Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/cries in her sleep

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/26/2009


Question
In the last year, my beloved Ms.Kittie has developed a strange new quirk. She will be asleep, yet cry out(the same cry as when she is looking for me). Is this just cat dreams, or should i be concerned?

Answer
Jamie,

There is no way on the internet to know for sure. If you can afford it it you may want to have a vet check the cat. It could be kitty dreams but, more importantly, crying can signify pain. You don't say how old the cat is, but if she is an elderly cat it may be an age related issue.

I am NOT suggesting that your cat is not healthy, or that something may be wrong with her, but if your Ms. Kittie is an older cat, being prepared and knowledgable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cat and for you. I am including some very good links about elderly cats for present and future reference:
(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

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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