Meowing little beast!

lament · Jan 24, 2006

Hey, me and my gf have had this cat for about 5 months or, around. It is a male american long hair. Also his name is Sombre because he wines (not so much in the day as night though). He meows at night like a beast. It's this terrible deep bellowing sound like meOOOOOOWWWWW(I call it the nasty ones lol). Or, really quick high pitch ones like meow meow meow meow meow meow all within 3 secs.

To me this is bizzare but, I never had a cat. I love the guy to death but, it seems clear the only option is to get rid of him. I found few things in forums. Saying ignore the cat. I can't do that it's not an option in my case we live in a apt. He has food, water, litterbox, toys, even a pillow for his annoying fluffy butt!

I am tired as well as my gf. We are tired of having to come out at 2, 3, 5am all hours at night to spray him with water mafia style. Or, I give him a good hissing. He get's discouraged and runs off to hide. when we come out he doesn't acknowledge us. Just sits there blankly...What is wrong with this guy?

We have not nutered him. Maybe that will fix everything? But, money is tight around here. but, maybe in a week or, two we can get him snipped. Does anyone think nutering him will solve his strange screams at night or, at least his "spraying" at things?

This is my last effort to see if my friend can stay. But, it seems like he's getting the boot. Sorry if I wrote anything incorrect I am extreamly tired please someone help!

Thanks

sar · Jan 24, 2006

Please do not get 'rid' of your cat because of his behaviour!

Primarily, I do believe that neutering will help things, as you mention that he is spraying! There are places that offer low cost neuters (I know someone will be along soon to tell you more about them)

There may also be an unneutered female in the vicinity and he can smell her - which will also get him going!

Has he been checked by a vet? He could be meowing to try to tell you that he's poorly. Although it is likely that he's meowing to get attention and as cats are nocturnal, he's just waking up!

Why is it not possible foryou to ignore him when he behaves this way? I lived in a flat and was able to do this!

jennyr · Jan 24, 2006

He is reaching sexual maturity and wants OUT to mate. That is probably a large part of his reasong for crying at night, and also of course his spraying. He is telling other males to keep away and also trying to attract females. Do all you can to get him neutered as quickly as possible. Then you can start training him to be calm at night by feeding him a snack at bedtime, playing with him hard to tire him out, and then trying to ignore him until he learns that the night is for sleeping. I know how it is, I have just had to do this with two very active street kittens, but they are getting the idea and now rarely wake me before 6.30 AM LOL! The other cats also ignore them. ANd cats get less active as they get older anyway. Once he is out of his kittenhood he will calm down.

rosiemac · Jan 24, 2006

Without a doubt get him neutered, and please don't spray him with water anymore

gardenandcats · Jan 24, 2006

Spraying him with water is NOT a good thing to do.Neutering him might help. he also might not feel well. He should be vet checked to rule out any illness.
Try giving him alot of attention and play with him a hour befor bedtime. This might tire him out and he will sleep.

carolpetunia · Jan 24, 2006

For heaven's sake, please don't squirt him and hiss at him -- that can only make him MORE anxious and unhappy! It sounds perfectly clear to me that he needs to be neutered... that should resolve the problem, though you have to give it a month or two for the hormones to completely leave his system.

Please don't blame the kitty for his howling... he's only doing what's natural for an intact male. Have him neutered right away, and then be gentle and patient with him. Give him love, not punishment, and he will be a far happier kitty and a better companion.

lament · Jan 24, 2006

Hey, thanks for all your suggestions. They were helpful and gave me some more positive stratigies. I'm curious why can't the cat be hissed at or, sprayed how does it affect him? I figured hissing would be harmless and something that occurs in the cats nature like something the mother cat would do. The cat doesn't seem to fear water when we bathe him so I thought that freaking him out with water would be like blowing a little air at a bird. Of course our bird is perfectly tame though. Also does anyone know about these places with cheaper neutering. I'll look it up.
Thanks a lot

hissy · Jan 24, 2006

Hissing is fine, it is language they understand. Spraying water is more of a punishment and cats shouldn't be punished. They act out of instinct. Your tom wants out, he wants a female and he needs to be neutered. Not neutering him can lead him to become aggressive toward you, to spray your walls cat pee when cats spray go from 2' and up, it really travels. If you go to www.meowhoo.com and look under the health category you will find spay and neuter listings. Most of those listings, if not all will lead you to a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in your area.

