Caturday: The Cries of an Older Cat
Simone, a Himalayan who at18 has passed all longevity expectations (typically 10-15 years) and became blind two years ago, cries a lot. She cries when she wants things, and she makes it clear what she wants. If she wants food, she stands by the bowl and cries. If she wants water, she stands by that bowl and cries. If she wants a clean bed pad (she is no longer able to use the litter box), she stands by the pad and cries. If she wants my attention, petting, etc. (about once a day) she approaches my chair beside the bed she sleeps on which is the same height, and cries at my elbow. But she also cries at other times, and I wonder if she is in pain. Most of the time, she sleeps, but her waking time seems not to be all that comfortable.
🐾 What Her Crying Might Mean
- Clear communication:
Her cries for food, water, pad changes, and affection are purposeful. She’s still asserting her needs, and I try to be attuned to them. - Sensory disorientation:
Blindness can heighten vocalization, especially in older cats. She may cry when she wakes up disoriented or unsure of her surroundings. - Cognitive aging:
Senior cats—especially those 18+—can develop feline cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia). This often shows up as nighttime crying, confusion, or restlessness. - Pain or discomfort:
Arthritis, asthma, and possibly internal discomfort could make her waking hours less comfortable. Cats often hide pain, but vocalizing without a clear trigger might be her way of expressing it. - Loneliness or anxiety:
She may be seeking reassurance, especially if her world has narrowed. I hope that my presence can serve as anchor. - Ambient cries:
In elderly cats, especially those with sensory loss and chronic conditions, often carry layers of meaning. They’re not always about pain—they can be about transition, vulnerability, or the need for reassurance and can reflect: - Pre-elimination discomfort:
Many cats vocalize before urinating or defecating, especially if the process is uncomfortable due to arthritis, constipation, or pad positioning. It’s not necessarily pain—it might be effort, frustration, or a call for help. - Cognitive or sensory disorientation:
Waking up blind and unsure of surroundings can trigger a cry. It’s a way of saying, “Where am I?” or “Is someone here?” - Emotional processing:
Some cats vocalize as part of settling themselves—like a sigh or a mutter. If she cries and then calms, it may be her way of self-soothing. - Seeking confirmation:
She may be checking: “Is my world still intact? Are you nearby?” Your presence, even silent, may be the answer she’s listening for.
🩺 What You Can Do if You Have a Cat Like Simone
- Track patterns:
Note when she cries without a clear need. Is it after waking? At night? After movement? - Ask your vet about pain management:
She may benefit from adjunct comfort measures—like heated beds, gentle massage, or low-dose pain relief if appropriate. - Consider cognitive support:
Some vets recommend supplements or environmental adjustments for aging cats with signs of cognitive change. - Offer predictable comfort:
Keeping routines steady o help her feel safe.
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