Why your old cat won't stop yowling and what you can do about it

Your senior cat used to be the quiet type. Now? They’re suddenly yowling at 2 AM like they’ve seen a ghost. Or worse, like they are the ghost. If you’ve found yourself Googling “why is my old cat screaming at night,” you’re not alone. Here’s the good news: there’s always a reason behind the noise. And once you figure out what your cat’s trying to tell you, it gets way easier to help them (and finally get some sleep).



What’s with the cat’s yowling anyway?

Yowling isn’t just a louder meow. It’s your cat’s way of saying, “Something’s up.” It could be hunger, confusion, boredom, or just them feeling a little off. Think of it as your cat’s version of texting in all caps. As cats get older, they can become more vocal for a bunch of reasons. Sometimes it’s physical, sometimes emotional, and sometimes they just want attention, immediately and loudly.



Common reasons your senior cat is suddenly yowling


They’re confused or disorientedOlder cats can get a little forgetful. They might wake up, not recognise where they are, and start crying out. It’s kind of like when your grandpa walks into a room and forgets why, except furrier.


They’re feeling lonelySenior cats often want more company, especially if you’re busy or they’ve lost a pet sibling. They might yowl just to check if someone’s around.


They’re hungry (again)Old cats sometimes forget they just ate, or their appetite changes with age. That dramatic “feed me now” yowl? Classic.


They’re not feeling greatIf your cat’s in pain, maybe from stiff joints, tummy trouble, or just age catching up, they may cry to let you know. It’s not always easy to tell, but if the yowling feels out of the blue, it’s worth checking in with the vet.


They can’t see or hear like they used toIf your cat’s going deaf or their vision’s fading, they might get anxious, especially at night. Yowling can be their way of coping or finding their way back to you.



What you can do to help your yowling cat


Give them a check-upFirst things first, make sure there’s nothing medical going on. A quick vet visit can rule out anything serious, and your vet might suggest simple things to keep your cat more comfortable.


Light up their spaceA small nightlight can really help if they’re getting confused in the dark. It makes their space feel safer and easier to navigate, especially if their vision’s not what it used to be.


Stick to a routineFeed them at the same time every day. Play with them before bed. Keep their litter box, food, and bed in familiar places. A regular routine helps older cats feel more secure and less likely to scream into the void at midnight.


Give them some companyTry leaving the door open so they can find you, or put a cosy bed near where you work or sleep. Even a blanket that smells like you can help them chill out.


Add soft background noiseA little white noise or soft music can calm nervous cats at night. Think of it like a sleep soundtrack but for your cat.


Don’t encourage the dramaIf you rush to comfort them every time they yowl, they might do it more. Instead, wait until they’ve calmed down to give attention. It sounds tough, but it helps in the long run.



Your cat’s not being dramatic for no reason. Yowling is their way of saying something’s off, whether they’re confused, bored, lonely, or just need a little reassurance. With small changes and a little patience, you can usually get things back to normal (or at least, a quieter version of it). And hey, if you’ve got an old cat who sings the song of their people at 3 AM? You’re officially part of the club.




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