Why is my cat meowing constantly and acting strangely all of a sudden?

These sudden changes in temperament and the weight loss are commonly due to an endocrine problem called hyperthyroidism. The thyroid starts working more than normal increasing the metabolism (that is the cause of the weight loss) and causing behavioural changes similar to what you described. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. A blood test and urine analysis are needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mino. I do recommend that she sees her veterinarian if her behavior persists. Depending on when her last heat cycle was, she could be experiencing a false pregnancy. If not, there are metabolic conditions such as a thyroid disorder that can cause increased vocalizations in cats. She could also be experiencing pain somewhere. Her veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and based on these results guide you on if diagnostics or treatment are needed. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. She will need to see her veterinarian for laboratory work. Increased vocalizations and increased thirst are common signs of hyperthyroidism. This is a disease where the body makes too much thyroid hormone thereby increasing metabolism. Other signs can include weight loss, hyperactivity, increased urination as well as vomiting and/or diarrhea. If this is her diagnosis, the disease is typically managed with medication. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Princess. Increased meowing in a cat can be a sign of hyperthyroidism. This is a disease of the thyroid gland. It can also cause increased thirst and urination, hyperactivity, weight loss, and/or vomiting. It is worth having her evaluated by her veterinarian. Blood work may be recommended to test for this disease. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm so sorry to hear about Bayleigh! My very first thought is that she needs to go in for an exam and to have bloodwork done. Hyperthyroidism can cause everything you're describing and is treatable. Another medical explanation could be pain. A hurt back, etc. can make even the nicest cat an absolute nightmare. Finally, though I hate to say it, brain tumors, adrenal gland tumors, and dementia are also possible (though usually they do not come on so quickly). Long story short, take her in to your vet for a good exam and work up. Best wishes to you and Bayleigh. I hope she is back to her happy self soon!

That’s a tough one! I don’t think the vet would think you are wasting their time as it’s always beneficial to have a physical exam and I think in Stinky Pete’s case, it would be beneficial. Hyperthyroidism can cause increased activity and increased vocalizing and is common in older cats. Older cats can also get dementia which presents the same way. Lastly, older pets can be more prone to anxiety, just like older humans. The vet may test the thyroid and go from there based upon the results. Many of these cats will get sedatives at night if anxiety is suspected. You could also try a pheromone diffuser called Feliway. There is also a prescription diet called Calm which some cats respond well to. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Certainly personalities can change as cats get older, but i would recommend making sure there isn't a medical explanation for her behavior. We see conditions like hyperthyroidism (a high thyroid level) which can cause increased activity as one of its first signs. If her exam and bloodwork is all normal, it might just be a behavioral change as Princess gets older and is nothing to worry about. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.