why does my cat start howling all night as soon as the lights go out it just started and he is three years old

Question

its almost like hes scared of the dark.. or something.. is it an attention thing or what??? it goes on all night. he is neutered and has never been outside.... ...

Answer 1

He's probably letting you know that he is afraid of the dark and of being left alone. Leave a night light on and cuddle him before going to bed. Or take him into your room until he settles down and once he calms down he will go prowling and find his own sleeping place.

Answer 2

My experience is that even though he is neutered, he still may have that urge. If there is a female cat in heat near you, he may be able to tell. Male cats smell the scent for a long way. It is spring time and is a time when many males feel the need to "go cattin' around", and they usually do this at night. I had a male cat that was neutered and he would do the same thing for a couple of weeks in the spring. I have two neutered males now that don't...go figure. Anyway, I wouldn't do anything that encourages his howling. Good luck to ya. A howling cat can sometimes be unnerving.

Answer 3

Maybe he is a little scared of the dark- though that's the first time I've heard of cats actually being afraid of the dark. Have you tried letting him come in the room with you?

If it's an attention thing- and yes, some cats will do things just for attention- you could try crating him at night. Or at least closing him in a room with his litter box.

Answer 4

Hmm, I have a female cat that is neutered and a male cat that isn't. It's a sad needy cry? My cats do it all the time, I just cuddle them. Maybe you should try keeping a small light on to see if that's what is bothering him.

Answer 5

yeah, he may be scared of the dark- maybe put a night light out for him

Answer 6

mabye since he never been outside he is afraid when he sees it especilly in the dark.