weird miaow from cat

[lizwizz]

My cat is very old (nearly 19) and he has got a great appetite, though he is getting quite thin now. He has always done these really weird kind of miaows, almost like a baby crying, but he doesn't seem to be in distress. However, he's been making this noise more often and he woke us up making this noise last night. I gave him some food and he was fine while I was there, but when I went back to bed he started again. Is it attention seeking or is he telling us he's had enough. Although he's not so agile now, he seems relatively ok for such an old cat.

[MrsJo49155]

we have had this recently with our cat who is 16 years old. On finally taking her to the vets we discovered that she has problems with her thyroid and metabolism and the loud harsh miaowing was due to the equivalent of "colic" from eating too much at one time.

Now she is on two tiny tablets each day (given to her in her favourite- cheese!) and the crying is pretty non-existent!

I dont profess to have all the answers but it might be worth a quick trip to the vets to see if its something that can be remedied quickly and easily.

Best of luck! x

[WendyS]

lizwizz, I do think you should take your car to the vet for a check-up if he is 19 and becoming very thin, because although I hate to say this, it's possible he could be suffering from cancer. (Mine was, even though he was still eating). I'm also convinced that cats suffer from a form of feline alkzeimers disease where they become temporarily confused and panic if they find themselves alone and abandoned. I've experienced this in more than one elderly cat and know exactly the kind of howl it is i.e. a really panic-stricken one. I think he's reached the age now where he's going to need close watching, both from the point of view of regular vet visits, and also lots of loving reassurance and not being left on his own more than absolutely necessary.

[smudge]

I know a WendyS - wonder if it's you?

I've asked that on another thread, but you might not get to read it.

[veritymoon]

he could be going deaf or just confused due to his age or if hes losing weight worrth taking some blood and ruling out kidney and thyroid problems.

[Elfin]

I have exactly the same thing with my cat, also 19. He has been doing it for over a year now. Last time we took him to the vets they said it can be due to a form of dementia - they get disorientated and howl for attention. He used to wake me up every night. However, he is now almost completely blind and his hearing isn't right either and I'm at the stage where I'll have to decide whether it's time for the "big sleep" soon. He still curls up in front of the fire and comes up onto the bed purring for cuddles etc. It's quite heartbreaking, but he has also lost weight and condition, despite eating ok. I don't know whether to wait for nature to take its course. I guess we should both take our cats to the vet and compare notes, eh...

[gessoo]

I was going to answer that it is definitely a sign of dementia, which is quite common in very old cats. Elfin has said all I wanted to say. It can be helped with drug treatment from the vets. Dogs suffer as well.

If your cat is eating well and seems otherwise OK then I would rule out other causes. But you must see the vet.

[smudge]

Our daughter's tabby cat Whisper is 17 years old & although she has a good appetite, is getting quite thin too. She is also drinking lots more & miaowing more than usual during the day & night. The vet has told her that it's all to do with her 'getting old' (the cat I mean, not my daughter)!

I would certainly phone your vet for advice, but expect they will ask you to take him along for a check up.

Hope all goes well for him & you.