It is 3 a.m. and your cat, who used to sleep quietly at the foot of the bed, is wandering the hallway and yowling. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Nighttime vocalizing and confusion are commonly reported in older cats, and they can be exhausting for everyone in the house.
These changes have many possible causes, and some of them are very treatable. This article offers general information. The first step is always a visit to your veterinarian.
Possible Medical Causes
Behavior changes in senior cats are often linked to physical health. Conditions veterinarians may consider include:
- Overactive thyroid, which is common in older cats and can cause restlessness, increased appetite and weight loss
- High blood pressure, which may affect the eyes and brain
- Kidney disease, which may change thirst and comfort
- Pain, including arthritis or dental disease
- Loss of vision or hearing, which can make the dark more disorienting
Because several of these conditions can be serious and are often manageable, ruling them out is important.
Age-Related Cognitive Changes
Cats, like dogs, can experience age-related changes in brain function, sometimes called feline cognitive dysfunction. Signs veterinarians often describe include:
- Disorientation, such as getting lost in familiar rooms or staring blankly
- Changes in how a cat interacts with family members
- Disrupted sleep, especially wakefulness and vocalizing at night
- Litter box lapses
- Changes in activity, such as aimless wandering
This is typically considered after other medical causes have been ruled out.
Preparing for the Vet Visit
Write down when the behavior started, what time of night it happens, how long it lasts and anything that seems to help. A short audio or video recording can be useful. Note changes in appetite, thirst, weight, litter box habits and grooming. Your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork, a urine test and a blood pressure check.
Ways to Support Your Cat at Home
Alongside any treatment your veterinarian recommends, these strategies may help:
- Schedule a play session and a meal in the evening to encourage a natural rest period
- Use night lights so your cat can find food, water and the litter box
- Keep the layout of the house consistent
- Provide warm, comfortable beds in quiet spots
- Offer gentle daytime enrichment to reduce long daytime naps
What Not to Do
It can be tempting to scold a cat who is crying at night, but punishment can increase stress and does not address the cause. Avoid giving any medications or sleep aids that have not been prescribed for your cat, since many human products are dangerous to cats.
Living with a cat going through these changes takes patience. Keep your veterinarian updated, especially if signs worsen or new ones appear. With the right support, many senior cats settle into a more comfortable routine, and so do their people.
