I have a 6 year old kitty. 10 months ago his brother and companion died unexpectedly. Our kitty is shy and neurotic and wouldn't handle another cat well. My husband and I both have full time jobs and when we come home, he just howls all night long. We invite him onto our laps and try to play with him and pet him, but he still meows ALL THE TIME like we aren't paying him enough attention. We are about to have a baby in 2 weeks and I'm scared it's going to put the cat over the edge. Does the meowing mean he's depressed or just being a cat? (he never acted like that when we had 2 cats.)
2007-09-25 07:09:20 · 8 answers · asked by ♫ Sweet Honesty ♫ 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
Animals can certainly feel very strongly about attachments - and it sounds as though youir cat may well be pining for his brother and companion.
Not exactly depression (which tends to be the ABSENCE of most feelings / feeling numb) but unhappy instead.
It might be that although it might not handle another cat well at first, once they had hissed a bit at each other, they may get on ok. Certainly I suspect the cat will handle another cat better than it will a baby - which if the baby starts to get all the atention and the cat feels left alone might end up with a jealous cat.
Not as dangerous as a jealous dog - but still a REALLY bad plan.
You could do worse than discuss this with a vet or cat specialist (local cattery etc etc)
Mark
2007-09-25 07:43:50 · answer #1 · answered by Mark T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think he sounds more lonely than depressed. Like most cats, he probably spends much of the day sleeping and is liveliest in the evening. Cats communicate with each other through scent and body language, and because we don't understand this language, they learn that being vocal is a successful way of getting our attention.
I would usually suggest that you adopt another cat as a companion for him. If the introductions are made carefully and slowly, two cats can learn to get along with each other, even if they don't ever become best friends. However, this process can take anywhere from a week to a month, dependent upon the cats' personalities and as your baby is due in 2 weeks time, I think it's a decision best deferred till later. With a new baby on your hands, you won't have the spare time or energy to devote to supervising cat introductions or refereeing any initial fights between them.
There are bound to be lots of changes taking place around the home in readiness for your baby's arrival. Cats are creatures of habit and can find changes, however minor, very unsettling. He may be feeling very insecure at the moment (especially as his brother died) and is crying out for attention because he needs reassurance from you.
When your baby arrives there will be lots of new sounds and smells for your cat to cope with which may also make him nervous. I don't know what steps you may have taken to prepare him for the arrival of your baby, but the web articles below offer really good advice on how to do this.
http://www.messybeast.com/cat_baby.htm
http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/FILES/literature/Your_cat_and_your_baby_leaflet.pdf
Once you have established a routine with your baby, and have a little free time, should you decide to adopt a friend for your cat, the web articles below offer lots of information and advice on how best to do this.
http://www.tulsa-animalshelter.org/tips/intro%20cat.htm
http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm
Hope all goes well with your baby and cat. Good luck.
2007-09-25 07:57:55 · answer #2 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats don't have great memory, but they may remember a traumatic time in their lives that may be affecting your cat emotionally. Your cat might just be remembering the death of his brother since it was so recently. My cat was abandoned by his mother at a very young age, and when I got him he was always howling at the window, and he still does this and he is eight yrs. now!
It might be stressful for him, having a new baby might put pressure on him outside and emotionally. Either he might stop this when he is finished grieving, or it could traumatize him for the rest of his life, but you shouldn't give up on him.
2007-09-25 08:52:39 · answer #3 · answered by Bigturk101 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may in fact miss his/her companion and be calling out to him/her. I too have a cat who lost his litter mate brother unexpectedly. I'd suggest that you get another cat as a companion. Find a gentle younger cat. Most cats are by nature subordinate to elder cats in their pride or social group. Don't worry about your cat's perceived neuroses. Cat's are social animals and indoor cats usually do much better with companions.
2007-09-25 07:18:24 · answer #4 · answered by opinionator 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It does sound like he is depressed. I would try to get another cat. This may change his mood. He may seem like he couldnt handle another cat, but you never know until you try. I would also call the vet and ask there advise. It doesnt cost anything to call. The poor kitty :(
2007-09-25 07:15:11 · answer #5 · answered by pinky6655 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Night howling is believed to happen for two
reasons.
1. Older cats who get senile and get confused.
2. Lonely cats.
It might be worthwhile trying to introduce a well mannered
cat to give it some companionship.
2007-09-25 07:13:14 · answer #6 · answered by bark 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think he is lonely and depressed. He's probably looking for his brother. Are you sure you couldn't get him a companion? You may be surprised.
2007-09-25 07:13:16 · answer #7 · answered by *Cara* 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I beleive your cat is sad, and depressed, and the extra stress of a baby will overwhelm him.
May i suggest euthaniseing as the best possible option.
2007-09-25 07:13:10 · answer #8 · answered by Kevin K 2 · 1⤊ 5⤋