My geriatric cat is doing something strange, or is it normal for his age?

Question

His name is Max, and he goes into the kitchen and faces a corner and meows. He then looks like he is confused and he will get on a kitchen chair and go to sleep. He recently had a check up, and he is in good health for his age, so I don't think it is illness, any suggestions?

Max is 14 years old.

Answer 1

My tuxedo female was 19 when I had to have her put to sleep. She was very healthy most of her life but as she aged she exhibited the strange behaviour you're talking about. The vet told me that she just had little moments of memory loss. She would sometime do this crying in the middle of the night, scaring me half to death but she acted like everything was OK. Its like they forget where they are for the moment and then just bawl. Mine also went deaf and so I was always careful to face her when I was about to pet or groom her.
I think your Max is just getting his bearings, staring at the corner in the kitchen and then as if a light goes on in his head he thinks" Oh yeah, I'm here and there's the chair, I'll go to sleep (Which is what he probably spends most of his time doing) Bless his little heart - glad he's got a concerned owner. I believe its just old age and forgetfulness.

Answer 2

I have a 22 yr old cat who has gone stone deaf in the last 6 months or so. And she will do just what you describe. It distresses me as I feel she might be in pain. And she is truly a very happy cat, eating well and still quite active though her arthritis is severe.

So maybe she can feel the vibrations when she meows so loudly and it is reassuring to her in her totally silent world. You can run the vacuum right around her and she doesn't respond at all.

Answer 3

There may be something behind the wall you aren't aware of but that he can smell. Animals supposedly see spirits in corners too. I would tend to think either there is something there or hes having vision problems. Get a glass and listen to the wall the next time he does it, there might be a mouse.

Answer 4

Your kitty *could* be experiencing early symptoms of dementia. Sadly, it does happen to our little friends too. On another (and hopefully more positive) note... we once had a kitty that seemed to enjoy the way his meow sounded in a certain corner of our house. We thought it was the wierdest thing until we got down on the floor and listened to him... he was right!

Answer 5

and how old is max,my cat did this when he was a bit older than max he was just a bit senile,watch he doesnt go outside and get lost,but otherwise he will be ok,my cats always go on the chairs and go to sleep,is his eyesight ok.

Answer 6

i dont think its anything to worry about,my cat will go into the kitchen and meow at the door or a corner ,behind the tv he does it for attention,when i call his name he will just meow until i smooth him.

Answer 7

Getting in the corner crying sounds like blindness. I knew a dog that did that. Maybe he's having trouble with his eyesight.

Answer 8

My kittie died at 17, and she never did anything like that. If he just had a check up and physically he is okay, then I would just watch him, see if this progresses, or maybe just a one-time thing? You might want to call your vet for peace of mind.

Answer 9

My cat does that too. I think there may be an echo something, because he does it, but my female doesn't. He also does it at the oven door, the fridge door......He is a little kooky, but I will keep him anyway.

Answer 10

My mums cat use to do things like that she lived to be 19. She use to think she wanted to go out but then didnt. Turned out to be cystitis.