Why Do Cats Yowl At Night

Cats, mysterious and enigmatic creatures, have fascinated humans for centuries. Their behavior, especially at night, often leaves us perplexed and curious. A particularly intriguing aspect is their tendency to yowl during the night. This article explores the various reasons behind this behavior, offering insights into the feline mind.

Cats Yowling vs. Meowing

Meowing is a sound that cats often use to communicate with humans. It's less common for cats to meow at each other, and yowling, which is a longer, more drawn-out moan, is a sound cats often use to communicate with each other.

Meows tend to be shorter in duration and can vary in tone, volume, and pitch. They are usually not overly loud. Yowling is usually much louder and more intense than meowing. It's a prolonged moan that can sound almost like crying.

How Can I Differentiate Between Normal and Excessive Yowling?

Occasional yowling, such as in response to a specific stimulus (like seeing another cat outside) or during mating season for unspayed/unneutered cats, is normal. 

If you notice that your cat is yowling constantly or for extended periods without any clear reason, this behavior might be considered excessive. It's important to closely observe your cat for any additional changes that accompany this persistent yowling. Key indicators to watch for include alterations in their eating or sleeping patterns, any signs of increased aggression, or a tendency to withdraw from interaction. Additionally, physical signs such as limping, changes in appetite, variations in grooming habits, or differences in litter box usage can be significant. These symptoms are particularly crucial to monitor in older cats, as excessive yowling in them could be a signal of more serious health issues such as cognitive dysfunction, hearing loss, or other medical conditions. In such cases, consulting with a veterinarian is advisable to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why Do Cats Yowl At Night?

Cats yowling at night can be attributed to various reasons, each linked to their natural instincts, physiological needs, or health issues. Here are some common causes:

1. Hunger

Just like humans, cats can get hungry at night. If their last meal was early in the evening, they might yowl to indicate they're hungry. Yowling due to hunger at night can be especially prevalent in cats that have a strict feeding schedule or those that are used to having access to food at all times (free feeding) and suddenly find themselves without food for a longer duration. To mitigate this, cat owners might consider adjusting the feeding schedule to include a small meal later in the evening, or using an automatic feeder that dispenses a small amount of food during the night.

2. Seeking Attention

Cats often seek attention from their owners, especially if they are used to being active or receiving affection at night. Don't respond to nighttime yowling if it's purely for attention, as this can reinforce the behavior. Instead, respond to them during quiet moments.

3. Boredom

Indeed, boredom can be a significant factor in why cats yowl at night. Cats are naturally curious and playful animals, and they require an adequate amount of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. When they don't receive enough stimulation, they can become restless, especially at night. This nocturnal restlessness is due to their natural predatory instincts; cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk.

4. Mating Call

An unspayed or unneutered cat may yowl as part of mating behavior. This is particularly common during the breeding season. However, it can be troublesome, especially in residential areas due to the loud and persistent nature of the sound. Spaying or neutering your cat is the most effective way to eliminate this behavior if it's problematic, and it also has the benefit of contributing to the control of the pet population and reducing health risks associated with reproductive systems.

5. A Stressed Cat

Cats that are experiencing stress often become more vocal. A new pet or baby, a move or changes to the home, an illness or the loss of a loved one can turn your cat into a talker. Try to discover what is stressing your pet and help them adjust to the change. If that’s not possible, give your cat extra attention to help soothe them.

How Long Will My Cat Yowl in Heat?

The estrus cycle in cats, during which they exhibit behaviors such as yowling, typically lasts about a week — roughly 7 to 10 days. However, this can vary between individual cats.

If a cat does not mate, she will often go out of heat for a short period and then return to estrus. This cycle can repeat itself every few weeks, especially during the breeding season, which is typically in the spring and summer months.

Can Night Yowling Be a Sign of a Medical Problem?

Night yowling can sometimes be an indicator of underlying health issues. It's essential to discern when this behavior signifies something more than just a nocturnal habit, especially in older cats, where it can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction or sensory decline.

Thyroid Issues

Hyperthyroidism, a common ailment in older cats, is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms include increased appetite, weight loss, and changes in behavior, such as increased vocalization or yowling, especially at night.

Kidney Issues

Chronic kidney disease is prevalent in older cats. Alongside symptoms like increased thirst and urination, decreased appetite, and weight loss, affected cats may yowl due to discomfort or other associated complications.

Arthritis

As cats age, they can develop arthritis, which causes joint pain and discomfort. This pain can be more noticeable during the night, leading to yowling or other vocal expressions of discomfort.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)

This syndrome specifically refers to the decline in cognitive function seen in many aging cats. Symptoms include disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, and increased vocalization, including yowling. Cats with CDS may become more vocal as they lose their sense of time and become disoriented, especially at night.

How to Stop Elderly Cat from Yowling?

The first step should always be to consult with a veterinarian to rule out or treat any underlying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, arthritis, or cognitive dysfunction.
For cats with cognitive dysfunction, a night light can help minimize disorientation during the night.

For older cats with arthritis or hyperthyroidism.
Your vet may prescribe pain relief medications specifically designed for cats, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It's important to never give human pain medications as they can be toxic to cats.
Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can be beneficial for joint health.

	Chondroitin Joint Supplements are vet-recommended to help provide maximum support to your dog's joints, mobility, and flexibility.
	Meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is the active ingredient in our tablets. It effectively targets pain and inflammation, providing rapid relief that can last for 3-5 days, allowing your pets to move and play comfortably.

Medications like methimazole can control the production of thyroid hormone.

What to Do When Your Cat is Yowling?

If the yowling is new, sudden, or seems to be associated with discomfort or other symptoms, a visit to the vet is crucial to rule out medical issues like pain, hyperthyroidism, or cognitive dysfunction.

Meet Basic Needs

• Food and Water: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water and is on a regular feeding schedule.
• Litter Box: Keep the litter box clean and easily accessible.

Environmental Enrichment

• Toys and Play: Provide toys and playtime to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated.
• Safe Spaces: Create comfortable, safe areas for your cat to retreat to.

Attention and Interaction

• Comforting Presence: Spend time with your cat, offering gentle petting or just being nearby.
• Responsive Interaction: Talk to your cat in a soothing voice; however, avoid inadvertently reinforcing the yowling by giving attention only when it occurs.

Spaying or Neutering

• Mating Behavior: If your cat is not spayed or neutered and the yowling seems related to mating behavior, consider having them spayed or neutered.

Addressing Night Yowling

• Evening Play: Engage your cat in play before bedtime to tire them out.
• Night Light: A night light can help older cats with vision problems or cognitive issues.

Go to the Vet if You’re Concerned About Cat Yowling

Seeking veterinary advice is crucial if your cat's yowling is affecting its quality of life, or if it's becoming a significant disruption for you and your family. 

Conclusion

Cats yowl at night for various reasons, from evolutionary habits to health issues. Understanding these reasons can help cat owners address the root cause and potentially reduce these nighttime concerts. It's a delicate balance of meeting their natural instincts and providing a comfortable and enriching environment. As mysterious as their nocturnal serenades may seem, they are just another facet of the complex and fascinating nature of our feline friends.