If you "love him to death" you will understand that he what he is doing is instinctual and not done to drive you crazy or lead you into sleep-depravation. Cats are rarely vindictive inside a home, when they do something, it is for a purpose sometimes only known to them.

lament · Jan 24, 2006

Thanks, I think in a few days we'll find some time to take mr.kitty to a place to get him fixed cheap. Oh, and the reason why we can't ignore him is because we have neighbors below us. This cat is loud! I'm no cat expert but, these are wicked loud meows. He can shoot urine 2' in the air?!?!? wow I'm glad I haven't seen that one yet. Oh, I found out that he's actually 7 months old.

And to let anyone who wants to know I don't just hiss at him for no good reason. He's a cat so he is mischievous. This guy loves jumping in trouble sometimes. He seems to acknowledge through body language that he understands what he may do displeases us but, still does it and sneakly as well. If my eyes directly connect with his as he is sneaking he runs off from his act.

Oh and since I'm in the behavior forum. I have a some simple questions I hope someone can help me with.

The cat will walk up to me slowly when I'm laying down and right out of nowhere just plop on his side and lay against me. It doesn't seem like a bad jesture but, it just seems weird what does it mean?

And sometimes when I call his name he bobs his head like a bird would. It's looks so funny why does he do this?

He also does a noise when I call him over it sounds like a chattery squarrel than he continues it with a noise as if he's blowing air out of his nose and than shakes his head and walks away to almost signify 'NO!' what's up with that?

Sorry, one last thing he jumps on the side of the wall it's like a doorway and flys up grips it about 2' off the ground and just slides down creating a horrible scrathing that makes my mind explode! We got him a scratching post which he loves to tear up and the only thing in the house else he likes to claw in up these doorway spots. Is there a way to make him not interested in jumping on the doorway wall?

Thanks for the info Hissy. I did notice the cat seems to be a little scratchy and bitey for no reason. Espcialy if you try to play with these long pathes of hair he has growing out of his feet the're like 1-2". We call them his scruffs. My gf has delt with cats all her life but, this guy can be just an alien to her as to me.

Thanks again (: I write too much wow.

sbw999 · Jan 24, 2006

lament said:
Thanks, I think in a few days we'll find some time to take mr.kitty to a place to get him fixed cheap. Oh, and the reason why we can't ignore him is because we have neighbors below us. This cat is loud! I'm no cat expert but, these are wicked loud meows. He can shoot urine 2' in the air?!?!? wow I'm glad I haven't seen that one yet. Oh, I found out that he's actually 7 months old.

And to let anyone who wants to know I don't just hiss at him for no good reason. He's a cat so he is mischievous. This guy loves jumping in trouble sometimes. He seems to acknowledge through body language that he understands what he may do displeases us but, still does it and sneakly as well. If my eyes directly connect with his as he is sneaking he runs off from his act.

Oh and since I'm in the behavior forum. I have a some simple questions I hope someone can help me with.

The cat will walk up to me slowly when I'm laying down and right out of nowhere just plop on his side and lay against me. It doesn't seem like a bad jesture but, it just seems weird what does it mean?

This means he accepts you as one of the "crew" and wants to be close to you.

And sometimes when I call his name he bobs his head like a bird would. It's looks so funny why does he do this?

no idea, sorry

He also does a noise when I call him over it sounds like a chattery squarrel than he continues it with a noise as if he's blowing air out of his nose and than shakes his head and walks away to almost signify 'NO!' what's up with that?

the chatting noise is often how they react to seeing potential prey.. the air noise sounds like it could be a sneeze, or something is annoying him inside his head. That may be why he is shaking his head.

