Strange Meows

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2003
Strange Meows
8
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 8:08am
Hi! I have two cats, Brina and Bailey from the same litter, they are 3. While they have always been very vocal, mewing for any little reason, since we have moved to our new apartment about 4 months ago, Bailey (the male) has started a strange howling meow. At first he was doing this at night, for the first few nights we were in our new place and I figured it was because he was confused and in distress. The vet confirmed this when he continued to do this for several weeks. She told me he would most likely stop and I could get back to my normal sleep through the night (It was terrible). He did stop this behavior after a few weeks and everything had been going great. Last week I began taking night classes online and when I am at home I am normally on the computer (not watching tv or cleaning as I used to be) but still make sure I pet them and play with them every night. For some reason Bailey keeps using this howling meow sometimes, especially if I am in another room and he is entering the room. I also changed the type of litter box they use last week, from a plain litter box to one with a cover on it. Could he just be stressed out and will this go away? Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-01-2003
In reply to: kmbbb27
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 9:17am
Is there another cat near by that he can hear or smell. Sometimes that will do it>

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: kmbbb27
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 9:43am

Hi Kmbbb27.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2003
In reply to: kmbbb27
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 12:55pm
Thanks for your advice. I dont think it is the other cat idea, as there is one cat living in the apartment upstairs from us, but she has been there all along and he never had this problem before. He is fixed too, and I know that the cat upstairs is as well. As for the litter box, I started using it on Sunday and watched both cats using it. Also when I cleaned it today there was nothing unusual about it or the area where it is in, do you think it could just be the change? I had to get a litter box with a cover, as the cats think their old litterbox is now a sandbox (started this about 6 or 7 months ago, and litter was everywhere! All over the basement floor, stairs and into our kitchen. Could he just be lonely since we dont have our normal evening cuddling time as often ?
Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: kmbbb27
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 3:28pm

I could be either the new litter box or not having his cuddle time.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2003
In reply to: kmbbb27
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 6:26pm
Is it possible that he is still adjusting to his new surroundings? Is it dark when he's making this yowl? I trust he's been fixed, because the vet would have said something. Did the vet take any urine or blood samples? It sounds very much like Cystitis (I'm sorry about the spelling) Male cats get that sometimes. it's a blockage in the urinary tract
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-15-2003
In reply to: kmbbb27
Wed, 09-08-2004 - 6:32am
I moved into a new apartment a couple of weeks ago and noticed an increased in vocalizations. So I definitely feel that can be a factor. Kittys vary on the time it takes for them to adjust to new surroundings, it can take months. I tried a couple of things that have quieted her down.

First, I had something familiar that she absolutely loved set up once again. I know this will sound crazy, but my little kitty absolutely loved it at xmas time when I put up a tree. So I put the tree up in the new place and she goes right under the tree for her nap time. Strange, but it works. Is there something that you have that can remind your cat of the old environment like a cat condo? Trying to duplicate the old environment in some way can be comforting. If you can't think of anything, you might try getting a kitty condo where she has a fun a secure hiding place.

The second thing I do is talk. When I go in a different room than she is in for any length of time, she still gets a bit insecure. So I simply call out, "I'm over here kitty." I follow this up with some soothing tones and she quiets down and goes back to what she was previously doing.

On the covered litter box. I don't know if this could be an issue, it might be because it's another change. I too bought a covered litter box for similiar reasons. I don't think she was too thrilled about it so I read a little about the subject. One thing is that a covered box is great in keeping the smell in. But the kitty is inside the box and they get to experience the unpleasant smell in a hot, uncomfortable environment. Also, cats like to feel safe where they eliminate and a covered box prevents them from seeing everything. Which makes them feel insecure. I agree with a prior posting, try a higher sided litter box if scattered litter is your concern. By the way, I threw the top of the litter box out and I think it makes her happier.

Good luck!


John

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: kmbbb27
Wed, 09-08-2004 - 11:45am

Great suggestions John.


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Avatar for javaaddict
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: kmbbb27
Wed, 09-08-2004 - 10:54pm
I can totally agree that cats are used to "routines." On Labor Day I went down to the parade to help my friend out with John Kerry stuff well I left early in the morning and Little Boy was not happy. My mother who was home was saying he was sitting by the door crying wondering where I went. He also does this when I am out late at night too.


I recently got rid of my big computer desk and replaced it with 2 serving tables so I am not piling junk up on it anymore and he also cannot jump up there now. So he jumps on my chair.

I am not to worried about him meowing in other rooms since he follows me everywhere. If he is in another room at the time he is meowing strangly. I will reply with "yes my love" or "where's my boy?" He usually comes to those.

Other times he is meowing very strange I will ask him what his crisis is.

I know it sounds kind of cheesy. But these things work for him at least.