cat wandering around house

Dr. Marty Becker

Is your kitty confused 4 signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

by Dr. Marty Becker

Published on December 18, 2013

Have you noticed your super-senior cat going through some personality and behavior changes? It’s not uncommon for me to hear from clients that their aging feline has begun prowling the house late at night, yowling desolately, or that he gets “lost” in corners, standing and staring as if he’s wondering why he’s there. Even more distressing: Sometimes he forgets to use the litterbox, even if he’s standing right next to it.

When cats get old, we see more than physiological changes. Researchers haven’t formally defined cognitive dysfunction syndrome  (CDS) — senility to you and me — in cats, but the condition clearly exists. Cats with CDS are usually more than 12 years old and commonly exhibit certain signs.

The acronym DISH helps us to recognize the signs of CDS in cats.

D is for disorientation. Cats with CDS often walk aimlessly, stare at walls, get “stuck” in corners, seem to be lost in their own home or lose their balance and fall.

I is for interactions. If your cat used to greet you at the door with a happy mrrrp but now looks confused when you walk in, that’s a change worth noting. Another sign to watch for: a cat who in the past was a lap lover but who now shows less interest in seeking out a snuggle.

S is for sleep. Cats who once slept through the night may prowl and vocalize, keeping everyone else awake with them.

H is for housetraining , which often goes by the wayside, not for medical reasons or because the litterbox hasn’t been cleaned to the cat’s satisfaction, but because, well, he just forgot.

Diagnosing and Managing CDS

Before you assume that your cat has lost his mind, take him in for a veterinary visit to rule out medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), hypertension (high blood pressure), brain tumors, urinary tract infections and liver or kidney disease. Any of those can cause signs that mimic CDS. Some are treatable with medication, which will be a relief for you and your cat.

If your cat is diagnosed with CDS, there are things you can do to help him. You can put in place new routines and limitations that will help him adjust. In addition, some supplements and medications may also be effective.

Making Changes

If your cat is disoriented, try limiting his access to stairs or to certain parts of the house. Keep doors closed so he doesn’t go into the closet or behind the toilet or any place where he might be unable to get himself out.

Create interactive routines to help keep your cat’s mind active. Start feeding him on a schedule so he will look forward to the time with you. Even if you typically leave food out for him, you can start a new routine that involves giving him a special treat at specific times of day. You could also schedule a couple of minutes of petting or play with a favorite toy.

Manage sleep-wake cycles. This can be as simple as gently waking him up when you see him sleeping during the day. Carry him, talk to him or play with him to keep him awake so there’s less potential for nighttime meownderings.

Although there are no medications approved for CDS in cats, you may also ask your veterinarian if there are any medications that can help reduce some of the signs, such as nighttime prowling and yowling.

Sometimes cats yowl because they’ve suffered hearing loss and they’re telling you they don’t like the change. They may also simply not realize just how loudly they’re vocalizing. Until a hearing aid for cats is developed, your best bet for sleeping through the night with a yowly cat is a good set of earplugs or a cat room at the other end of the house.

To deal with loss of litterbox use, try adding more boxes throughout the house, especially if you have a multilevel house. Something else to consider is that your cat is missing the box not because he’s senile, but because his joints are too achy to climb into it — or to climb the stairs to get to it. See if you can make it easier for him to get into the box by cutting an opening into it that he can walk through or providing a ramp he can walk up to get in and out of the box.

Supplements and Medication

A possible treatment, extrapolated from research in dogs, has shown that high levels of antioxidants appear to help dogs with cognitive dysfunction. There’s no science to support that the same would be true in cats, but you can ask your veterinarian about adding high levels of omega-3 fatty acids to your cat’s diet to see if they make a difference.

Can a cat with CDS have good quality of life? In most cases, yes, but it’s important to recognize that your cat’s needs have changed. Once you understand the changes that accompany aging and work with your veterinarian to manage them, your cat’s senior years can be rewarding for both of you.

The Importance of Cat Health Insurance

Your cat health insurance policy can help to offset unexpected treatment costs. These costs may include veterinary visits, prescription medications, or procedures such as imaging or surgery. 

Find a personalized plan for your cat by using the insurance finder below:

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The Effects of Aging

As they age, cats often suffer a decline in functioning, including their cognitive functioning. It’s estimated that cognitive decline—referred to as feline cognitive dysfunction, or FCD—affects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 years. Memory, ability to learn, awareness, and sight and hearing perception can all deteriorate in cats affected with FCD. This deterioration can cause disturbances in sleeping patterns, disorientation or reduced activity. It can make cats forget previously learned habits they once knew well, such as the location of the litter box or their food bowls. It can increase their anxiety and tendency to react aggressively. It can also change their social relationships with you and with other pets in your home. Understanding the changes your cat is undergoing can help you compassionately and effectively deal with behavior problems that may arise in her senior years.  

Some effects of aging aren’t related to cognitive dysfunction. Often these effects can contribute to behavior changes that only look like cognitive decline. Be sure to report all changes you see to your cat’s veterinarian. Don’t assume that your cat is “just getting old” and nothing can be done to help her. Many changes in behavior are signs of treatable medical disorders, and there are a variety of therapies that can comfort your cat and ease her symptoms, including any pain she might be experiencing.

