Why is my cat yowling at night?

Updated 16/11/2023

We love our furry felines, but lying awake as you listen to a cat yowling at night can be pretty annoying. If you’re hearing stray cats yowling at night we’re sorry to say there’s not that much you can do about it, but if it’s your own fur baby, we’re here to help. Finding out why your kitty’s such a chatterbox after dark is the first step toward a better night’s sleep, but more importantly, it will help you ensure there’s nothing more serious afoot. So get ready to take notes as we answer the question, “Why is my cat yowling at night?”. 

Why does my cat yowl at night?

Our feline friends make some pretty funky sounds at times, and some of them have got more to say than others. Cats use different pitches and tones to get your attention and show you how they’re feeling, so let’s take a look at some of the common reasons for cats yowling at night. 

Common reasons for cat yowling at night

Why do cats yowl at night? It’s in their nature, for starters. Cats are crepuscular creatures which means they’re wide awake at dawn and dusk (even though it may feel like the middle of the night to you). Night time can be boring for kitties with no one awake to entertain them, but equally, they might be yowling to tell you their litter tray’s not clean or their food bowl needs filling. A certain type of yowl known as caterwauling can be a warning sign to other furry friends (and even you), and yowling may also be a mating call used to attract other cats (more on that later).

More serious reasons for cat yowling at night

Cats often become more vocal with age, and while they may still just be crying out for your attention, if you’ve got an old cat yowling at night it may be a sign of something more serious. If your cat is in pain, they will also vocalise more. If you’re concerned about your cat’s night time yowls, speaking to the vet will help you discern whether the behavior is normal or if there are other issues at play.

• Hyperthyroidism: Yowling at night may be a sign of a hormonal imbalance caused by hyperthyroidism. As well as being extra vocal at night, symptoms of the disease include weight loss, an increase in appetite, and general restlessness. 
• Kidney disease: Yowling accompanied by weight loss, a decrease in appetite, a general lack of energy and frequent urination may be a sign of kidney disease. High blood pressure can also be linked to abnormal vocalisation.  
• Arthritis: Age comes with various aches and pains, and it’s not uncommon for fur babies to develop arthritis as they get older causing them to yowl with discomfort. 
• Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: Typically affecting furry felines over the age of 10, cognitive dysfunction can cause kitties to feel disorientated and confused, and that’s definitely something to yowl about. This is similar to dementia in people.

Female cat yowling at night

From attention seeking chatter to a playful chirrup, cats have got lots to yowl about. Female cats in heat, however, may be yowling for another reason entirely. Unspayed females come into heat every two to three weeks, at which point they can become increasingly affectionate and vocal in the hopes of attracting a mate.  

How to address female cat yowling at night

The best way to stop a female cat from yowling while she’s in heat is to get her spayed. This can reduce her risk of injury, disease and of course, prevent any furry surprises.

Male cat yowling at night

Why do male cats yowl at night? Just like unspayed females, your unneutered male cat’s night time yowls may not be aimed at you, but at potential mates. Answering the female’s call, male cats may yowl to get their attention.

How to address male cat yowling at night

Getting your male cat neutered is the best way to address excessive yowling at night, it can also improve their behavior and reduce their chances of catching a disease or being injured.

Neutered male cat yowling at night

Despite being neutered, male cats may continue to yowl at night for a number of reasons. After ruling out boredom and anything too serious, it may be that your feline friend is continuing to defend their territory against other male cats.

Tips for preventing yowling cat at night

Getting to the bottom of why your cat yowls at night is the key to getting a good night’s sleep. Once you know what’s going on, follow these tips to keep kitties quiet after dark. 

• Take a look at your fur baby’s environment and make sure they’ve got everything they need. Is it stimulating enough? Is it clean enough? Does it feel safe? Cats need options in their lives, and a lack of choice will cause them stress. Multiple options for food, water, hiding spaces and litter trays are essential.
• Keep your furry friend busy throughout the day and tire them out in the evening with playtime that mimics the prey sequence (stalking, pouncing, and being rewarded at the end). 
• Make sure your feline friend is getting enough attention, and if you’re going on vacation, consider getting an in-house cat sitter to keep your feline friend company while you’re away.
• If your puss pal is in pain or suffering from a cognitive disorder, follow advice from the vet and try to make their environment as comfortable as possible. 
• If you’ve ruled out health problems and any other issues that warrant your attention, you can safely ignore your fur baby’s yowls. They may have you wrapped around their little paws but showering them with attention every time they ask for it will teach them this is how they get their way. 

What about the cat’s meow?

Is your feline friend’s yowl actually more of a meow? Find out why cats meow in our guide to cat chitter chatter. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.