Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/8/2009

Question
my 12 yr old neutered male cat has been overly friendly by cuddling then goes to the door and starts a high pitch meowing/howling thru out the night. at first it was for a short time and then would stop, but yesterday he did it all night non stop. he would come over to me rub me and go to the door and repeat behavior. this is something new he is doing, I don't know if there is a female in heat near by, I don't know what to do. Any suggestions would help..
Thanks

Answer
Julie,

Your cat is approximately 64 years old in human years. At that age cats can develop a form of kitty Alzheimers and behave in a bizarre manner. Pain from arthritis, or any number of things,
can also make a cat excessively meow. Sometimes a cat wants out because in his mind he thinks he can get away from the pain if that is his problem.

It is possible that your cat's behavior is a reaction to a female in heat in the neighborhood.
His behavior is common with a lot of neutered males. They act in a sexual manner even though they have been neutered. It usually starts about 2-3 years old (so yours is a little old for it, but you never know with cats). Some cats have a strong 'male mentality' and though they physically can't do anything they mentally can. Usually the cause for this behavior is that the neutered cat smells a female in heat somewhere in the neighborhood (even if they are inside cats) and react to it. If that is the cause when he does that don't get mad at him or scold him because it's nature and he doesn't understand what he is doing wrong. But also don't pet him because that can get him more stimulated. Try to distract him with food or toys. A pet laser light (from PetSmart, Petco, etc.) is an excellent distraction. The behavior should stop when whatever is stimulating him stops.

I would suggest finding a vet that specializes, or is knowledgeable, in geriatric cat care and their conditions. Not all vets do...which can be detrimental to an elderly cat. The cat should have an "older cat checkup". They get checked on the function of his kidneys, thyroid, liver, etc., and probably bloodwork. These checkups should be done every six months when you have a geriatric cat. If caught early, some conditions can be treated with medication, especially pain medication for arthritis, which will ease any discomfort, and extend his quality of life.

Being prepared and knowledgeable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cats and for you. I am including some very good links about elderly cats:
(Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

http://www.messybeast.com/towards-end.htm

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

This reference is for, I HOPE, a long time in the future:
If you need to put your poor kitty to sleep at some point, or lose him, here is an EXCELLENT site for emotional support, and where you can have a beautiful memorial for your cat:

http://rainbowsbridge.com/hello.htm

I hope this helps. And don't get angry and frustrated with the cat. He is probably as confused about his behavior as you are. Give him a lot of reassurance and love....he needs it now more than ever.

Tabbi