Why is my cat making a loud, howling meow? What does it mean?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My guess is that he is reaching sexual maturity at almost 6 months and he is intact. If there are intact female cats outside as well he is likely sensing them. I would consider neutering him to reduce the kitten population. If he is eating, drinking and otherwise fine then that is most likely the cause. Have a good day!

The most common reason that a male cat will howl throughout the night is that there is a female cat in heat, and he wants to get outside. From the information that you posted, you did not list Winston as being neutered. If that is the case, then neutering him may solve the problem. If Winston is already neutered, then I would recommend having your veterinarian examine him to make sure there isn't anything abnormal on examination. Sometimes we will see howling at night associated with high blood pressure in cats. And finally, if Winston was previously an outdoor cat, he may be used to being allowed to go outside and roam at night (which is certainly not safe). So, you may need to find ways to keep him occupied at night. One option may be to have him "hunt" his food at night using a product like Doc & Phoebe ( https://docandphoebe.com/ ) or a feeding ball. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Starting her heat cycle in a unspayed female cat is the most common reason for increased vocalization. Other possible causes are: she sees other cats outside (territorial), anxiety (cats outside, starting heat, changes to house hold), attention seeking, or medical issue. I would close the blinds temporarily, provide environmental enrichment (cat trees, interactive cat toys, lazer pointer, play with her) and consider spaying her. You can also consider a Vet exam to be sure it isn't a medical condition. If she is otherwise fine, I hope that is improves with time and some of the above. Have a great day!

If Toby is not neutered it could very likely be related to reaching sexual maturity and a desire to b let our to find a mate. The only behaviors that will be affected by neutering are those that are under the influence of male and female hormones. So for example, a cat's temperament, training, and personality, are related to genetics and upbringing, not hormones. Neutering does not “calm” an excitable cat, and unless a neutered animal is overfed or underexercised, there is no reason for it gain weight or become inactive. The undesired traits which are related to theae hormones such as sexual behaviours, aggression, and urine marking will change over the course of a few days to a few months. If Toby is neutered it Cooke be s the first signs of an illness. As cats will often become more vocal when in pain. Feel free to post again if Toby is neutered and you believe this is something more then an unwanted sexual behaviour.

The acute change in behavior may be a symptom of an overactive thyroid, elevated blood pressure which can occur secondary to hyperthyroidism, cardiac disease or primary neurologic disease. I would advise you to have Booboo evaluated by your veterinarian and discuss bloodwork including T4 levels, blood pressure, ECG, and urinalysis as a baseline.

I'm wondering if your cat is neutered or not. If he isn't neutered, he could be wanting to go out to mate with females, and he could be marking his territory by peeing on the wall. If he isn't neutered, I would take him into the vet to have that done. Should he be neutered, he could have an UTI causing him to urinate right where he is, and it would make him uncomfortable, causing him to meow loudly. This would also require a trip to the vet, and I would bring him into one as soon as possible.

Thank you for asking the question about Rosie. A common cause of increased vocalizing in older cats is Hyperthyroidism. A benign tumor on the thyroid gland tends to cause weight loss, increased appetite, increased Vocalization, and sometimes vomiting and or diarrhea. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.