They often become anxious if new people or pets join the family or if the existing family moves into a new home. through a window and considers them trespassers. Expect some singing if your cat sees birds, squirrels, mail carriers, etc. Even if the intruder stays outside, they may yowl. If a stranger (animal or human) comes inside their protected perimeter, they may caterwaul. Cats are territorial and protect their turf. Males, in turn, respond with equally strange noises to let the females know they heard the mating call.ĭanger warnings. When female cats are in heat, they make strange noises to alert males in the vicinity. If your cat begins making strange noises, start with a visit to your veterinarian to rule out medical problems. Any number of ailments can precipitate caterwauling. Cats with systemic medical problems like thyroid disease or kidney malfunction (often associated with high blood pressure) may howl, too. Cats that are in pain will make noise! If their tummy hurts or they have arthritic joints, or they are injured, they vocalize.
No interpreter needed!Ĭats start caterwauling to communicate many needs and emotions including the following: Cats also speak to each other by caterwauling and the message is loud and clear in feline circles. It means, “PAY ATTENTION!!! SOMETHING IS UP!!” Most caterwauling is directed at humans so we have to decipher this cat language. But when the usual meow turns into the high-pitched, drawn out howl-yowl called caterwauling, you may need an interpreter!Ĭaterwauling is hard to describe, but you know it when you hear it! This disturbing sound is a cross between a yowl, a howl, and a whine. “Hello." “Let me in.” “Let me out.” “Give me food.” “Clean my litter box.” You know your cat and understand his normal vocabulary.