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My Pet World: Howling keeps cat owner from getting any rest

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on

Dear Cathy,

We have a 17-year-old indoor cat. His brother passed away five years ago, and he has been an only cat ever since. To say he is spoiled is an understatement. He likes being combed while he eats, likes sitting on our laps, and sleeping in our bed. The crying after we go to bed, however, has been going on for years and has now turned into howls and has gotten worse. He injured his paw and is being treated for carpal hyperextension and is in an orthotic brace. Now we have to keep him out of our bed to keep him from jumping down. Our sleep is obviously affected, and we are desperate for relief. — Kathy, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Dear Kathy,

Among other things, cats vocalize to express discontent, boredom, anxiety, pain, or discomfort. We can’t discount the discomfort (or irritability) he may be feeling with the brace. I recommend though, getting him checked by a veterinarian first to make sure he has not developed another health problem, since the howling is getting worse — and worsening behaviors can often signal illness.

If he’s healthy and you don’t think it’s the brace, then introduce three 10-minute play sessions a day with the last session being 30 minutes before bedtime; activities like chasing laser lights, batting cat toys, tossing catnip toys into the air, and/or solving puzzle games. Then feed him before you go to bed. With a full belly and tired body, he will be more likely to sleep afterward. (Cats should be fed at a minimum twice daily and no more than 12 hours apart, so you may have to feed him later in the morning to do this.)

If you have a yard, deck, or patio, you also could get him a cat tent and put him in the tent for about an hour or so daily, depending on the weather. Being outside is stimulating for a cat’s mind and the cat tent offers him a safe place to be.

 

Over time, these suggestions should help tire him out and reset any nighttime behaviors. Until then, get some ear plugs for you and a sound machine for your bedroom — and close the bedroom door (only if needed) — so you can get some rest.

Dear Cathy,

I read your column about cats fighting and it was very informative. We are having the same issue with our two cats who have lived together a long time and now are fighting. We have split them up for now. The older cat is almost content to be away from the younger cat. I will try the pheromone diffusers, but I am scared about the collars because of possible harm from cats hurting themselves with the collars. Is there any pheromone collar that is safer and truly breakaway? I am having trouble finding one. Thanks so much for your article. We are going to try everything you suggested. — Laurie, Las Vegas, Nevada

Dear Laurie,

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