Is my cat playful or mad?

Question

I recently moved in to an apartment, and took my cat with me. She lost her ability to go outside, as she was an outdoor cat, and she also lost her companion (a dog, who couldn't move with us)

Before, she'd always get a little playful at night. But now she's getting very loud, and it lasts all night. I understand she must have a lot of energy built up, but I make sure I play with her quite a bit each day so she's a bit more active than most indoor cats. Starting at about 10 or 11pm, she'll start meowing, but it's a deep, almost throaty meow. She'll do this six or seven times, and then she'll be quiet. Then, at about five in the morning, she'll start doing it again. She does it at random times, during the day, too. I'm wondering if she's mourning the loss of the outdoors and her friend?

Answer 1

She's saying, "I want OUT!"  I have a cat that still tells me this every evening at 9 PM after 4 years indoors.  Cats are very territorial and like to go out to cruise/spray/defend their territories.  Maybe you can ask a cat behavior counselor or a vet about it. The deep crying behavior will lessen over time.but maybe there is a way to make the indoor only transition easier on both of you.

Answer 2

could be a couple reasons and both that you asked are possible another it might be the new surroundings. worst senerio is she has a health problem. or a combination of all the above. i seriously doubt shes mad. sorry to hear your dog couldnt be with you. good luck.

Answer 3

She is definitely using the energy she would have ordinarily used outdoors.  

The mournful meowing sounds are like my kitty.  She can go out and still she does that.  It almost sounds like a mating sound, but she's fixed, also.  Some cats just do that--its part of their routine.

Answer 4

It's possible that she is a little lonely and also may suffer from the anxiety and stress related to being moved to a new apartment and being inside.  But I wouldn't let that overwhelm you with guilt.  You've done the best thing you could do for her by bringing her inside and making her an inside cat.  Think of how much safer and how much older she has the potential of becoming because you have taken her off the street.

As long as you are willing to continue being kind and paitent with her I think she will settle down.  Does she have a cat perch that she can climb up on, if your apartment has windows maybe you can set a bird feeder outside the windows and set a cat perch in front of it so she can enjoy watching the birds at the feeder.  We had a cat that enjoyed one of those "cat videos".  I'd set a chair in front of the television and put the video on and when the sound and movement of the mice, or the birds would come on he'd hop into the chair and set for hours watching and batting at the television screen.

Those videos (or dvds) can be purchased at local pets stores often times, or check on line.  Ours was a gift.

She's just adjusting to her new world, like I'm sure there have been adjustments in your life as well.  Continue giving her the love and hopefully with a little more time things will settle down.  Your vet can always help you with advice as well if there are any other physical problems associated with her behavior that worry you.  Don't be afraid to ask him.  He's your best source when the health and welfare of your cat is concerned.

Answer 5

She might be in heat.

Answer 6

Cats show their emotions differently than humans. She is probably just adjusting to the new apt. and not having her playmate with her. She probably isn't getting as much attention as she was even though you try and play with er as much as possible. Just give her as much TLC as you have time for, and she will adjust to the new place in time.

There are other behavioral issues you need to look out for. Like if she starts urinating on the bed instead of the litter box, it is a sure sign of behavioral issues resulting from the new environment.

Different things like this are ways cats show their attitudes.

Answer 7

My cat did this too when we first brought him to the house. It was so annoying and loud, but eventually he got used to the house and it stopped. Your cat is probably just trying to adjust to the new surroundings. I'd wait it out for another week or two and if things don't improve you might take her to the vet just to check and make sure nothing is wrong with her. Good Luck with your kitty! =]

Answer 8

it sounds like she is lonely.  thats good that you play with her a lot.

Answer 9

one of my cats has done this too. It was when she was older and deaf...it was always when I left the room or was downstairs, since she chose to spend the last few years of her life in my room only. I think she did it out of loneliness or because she was upset...everytime I could hear her from downstairs I would come back upstairs and she would look at me, meow normally once (instead of the loud, drawn out, deep meow), and stop meowing completely. It was the only explanation i could come up with for her.