Sorry, one last thing he jumps on the side of the wall it's like a doorway and flys up grips it about 2' off the ground and just slides down creating a horrible scrathing that makes my mind explode! We got him a scratching post which he loves to tear up and the only thing in the house else he likes to claw in up these doorway spots. Is there a way to make him not interested in jumping on the doorway wall?

the doorway jumping is a 7 month old cat testing out its claws and jumping abilities. Its good that is all he claws up. maybe put a scratch post there, or cover it with something for now until he gets out of the habit of doing it

Thanks for the info Hissy. I did notice the cat seems to be a little scratchy and bitey for no reason. Espcialy if you try to play with these long pathes of hair he has growing out of his feet the're like 1-2". We call them his scruffs. My gf has delt with cats all her life but, this guy can be just an alien to her as to me.

most cats dont like their paws played with, though there are exceptions Your kitty sounds like a real character which is what we love about cats to begin with. Just be patient with him, he is trying.

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good luck!

zak&rocky · Jan 24, 2006

Def get him neuteured- that will hopefully help his meowing problem and make him a happier cat. If that doesn't work- may I suggest you get him a little friend? When I first had Zakk he meowed - LOUDLY- very morning demanding breakfast. He was 6 months old and was neutered soon. His behaviour slowly got better, but didn't really cease until Rocky came into the picture. Of course, he is still kind of a loudmouth cat compared to my others.

lament · Jan 25, 2006

Thanks, for the clear up on some of the odd behavior. the chattery squarrel noise is always continued by the weird nose noise and head shaking and the walking away he does it when he seems busy. He does do another silly but, weird thing. When he is stalking something he shakes his fuzzy butt before doing his flying out of nowhere to attack something. Like when we drag a toy across the ground. Is this a usual thing? Is this like a thing a runner would do to find his footing before taking off for a race. I guess it makes sence now that I think about it but, he does it so funny.

This cat does some nutty things maybe I can catch him on camera doing the chattery - noise blowing thing. Oh, and I took the advice of someone lots and lots of extensive play and attention before sleep with the cat made him meow more softer tonight and he gave up more easily so noone had to come out. The only thing is the price was I had to play with him for 3 or more hrs. This guy is a ball of energy! He had tons of fun with all the toys and litteraly ten whisker lickens bags of treats he had from x-mas. He especialy likes the toy that looks like the sugar glider we used to have that is filled with cat nip. After his fun he pee'd on the rug by our door ugh..

OMG! the cat just pee'd on the rug it is so strong more so than ever! Does anyone know a really good product to get this smell out? Well, this makes us determined to get this nutering done asap!

sbw999 · Jan 25, 2006

Originally Posted by lament

Thanks, for the clear up on some of the odd behavior. the chattery squarrel noise is always continued by the weird nose noise and head shaking and the walking away he does it when he seems busy. He does do another silly but, weird thing. When he is stalking something he shakes his fuzzy butt before doing his flying out of nowhere to attack something. Like when we drag a toy across the ground. Is this a usual thing? Is this like a thing a runner would do to find his footing before taking off for a race. I guess it makes sence now that I think about it but, he does it so funny.

This cat does some nutty things maybe I can catch him on camera doing the chattery - noise blowing thing. Oh, and I took the advice of someone lots and lots of extensive play and attention before sleep with the cat made him meow more softer tonight and he gave up more easily so noone had to come out. The only thing is the price was I had to play with him for 3 or more hrs. This guy is a ball of energy! He had tons of fun with all the toys and litteraly ten whisker lickens bags of treats he had from x-mas. He especialy likes the toy that looks like the sugar glider we used to have that is filled with cat nip. After his fun he pee'd on the rug by our door ugh..

