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Cats/My Cat is Howling.....

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Expert: - 11/19/2008


Question
QUESTION: Hi! I am just another cat owner.
My mum (I'm in my teens) purchased a cat many years ago and I have grown up with this cat, She is now 15 years old.
She has always been "small" and is pure tabby she is also fixed.
But I have a concern... She will just randomly howl/meow, its very long and sounds like she is going to vomit but doesn't.
She has done this for years now and nothing has ever happened. Sh has never had any health problems in her lifetime, just when she ate a african violet 13 years ago.
I just wanted to see what your proffesional advice would be on how to stop it (as its VERY loud at night) or what it means so I can comfort her or whatever I might have to do.
Thankyou!
Meghan

ANSWER: Meghan,

- When was this kitty last checked by the vet?

- Have you tried hair ball remedy?

- Bach flower remedies can alleviate anxiety, have you considered that as an option?

- Have you considered the possibility that your kitty may be showing signs of kitty Alzheimer's or decreased vision?

- Have you tried leaving a night light on so that the kitty can see her way around at night?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My cat was last checked hmm....roughly 13 years ago! I know, VEEERY long time but we have never had a problem.
Yes, we have tried hair ball remedy.
My cat has ALWAYS been active at night and running around, she can see every thing, even when her eyes are closed!
She's doing it more and more as time goes by!!
Oh!!! She does have arthritis, I don't know if that is linked in to anything...???...

Answer
Meghan,

That's a long time for a cat to go without a veterinarian having a look at them. Given that your kitty is roughly 76 years old in human terms it might help to have the vet have a look. Arthritis could certainly cause howling- it's painful and can be treated quite well by your vet prescribing pain medication for the condition. Another thought would be to add some canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to her diet, she is elderly and may be constipated which can sometimes cause odd symptoms and most cats enjoy canned pumpkin or things like lettuce, sweet potatoes, or squash. Keep in mind that your kitty is what is called an obligate carnivore, this means that she was designed to eat meat as her primary source of nutrition. Cooked veggies that have been pureed would be equivalent to the veggies in the bellies of the small vegetarians that cats often hunt on their own. I would recommend adding no more than a tablespoon of vegetable matter per day to this kitty's diet.

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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