What's up with my crying cat?

Question

I have two 7 month kittens I had since they were babies, one male and one female. I recently go the male fixed about one month ago, and ever since then...he's just mean. He will let me rub his head, and whenever I try to go anywhere else he runs away, and he seems irritated whenever his sister comes around, tryin to fight her and whatnot. He's constantly making these loud meows and these crying sounds that sound like whining. I give him snacks and play with him and his toys, but soon when I stop hes back to wandering the house and whining. His sister is an angel, she lays with me, loves to be picked up and touched, but he's just so mean!

What his deal? How can I get him to be more loving? He's not sick, he loves to eat, and plays most of the day, and sleeps good at night. Whats causing this whining, cause its driving me nuts!

BTW my cat is a mixed breed, and strictly indoor. We live in an apartment, and I'm sure he'd like to get out more often, but theres no way to keep them enclosed. I open the windows and let them play on the ledge inside, to enjoy the breezes and sounds from outside too.

Answer 1

Maybe it hurts gettin fixed. My male cat really went thru about the same thing, and it took awhile for him to become more normal and loving, when he did get over the pain or whatever, he got really lazy and got fat.

Answer 2

Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats "talk" more than others, but most cats do make noise some of the time. We're all familiar with the meaning of hissing and growling, but there are also many other sounds that your cat is capable of, and a variety of reasons for vocalizing. If your cat is hissing or growling, please see our handout: "Understanding Cat Aggression Towards People."

Medical Reasons
If your cat's behavior changes suddenly, the first thing you should do is take her to your veterinarian for a thorough health examination. Cats often hide symptoms of illness until they're seriously ill. Any change in behavior may be an early indication of a medical problem. A new vocalizing behavior, in particular, may indicate physical discomfort stemming from an urgent need for medical attention.

Breed Tendency
Oriental breeds, such as the Siamese, are known to be very vocal. If your cat has a pointed face and a long, lean body, chances are she has some oriental heritage, so "talking" may be a part of her character. Avoid giving her any attention when she is vocal because this will only encourage the vocal behavior. Instead, give her attention when she is quiet.

Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some cats "talk" because they know they'll get a reaction. People may talk back, feed her, yell at her, pick her up and lock her in another room, or pick her up and soothe her. All of these responses will encourage an attention-seeking cat. To discourage this behavior, simply ignore your cat when she does this, and when she is quiet, pour on the love, feed her or give her some treats. This will teach your cat which behaviors you would like her to continue.

Your Cat Wants To Go Outside
If your cat was previously an outdoor cat and you plan to keep her inside, then good for you! Following are some suggestions to help make the transition easier on both of you.

Spay or Neuter: Spaying or neutering will rid your cat of those hormonal urges to go out and seek a mate. This will result in a calmer, friendlier cat.
Play Schedule: Schedule play times during the times your cat would normally be outside. This will distract her from her normal routine and establish another, safer routine.
Window Seat: Be sure your cat has a view of the outdoors and a sunny place to lie. Cats like to watch birds, so putting a bird feeder outside this window is likely to make it a favorite spot for your cat.
Scavenger Hunt: Give your cat a game to play by hiding bits of dry food around the house. Hide the food in paper bags, boxes and behind open doors. This will give her exercise and keep her busy so she doesn't think of going outside. This is especially good to do right before the family leaves the house for the day.
Attention: Try to give your cat extra love and attention during this difficult transition.
Aversives: If your cat still won't give up meowing by the door, try an aversive. Leave strong citrus scents by the door or hide behind a wall and shake a pop can filled with coins to interrupt the behavior. When she is quiet, walk out and give her a food treat and encourage her to play or cuddle.
Grief
Sometimes after the death or departure of a person or animal in your cat's life, she will vocalize to express her grief. This can be a normal part of the grieving process. The best thing you can do for her is keep her schedule the same (or as close as possible) and spend some extra cuddle and playtime with her. With time, this problem should take care of itself.