OMG! the cat just pee'd on the rug it is so strong more so than ever! Does anyone know a really good product to get this smell out? Well, this makes us determined to get this nutering done asap!

Shaking their butt before "attacking" something is common place cat behavior. It is some type of timing mechanism right before they pounce. As far as odor is conderned, Nok-Out is a good product. You can find it on the internet, the product is sold out of Cooperstown, NY. Good luck

nutmeg · Jan 25, 2006

My neighbor had a stray cat that meowed that awful pitiful meow for days. It was loud and constant. We thought it was because we caught him, to save him from being feral, and separated from his mom. It was quite awful. However, after a couple of weeks, it slowly diminished. He was fixed after that, so not sure it's all related to wanting to mate.

tigerbabygrr · Jan 25, 2006

Milo used to be our howler. He would climb to the top perch of his cat tree and "howl at the moon"! He stared at the ceiling light and would meow for hours on end... He did this when he was younger and just recently he quit doing it.

Your kitten sounds just like a kitten!! What I mean is, you can't expect him to be a CAT yet. He's still very young. Is he litter box trained? When you say he peed on the carpet, did you see him spray or did he just pop a squat and pee?

How often are you home with him? He also sounds like he's not getting enough play time with you and your girlfriend. If you play with him more during the day, he won't be demanding your attention so much at night.

Why does he sleep in another room? Is he allowed in your bedroom at night? That might help, too.

But I definitely agree with neutering him. I bet that will help you TONS!

Keep us posted, and good luck!

lament · Jan 25, 2006

He's not a stray we got him from a animal store. He seemed to be the "snoody" cat. And had his head turned the other way when people wanted to pet him. I think I loved the odd quality of him so did my gf. They actually told us he didn't have rabies cause he bite the vet and had to have him teseted for it lol.

Oh, this cat gets attention. I'm home all the time. I play with him but, man does go crazy if you're holding something he'll tear your fingers off just to get it. that's why I stick to the things with a long string but, he just doesn't seem to pay much attention to me anymore he seems more interested in sniffing the floor and finding new spots to mark or, pee. He is definitly littler box trained that was a quality we looked for in a cat when we bought him. He does a bad job at burying his "dropings". I scoop out all the bad stuff and refill it when it needs it. but, he sort off turns his head the wrong way and randomly scratchs the bag holding the litter. Which equals more fun when I have to take it out lol.

And yes he squated on the carpet and pee'd. We can't let him in the bedroom for fear he may contaminate the one room safe from his stink. We used to let him sleep in the bed but, noway now. Not to mention he would wake my gf up by jamming his nose in her eye lol. There is however a few stray cats outside but, we live on the 3rd floor can he really smell or, sence them? I hear them meow every once in a great while but, not often. that would make sence since he likes to pee near doors but, the first time he started wasn't near any it was in this one spot near the bathroom.

Well we got the date set this weekend to get him fixed. When the animal is neutered does it work like a snap and he stops the whole mateing(sp*) ritual thing or, will this take a while for his hormones to fade?

And there's something we could never understand since we got him he never liked being peted on the head? He would move his head around to avoid it or, put a paw on your hands if you really kept trying. He likes his side and back to be peted but, why not his head? It seems like a natural spot for animals to be pet.

thanks for the suggestions
lament

hissy · Jan 25, 2006

Most cats and kittens from pet stores come from kitten mills. They have an unpleasant beginning to put it mildly.

The means in which you say you were previously using to "discipline" your kitten needs to be set aside. Discipline in cats is really counterproductive. It can and does cause behavioral changes over time that are not really good. Your kitten is in the exploring stage of his life. He needs at least two litter pans, he doesn't deserve anyone yelling at him and frightening him.

he could have been hit on his head and just dislikes being petted there. I wouldn't push myself on this kitten, let him come to you. He will tell you what he likes and doesn't like. They always do.

Meowing little beast!

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