Older diabetic cat howls randomly?

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Charlotte Spiegel

Charlotte Spiegel

Member Since 2021
Hi all,

i have an older diabetic cat (Darth Vader/Darthy). He’s about 15 I think and has been diagnosed for a year now. His diabetes is pretty well managed right now, not having any negative symptoms or issues for a while.

BUT he started this howling thing where he like goes into the kitchen or another room and does that horrible loud off key howl. And then if I call him he kind of stops. But it’s multiple times a day. I had another cat that went deaf that used to do it but he’s showing no signs of deafness. I also kind of wondered if he was having sight issues but again it doesn’t seem like it the rest of the time. Plus he knows where I am, leaves me to go to the kitchen to howl.

does anyone else’s cat do this and know why?? I’m not sure if I should be concerned or if it’s just an elderly cat thing. I’m weary about bringing him to the vets for it because the car ride and vet office always sets him off and his blood sugar goes wacky from the stress.

thank you!!
 
We just went through this, he's 14 and is losing his hearing. I touch him and he suddenly knows where he is and what's going on, it all stops. The strange thing is that one vet visit stopped it altogether. He loves being in the car, maybe he just wanted to go for a drive and show off at the clinic.
 
There are several reasons why an older cat could be howling. The first thing I'd do is have him tested for hyperthyroidism and hypertension, both very common in senior cats, can cause excessive vocalization and are easily treatable. Other reasons can be sensory decline, cognitive dysfunction / confusion, chronic pain. If he goes to the kitchen to howl, maybe he's just trying to tell you he's hungry. One of mine used to get vocal when his sugar went too low for his comfort level.
 
Are you able to do any home testing of Darth's blood glucose? Considering sometimes it is the kitchen, if it were my cat I would be super curious to know if his blood glucose was oddly low. Even though his diabetes has been well-managed for a year, he could be going low and without testing there is no way to know.

Any diabetic cat that suddenly exhibits odd behavior of any kind should be checked just to make sure there isn't a hypoglycemic condition hiding and lurking -- a condition which can kill.
 
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