17 year old is crying non stop

Question
We just recently returned from a week away on vacation. Our cat was being taken care of by the neighbour for a couple of hours each day. Since we've returned, she spends most of the night crying and howling. I am quite sure she wants attention during her nocturnal awake hours, but I'm starting to lose sleep, not to mention my sanity.

Any suggestions?

Answer
Sara,

your cat is approximately 84 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 there aren't any vibrations and they get scared and confused, and cry.

Pain also makes them behave like that.

Cats do 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 she 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 confusing to her too, and now she needs your love, understanding and reassurance more than ever. Don't get upset at her for getting old. Love her while you still have her. Someday you may wish she were still here meowing!

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


Tabbi