| Cats can, and do, vocalize in a number of ways. | | | | it is important for owners to show their animal lots of |
| Howling, particularly at night, is not uncommon. | | | | affection when he, or she, is quiet. |
| Howling or loud meowing can be symptomatic of | | | | Howling Caused by Anxiety or Grief |
| anxiety, grief or medical issues. However, the breed | | | | If there has been a sudden change in your cat's life, |
| tendencies will also affect your cat's vocal habits. | | | | such as moving home or the introduction of a new |
| Particularly Vocal Breeds | | | | person or animal into the family, it can result in stress, |
| The Siamese breed, and any breeds derived from | | | | which may cause your pet to howl. Similarly, the loss |
| the Siamese, is likely to be more vocal than its fellow | | | | of a human or animal can be equally distressing to a |
| felines. Typically, this is not indicative of any | | | | cat. |
| underlying physical or emotional problem. With a noisy | | | | To help your pet to overcome anxiety or grief, it is |
| breed, owners should only be concerned if there is a | | | | important to offer him, or her, lots of positive |
| marked change in the volume or frequency of their | | | | attention. It is always beneficial to retain a routine, as |
| cats' howling. | | | | this will help to ease a cat's stress. You may also find |
| Health Problems That May Cause Howling | | | | it useful to use a cat pheromone, such as Feliway, |
| If your cat is usually quiet and suddenly begins to | | | | which has been proven to ease cats' distress. |
| display howling behaviors, a physical or psychological | | | | Boredom May Cause Howling |
| health issue is the most likely cause. Typically, cats do | | | | Boredom is a particular problem for indoor cats, as |
| not show symptoms of any illness until it is fairly | | | | they may not have many opportunities for exercise. |
| advanced. Therefore, sudden howling should prompt | | | | Cats that are kept indoors can become frustrated |
| owners to pay a visit to their veterinarians. | | | | and this can be acted out through howling behavior. |
| A vet will be able to rule out any physical condition | | | | Ways to overcome boredom include having plenty of |
| that may be causing the cat pain. A likely cause of | | | | toys and climbing apparatus, spending as much time |
| howling in older cats is renal failure or hyperthyroidism. | | | | with you cat as possible and hiding treats around the |
| Concerned owners should be vigilant for other | | | | house. It is also wise to have your cat spayed or |
| indicators of illness such as increase or decrease in | | | | neutered, as this will ease some of an indoor cat's |
| appetite and thirst. If your cat's vocal habits have | | | | frustration. |
| changed, it is imperative to eliminate any physical | | | | Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome |
| issue, before addressing the possible psychological | | | | Also known as Feline Dementia, Feline Cognitive |
| causes. | | | | Dysfunction Syndrome is found in some older cats, |
| Howling for Attention | | | | which is similar to Alzheimer's in humans. Howling is |
| You may discover that your cat's howling is brought | | | | caused by the cat's disorientation and anxiety. |
| about by a desire for attention. Many cats learn from | | | | Unfortunately, there is no cure for Cognitive |
| a young age that noise results in attention, food or | | | | Dysfunction Syndrome, but a vet may be able to |
| affection. Typically, a cat, or any other animal, that is | | | | prescribe medication for extreme cases of anxiety. |
| desperate for attention is not concerned whether it | | | | If you find that your cat is suffering from Feline |
| is of the positive or negative variety. Therefore, | | | | Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, it is wise to follow |
| shouting at, or chastising, your pet will not discourage | | | | the same tips for curing boredom. Try to ensure that |
| him, or her. | | | | your cat is as stimulated as possible during the day, |
| If you are certain that your cat's howling behavior is | | | | as this should reduce his, or her, howling at night. |
| due to attention seeking, the best way to resolve | | | | If howling is unusual in your pet, sudden vocal |
| the issue is to ignore your pet when he, or she, | | | | expression is often a sign that something is wrong. |
| howls. It will not take long before your cat learns | | | | Therefore, any case of atypical howling behavior |
| that this is not the way to obtain your attention. To | | | | should be brought to the attention of your vet as |
| reinforce the notion that noisiness is not appropriate, | | | | soon as possible. |