determine whether this us a physical problem or senility. Providing several litter trays around the house may help for a while, but when age-related problems become too acute you must review the cat’s quality of life and consider euthanasia.