Question:
My 20 year old male Tabby (neutered) who is most likely Diabetic and questionably blind has begun to howl constantly. At first it was just at night, but now it's whenever he can't sit on Mom's lap. He doesn't appear to be in pain and gets around just fine. Eats like a pig and is skinny as a rail. Why is he howling so much?

Answer:
I would bring him to the vet. Has he been diagnosed with diabetes?

It is hard to tell for sure if a cat is in pain, but the howling may be a sign Please bring him to see a vet.

Answer:
'Eats like a pig and is skinny as a rail'. This is a major indication of thyroid trouble. Don't panic, it can be controlled with inexpensive medication. But please have him tested for thyroid as well. His clinginess is a sure sign that something is amiss.

Answer:
Cats will often howl or purr as a sign of pain (is he purring more than usual?). The high appetite and low weight are usually signs of thyroid or kidney failure, but it could be anything that's causing it. Please take your cat to a vet to see what your options are.

Answer:
I agree with the others. Your kitty is trying to tell you something and you need to take him to the vet asap. Good luck and please post with an update.

Answer:
It is not unusual for cats at that age to develop illnesses that lead to howling - and I don't mean in pain (sometimes they may have some form of dementia or other ailment) but there are many ways your vet can still treat her - amitriptyline for one.

Add the other symptoms tho and it could well be renal or liver problems and I think a vet visit is the first thing you need to do. Does she do it just at night or at varying times of the day?

Good luck!!! She has done well for 20 yrs so it may just be she needs some new meds for as kidney or liver ailment but she is definitely indicating to you to help her!!

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