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Question
Hello,
My cat is 18 years old and about a year ago began to howl for no apparent reason. He'll just let out a very loud series of 5 to 10 howls and then go about his business. He does this indoors and out. When he sees me he'll stop and meow once normally. I think he's lost much of his hearing. Perhaps that has something to do with it.
Thanks
Dale
Dale,
At age 18 years old, your cat is considered quite geriatric, and so, various bodily systems are beginning to weaken on him. Whenever a cat has a marked behvioral change, especially over 10 years old, the first advice is to have a vet check the cat out to see if anything is going wrong.
By howling do you just mean loud meowing or banshee types of shrieks? Is the cat neutered?
If it is just loud meowing, it could be hearing loss. On the other hand, if it is loud banshee types of shrieks, this could mean that the cat is having episodes of pain. It could be kidney stones, arthritis, or any one of another of problems older cats could have. Given that he is an older male, he could be howling when he tries to pee and is having problems peeing.
Yes, I would, most certainly get this cat to a vet immediately and have a complete physical done, including blood work.
Best regards... Norm.
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Answers by Expert:
Norman Auspitz
Expertise
I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.
Experience
I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.
Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.
Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook
Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.
Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.
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