Constant Yowling in Cats

Yowling is common in both male and female sexually mature cats who haven't been neutered or spayed. When queen cats are in heat, they often yowl through the night to alert males in the area that they are ready to mate. Tomcats are very similar—they often spend their days roaming the outdoors searching for females, all the while meowing and yowling very loudly. Tomcats do this especially when they catch the scent of a ready female nearby. The most effective way to handle this situation is by neutering and spaying cats as soon as they reach puberty. It not only stops yowling, but also helps manage the troubling cat overpopulation epidemic. Fixed cats also tend to live longer, healthier lives—you can't get cancer in parts you don't have.

It's no secret that most cats, as a general rule, abhor the whole idea of change. Whether you just moved into a new home or brought in a rescue puppy, cats often have a very difficult time adjusting to unfamiliar situations. To express their dissatisfaction, they often vocalize it—persistently. Along with yowling and meowing, cats show their anxiety over change through behaviors including urine marking and withdrawal. If a cat is yowling due to stress, relaxation techniques—everything from encouraging her to play with interactive toys to allowing her to roll around in catnip—can help minimize the vocalization.

As with humans, cat senses sometimes diminish as part of the natural aging process. For example, some elderly cats yowl persistently throughout the night because they just can't see in the dark. Disorientation is common in senior felines who have memory, vision and hearing difficulties. You can help your kitty manage these issues in a variety of ways. For example, avoid moving things around in your home a lot, whether it's a scratching post or a favorite sofa. Also, avoid picking your cat up and leaving her in a totally different spot. That's a surefire way to confuse your cat, and lead to perhaps a whole lot of yowling, meowing and heartache for all.

Cats often come across as independent, but that's simply not always the case. If your cat yowls constantly, it may be a cry for attention. She may just want to play hide-and-seek with you, or even just snuggle up in your lap as you watch your favorite evening television programs. Even just five minutes of quality time with your cat each day may help her from feeling lonely and neglected—aww.

If out of nowhere your beloved pet seems a lot more vocal than before, it could be a sign that she has a medical condition. Cats tend to hide their illnesses, but that's not always the case—and it's a good thing, too, because you can't treat a condition you don't know about. Some common health conditions that could lead to excessive vocalization include kidney failure, thyroid problems and diabetes. If you suspect that your cat may be yowling due to a health condition, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian immediately. Despite her likely initial reluctance to go to the checkup, your cat will surely thank you for it later.