Why is my senior cat meowing loudly? Is it illness or new dog?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A few main concerns are coming to mind for Bubbles. 1) Hyperthyroid disease- the vocalizing fits with this but usually an increase in appetite is noted. We also usually see weight loss. This can be diagnosed with a blood test that may or may not be a part of the "regular" bloodwork done. 2) Pain - a severe arthritis flare up can cause vocalizing and reluctance to move. If bloodwork comes back normal, x-rays and or a pain medication trial would be my next steps. 3) Cognitive dysfunction (senility) or other neurological problem - Though it is not as well documented in cats as in dogs, we do definitely see cats that have dementia. This usually manifests as: wakefulness/vocalizing at night, loss of litterbox training, seeming to be lost, sudden anxiety, and other signs. I have seen cats act like this with sudden blindness (a few underlying causes) because they are anxious to leave the places they know best (bed, food, litter box). Finally, brain tumors, clots in the brain (underlying heart disease) and other neurological problems may manifest similarly to this. Long story short, get a good eye exam and some bloodwork done. Then consider x-rays and/or a pain medication trial. If none of these help, discuss possible next steps with your vet. Best wishes to you and Bubbles!

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend taking Princess to a vet for an exam and blood work. It is very common for older cats to have an overactive thyroid. One of the signs of hyperthyroidism is increased meowing. Another is matted hair coat. The blood work will test for this and determine if she needs treatment. If so, the vet can discuss your options. If she is hyperthyroid and she gets medications to control this, the increased meowing will stop. Kisses to Princess!

Nighttime vocalization in older cats is often due to an underlying medical problem such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or high blood pressure. I would recommend taking Samson to the vet for an exam and lab work to check for these problems. If a problem is found, starting on appropriate treatment will often resolve the vocalization issues.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. I would recommend a trip to the veterinarian to ensure she is not suffering a medical problem causing this behavior change. A disease known as hyperthyroidism can cause increased vocalizations in a cat. It is usually accompanied an increase in thirst and urination, hyperactivity, possibly vomiting/ diarrhea and weight loss. She will likely have blood work performed to rule out this as well as other internal diseases. If she is found to be healthy, then you can discuss behavioral modifications at home. 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!

Miss Sassy may be suffering from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, or in other words, be a bit senile. This causes her to all of a sudden not knowing where she is , feeling all alone or left behind. You can leave on a radio over night or a light or both and this may help. If not , there are medications that can be given such as selegiline (Anipryl, off license for cats) which will help . Here is some good information: https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/cognitive-dysfunction You may want to discuss this with your vet.