Dear Cathy,
I have a ten-year-old Ragdoll cat. She is very sweet, but since I am a light sleeper, she keeps me up most of the night with her incessant meowing. I don’t recall how long this has been going on, but I don’t think she has any health issues. Do you have any insights as to why she may do this and if there is any way to put an end to it?
– Lori Rosner, Williston Park, New York
Dear Lori,
Felines meow at their owners for different reasons. She could be hungry (give her a little food before bed time), want attention (play with her before bedtime) or like to hear her voice (again, play with her before bedtime). If she is not spayed, she may be meowing because she is in heat.
But because of her age, it sounds like she has a health problem. Kidney and thyroid diseases can cause a cat to meow incessantly. Cats often hide illnesses until it’s too late, so take her to the vet, and if she is healthy, she may just need a little extra food and play before bedtime.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to moc.tidnuptep@yhtac. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal