When we think of howls, we usually picture a wolf or, at most, a dog trying to get our attention. But the truth is that Cats can howl too, in his own particular way, of course .
Why does a feline do it? Although it may seem surprising, The reason for their howls is very similar to that of canidsIt's trying to express what it feels and needs at that moment. Howling is part of its vocal repertoire, just like meowing, purring, or hissing, and it's a sign we should never ignore.
Before going into details, it is worth remembering that Cats can produce dozens of different sounds (meows, trills, growls, squeals, cackles, etc.) and that howls are only one of these vocalizations. They are characterized by being long, intense, and often high-pitched soundsThese sounds are often mistaken for endless meows. They usually appear in contexts of threat, stress, pain, or during estrus, and may be accompanied by other sounds such as grunts or squeals.
In this article we will focus on the meaning of cats' howlsBut we will also integrate what is known about other feline sounds to better understand when a cat is simply seeking attention and when it is actually asking for help.
Boredom and need for attention
If the cat spends a lot of time alone or with nothing to doA cat may choose to lie around all day, or it may try to get its family's attention. A cat with few opportunities for play, exploration, or social interaction may develop insistent behaviors to get a response from its humans.
How does it do it? In several ways: “attacking” for no apparent reason, relieving themselves where they shouldn't, breaking delicate objects, scratching doors or furniture, or meowing and howling loudly, among other things. In these cases, the sound may be more of a long, intense, and repetitive meow, which some people perceive as a howl, and whose function is to demand immediate attention.
Some cats have learned that the louder and longer the sound, people react fasterThis association is built gradually: the cat meows or howls, the human responds (gives food, opens a door, pets, plays), and the animal understands that this vocalization is effective. Over time, the short meow can transform into howls that are getting longer and more demandingespecially if the first gentle attempts are ignored.
To get him to stop, just You have to dedicate quality time to it every daySharing a roof isn't enough: cats need interactive play, environmental enrichment (scratching posts, towers, hiding places, feather or wand toys, high vantage points for observation), and quiet time with their family. It's crucial to remember that we are the ones who chose to live with the cat, and therefore... We are responsible for meeting your emotional needs. in addition to the physical ones.
When a cat is well stimulated and feels accompanied, it is much less likely to resort to persistent howls due to boredom or frustrationEven so, each individual has their own "dictionary of sounds," and some are naturally more vocal than others, so it's important to observe the context: if the cat howls mostly when it's alone, at night, or before eating, it's very likely that it's demanding attention or activity.
Jealousy and sexual calls
The cat that is not neutered, or a “whole” cat, during heat It will howl especially at nightwhich is when these animals are most active. The main purpose of these howls is to attract the attention of a male cat and announce that she is receptive to mating.
In this context, howls are very intense, prolonged and repeatedThese sounds can be accompanied by typical mating postures: tail tilted to one side, back arched, rolling on the ground, and rubbing against objects or people. It's not uncommon for these sounds to be mistaken for cries of pain, as they sound like a continuous wailing.
Furthermore, Males can also howl or scream.especially when they fight over a female or when they detect the scent of a cat in heat nearby. For them, howling can serve two purposes: attracting a mate and warn other males of their presence, acting as a threat signal to avoid physical fighting.
So that they don't, the most advisable thing is to castrate themThis applies to both males and females. By removing their reproductive glands, the behavior associated with estrus is eliminated, and the birth of unwanted kittens is also prevented. Castration significantly reduces sexual howls, urine marking, escapes and fightsimproving the cat's well-being and coexistence at home.
Even so, if your neutered cat suddenly develops intense howls similar to those of matingIt is advisable to consult with the veterinarian, as in some cases they may be related to pain, stress or hormonal diseases and not to reproduction.
Illness, pain and/or injuries
If the howl is long and especially intense, it's a sign that the cat is not well.In case of illness or injury, it will make loud noises for two reasons: the first and most important is because it feels pain or discomfort, and the second is to ask for help or try to ward off a possible threat.
A typical example is that of a cat that has urinary crystals or cystitisA cat may howl when in the litter box, as it is painful to urinate. High-pitched howls or cries may also occur when injured (a fall, a blow, a fight with another animal) or when the cat is handled in a painful area.
Howls associated with pain are usually very high-pitched, sudden, and very loud sounds, similar to a squeal or scream. They may also appear long grunts, snorts, and guttural meows If the cat is upset, stressed, or being handled in a way that it perceives as threatening, for example during a veterinary visit or rough brushing.
If something like that were to happen, you have to urgently take him to the vet so that he has a complete check-up. Don't wait for him to heal on his own or think that "he's just complaining," because howling can be a symptom that our beloved friend's health isn't good. Cats are experts at hiding pain, so If they start howling, the problem could be serious..
It is also important to note that some sick cats may purring in situations of pain or stressThis can be confusing for the caregiver. A cat that purrs while howling, is rigid, or appears lethargic might be using purring as a self-soothing mechanism, not as a sign of well-being. Again, the key is to observe the whole picture: posture, appetite, hygiene, litter box use, and changes in behavior.
Old age, disorientation, and cognitive changes
Unfortunately, cats are not exempt from the diseases and problems typical of old ageOsteoarthritis, arthritis, disorientation, sensory loss (sight and hearing)... are just some of the most common, but there are others, such as cognitive dysfunction syndromewhich can make them feel really bad and cause howls seemingly "for no reason".
It is estimated that 50% of dogs over 15 years old suffer from it, so If he starts howling for no apparent reason and feels stressed or anxiousIt probably has one. These howls usually occur at night, when the home is quiet, and are accompanied by aimless wandering, bumping into furniture, forgetting routines, or improper use of the litter box.
In senior cats, these are also common. howls due to hearing lossBecause they can't hear themselves, cats can meow and howl much more intensely, without being aware of the volume. Furthermore, a cat that doesn't hear well may feel more insecure and disoriented, which increases nighttime vocalization.
While there is no cure for cognitive dysfunction syndrome, there are some things we can do, such as give him/her medications or supplements recommended by the veterinarian and make the house much more comfortable for the older cat: place its bed on the floor so it doesn't have to jump, facilitate access to the litter box with low edges, avoid moving furniture frequently, use soft lights at night and maintain very predictable routines.
It is also essential offer her more love, patience and pamperingRespect their rest periods and avoid sudden changes (moving, renovations, new pets, etc.). Ultimately, it's about adapt the environment so that he lives like a king At this stage, minimizing the causes of stress that could trigger howls of distress or confusion.
As you can see, there are several reasons why a cat might howl: boredom, a need for attention, being in heat, physical pain, intense fear, or age-related problems. Furthermore, their howl can be mixed with other feline sounds such as meows, growls, hisses, trills, or purrs, so pay attention to the context and body language It is as important as listening to your own sound.
Understanding the meaning of your cat's howl, observing when it appears, how its tone changes, and what other signs accompany it will help you to react in timeto offer him security and go to the vet when necessary, so that he can continue to live as normal and happy a life as possible.