There's a cat caterwauling outside my office window. Has been for days.

[Critters2]

This cat has been caterwauling around my house, the office, the whole block, for several days. I assume it's one of the ferals. It sounds just awful. Has wakened me up during the night a couple of times.

So, here's my question. Is it possible to tell the difference between caterwauling due to being in heat, mating, etc, and crying in pain? I can't decide whether something is wrong with this cat, or it's just one of the normal things that makes them scream. I truly hope she's not in heat or mating, because if she is, she'll be giving birth in the worst part of winter. Any kittens wouldn't stand a chance, istm.

So, does anyone know how to tell if caterwauling is from pain or illness or something else? TIA.

[Jamastiene]

1. Ask the cat.

You'd be surprised at how much they understand. It might let you know if you interact with it.

My oldest cat always picks up one of her favorite stuffed animals in her mouth and caterwauls when we leave her alone in a room.

My aunt and I discussed it and finally figured it out. She was raised from the time her ears were still rolled down and her eyes were still closed on a kitten bottle by us. She was never alone as a kitten. Somebody was always in the room with her.

Since we've moved, though, we've been busier and sometimes one of us is not with her in the room. She doesn't like it. She "calls" us back that way.

If we go speak to her and let her know we are coming back and that we are still here for her. She calms down and is ok after that.

Talk to the cat and find out is the only thing I can think of to tell you.

[Critters2]

2. Good idea. I'll try. Thanks! nt

[applegrove]

8. I have a cat that used to mew if she was left alone in the room. Same thing. I was home all day when

she was a kitten and she had a buddy who is an older cat. If both of us were in another room she'd pipe up and mew little kitty mews. She's now about 4 and has gotten over it.

[undeterred]

3. Do dogs doggerwaul?

[Critters2]

4. Dogs bay. Trust me on this. nt

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. It could be in heat.

Last week there was a cat on my front porch, howling like the proverbial banshee. I went outside to see what the problem was and the cat walked down to the sidewalk and rolled on her back and did the whole kitty sexpot routine. I thought I'd try to catch her and either find out where she lives (I'm pretty sure she belongs in one of the houses around the corner), or even take her to the vet to get her spayed and find her a home, but she took off as soon as she saw the cat carrier. I hope she went home and didn't get knocked up.

[Critters2]

6. This sounds like "in heat" noise. I just haven't noticed it this time of year before.

Usually, they take a break in the winter. This goes on all summer long. In January, not so much.

[TZ]

7. "kitty sexpot routine" lololol..

I think it could be a cat in heat. Or SOMEONE nearby has a cat in heat and the cat outside is a local Tom who knows it.