excessive meowing

Question
Hello Tabbi,
I have a 21 year old female named Pookia.  I have been her owner for 21 years.  But lately she meowing all the time at night. it does seem what I do to comfort her.  she meows
thanks
Michielle

Answer
Michielle,

Congratulations, your cat is 100 years old in human years!

More than likely she has gone deaf and possibly blind. When that happens they rely on vibrations to tell them where their people are. When no one is awake at night there aren't any vibrations and the cat gets scared and confused. Pain also makes them behave like that. At her age, you can expect age-related problems to arise and you need to be reassuring to her and love her while you can.

Cats also can get a form of 'kitty Alzheimer's' and can behave in a bizarre manner.

I would suggest taking her to a vet that specializes in geriatric cat care and conditions....not all vets do. And it's especially important at her age that she goes to a vet that knows what he is doing. She should have an "older cat checkup" to check the function of her thyroid, kidneys, and liver, and be checked for arthritis and/or pain. If she has any pain she can be given medication to make her comfortable thereby improving her quality of life.

If it were me, I would keep her locked in the bedroom with you at night. Her behavior and how she feels is probably as confusing to her as it is to you. Now she needs your patience and understanding more than ever.

Being prepared and knowledgeable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cat and for you. I am including some very good links about elderly cats.
(Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar:

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

http://www.messybeast.com/towards-end.htm

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

Now, about the only thing you can do for her at her age is make her as comfortable as you can.

Tabbi