Transition
If your cat is new to your home or has just gone through a change (move, new person/animal in the household, person moved out)and has just started her talkative behavior, be patient. This may be happening due to the transition and will stop on its own if the behavior is not encouraged. Remember, even scolding can be perceived by your cat as attention, and thus encourage the behavior.

Answer 3

They say to wait 6 months to get your cat neutered, but sometimes 6 months is too long, depending on how quickly your male cat matured. It sounds like he is having issues about his sexuality, and crying is his way of voicing frustration---part of him wants to do the natural boy-cat act, while the physical part of him makes him NOT want to ... he is just confused right now. You might notice him spraying still---this still happens, so if you notice a funky odor, that is him, spreading his man-scent about your apartment... With cats, you have to remember that they have personalities of their own---most likely, he is still a little traumatized from his operation...you violated his trust, and he is letting you re-establish it by allowing you to pet his head. He will let you know how much attention he requires. He is also a little jealous, and there is nothing you can do about that. Finally, if you don't have the female spayed, she will go into heat and cry and cry and cry, like you cannot imagine. She will rub up on him and he will likely fight her off. You are torturing them both if you do not get her spayed. It is possible that she is already emitting some female sex-hormone scent that drives him further into insanity right now--she is getting close to "that age."

Answer 4

Sometimes traumatic things, like a major surgery, can alter a pet's behavior. You may have to work a long time to get him to come around again.

Additionally, the particular surgery he had changed the hormone balance in your cat. Hormones definitely influence mood and behavior. Think about how hormones affect humans!

To be on the safe side, make sure that post-surgery pain isn't affecting his mood. Schedule a follow up appointment with your vet.

Answer 5

He may still be feeling the effects of having his hormones altered. It can take a while to get it out of his system. Sounds like he's howling for a girlfriend. He's been recently neutered, and his hormones are probably out of whack. Give him some more time and see what he does. As long as he's eating and drinking and cleaning himself (sick cats usually won't clean themselves), I'd jsut let him learn to cope with the loss of his manhood the best he can. Good luck!

Answer 6

Just a hunch but maybe your cat is deaf. Mine cries if he can't physically see me in the room. He is also very playful and active. Maybe a little too much. He is constantly starting fights with my other cat. Try letting your cat smell your hand before you rub his head. He may just be getting startled. Wait till he's asleep and start screaming to see if he really does have a hearing problem.

Answer 7

welcome to the wonderful world of cats.....!!! There are only two things i can come up with, I have had only one black cat ever, the one I have now and she is nuts......she goes through these mood swings, is really cranked out and just goes nuts and she is 12.......I have no idea what it is but I know other people with black cats that say the same......the other thing is spring fever.....they get it too....i have one with both afflictions right now....(we live in the north east) and she does go out but won't get her feet wet so she just acts insane sitting by the door and if you open it she just sits there and cries.....if you can take this much time, see if it is worse near the full of the moon, not kidding, ours is......shes a mess right now....good luck!! Or, last choice, he might be really pissed you got him fixed!!!!

Answer 8

He's just doing what he's supposed to do.. he's looking for a mate.

He's upset, and coping a little bit of a 'tude with you.. he will get over the mean.. after he gets over everything else.. the trauma, the confusion of his body still saying it wants....well ya know..


have you tried crying back at him?

when you do, attempt to sound just like him.. he should come running..

another thing you can try is catnip.. just put a big ol handful on the ground and let them go crazy.. ..after he gets his kitty buzz on.. he should be nice and mellow :)

Answer 9

The same thinh happen to my female cat before i got her spayed she loved me and was very friendly, after she just keeps to herself and only shows affection when i am on the toilet---i know thats weird----or when she is hungray. she is just a weirdo now. but i had to do it b/c there are to many kitties without a home.

Answer 10

Could be a physical problem ...like urinary blockage or something? Maybe he doesn't feel good?? Make sure he is urinating, if not get him to the vet right away...