Cognitive Dysfunction Checklist

The following behaviors may indicate cognitive dysfunction in your senior cat:

Learning and Memory

• Eliminates outside the litter box
• Eliminates in sleeping areas or by eating areas
• Sometimes seems unable to recognize familiar people and pets

Confusion and Spatial Disorientation

• Gets lost in familiar locations
• Stares or fixates on objects or simply stares into space
• Wanders about aimlessly
• Gets stuck and can’t navigate around or over obstacles

Relationships and Social Behavior

• Less interested in petting, interactions, greeting people or familiar pets, etc.
• Needs constant contact, becomes overdependent and clingy

Activity—Decreased, Apathetic

• Explores less and responds less to things going on around her
• Grooms herself less

Anxiety and Increased Irritability

• Seems restless or agitated
• Vocalizes more and/or in a more urgent tone
• Behaves more irritably in general

Sleep-Wake Cycles and Reversed Day-Night Schedule

• Sleeps restlessly, wakes up during the night
• Sleeps more during the day
• Vocalizes more at night

Ruling Out Other Causes for Your Cat’s Behavior

If your cat shows any of the symptoms or changes listed above, your first step is to take her to the veterinarian to determine whether there is a specific medical cause for her behavior. Any medical or degenerative illness that causes pain, discomfort or decreased mobility—such as arthritis, dental disease, thyroid dysfunction, cancer, impaired sight or hearing, or urinary tract disease—can lead to increased sensitivity and irritability, increased anxiety about being touched or approached, increased aggression (because your cat may choose to threaten and bite rather than move away), decreased responsiveness to your voice, reduced ability to adapt to change, and reduced ability to get to usual elimination areas.

If medical problems are ruled out, and if primary behaviorproblems unrelated to aging are ruled out (for example, problems that started years before your cat began aging), your cat’s behavior may be attributed to the effects of aging on the brain.

Treating Cognitive Dysfunction

If cognitive dysfunction is the only logical explanation for changes in your cat’s behavior, the next step is to seek therapy. Treatment mainly consists of making helpful changes to your cat’s environment and keeping her daily schedule consistent. There are also some medicines that may help cats with FCD, such as selegiline hydrochloride. This drug is currently only licensed for use in dogs with cognitive dysfunction, but some behaviorists and veterinarians have reported improvement in cats as well. Your veterinarian may also consider an anti-anxiety medication.

House Soiling

Inappropriate elimination is a common symptom of FCD. In fact, it’s the most common reason that older cats are seen by behaviorists. Any number of medical problems can contribute to inappropriate elimination, including sensory decline, neuromuscular conditions that affect mobility, brain tumors, kidney dysfunction and endocrine system disorders. In short, any disorder that increases your cat’s frequency of elimination or decreases her bladder or bowel control can cause house soiling. Accordingly, the first step in treating inappropriate elimination in any cat, regardless of age, is to take her to her veterinarian for a thorough examination.

If your cat’s veterinarian rules out medical problems, the following suggestions may help:

• Increase the number of litter boxes available to your cat. Place at least one litter box on every floor of your house in case your cat is having trouble going up or down stairs.
• Place additional litter boxes where they’re easy to find and easy to get into. Cats experiencing FCD may forget the location of their litter box. Make sure you keep the existing boxes in their same places, but put new boxes in obvious areas so that your cat can always find an appropriate place to eliminate.
• Use litter boxes with low sides. Many older cats have trouble or experience pain when attempting to get in or out of a litter box with high sides.

Please see our article, Litter Box Problems , for additional suggestions and detailed information about resolving litter-box issues.  

Confusion and Disorientation

Disorientation is often the first sign that pet parents recognize as cognitive decline in their older cats. It’s estimated that disorientation occurs in at least 40% of cats aged 17 years and older.

Disorientation may be reduced by increasing the predictability of your cat’s environment and schedule. Avoid changes to her food, food placement, litter and litter box placement. Try to keep her daily routine as consistent as possible. If she’s really distressed, it may be best to confine her to a relatively small space, such as one floor of your house or, in advanced cases, one room. Doing this will make it easy for her to find everything she needs.

Restlessness and Waking at Night

A cat’s sleep-wake cycle can be impaired by FCD. However, as with most symptoms of FCD, there are also many alternative reasons for increased nighttime activity. For instance, cats who sleep more during the day can become more restless and active at night. Sensory changes, such as eyesight or hearing loss, can affect your cat’s depth of sleep. An increased need to eliminate combined with a decreased ability to locate or access a litter box can prompt your cat to wake up and wander around. Ask your cat’s veterinarian to do a complete examination to identify medical problems that could cause restlessness, discomfort or an increased need to eliminate. At the same time, try to reestablish your cat’s normal sleeping and waking hours. It’s best to increase her activity level by engaging her in play during the day and in the evening so she’ll want to sleep at night.

Anxiety can also cause increased restlessness at night. A distinct feature of geriatric anxiety is that it can manifest as nighttime anxiety. It may be anxiety about being separated from family members (who are asleep) or worry about navigating the house in the dark. Your cat may keep you awake by calling, pacing in your room, purring by your head and by pawing at you for attention. FCD anxiety can improve with drug therapy. You can also consult a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) and your veterinarian, or a veterinary behaviorist (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior, Dip ACVB) to see if medication may be helpful. Please see our article, Finding Professional Behavior Help , to locate a professional behaviorist in your area.

Excessive Vocalization

Older cats may vocalize excessively for a number of reasons, including disorientation, loss of hearing and pain due to one or more medical conditions. (Please see our article, Meowing and Yowling , for more information about excessive vocalizing and how to resolve it.) As with other symptoms of FCD, your first step should be to take your cat to her veterinarian for a thorough examination to rule out or treat any medical problems.

FCD generally increases vocalizations related to anxiety, disorientation and separation distress. Anxious vocalizing is usually a plaintive meow. Your senior cat’s vocalizing can become a problem if she does it too often or at inappropriate times, like when you’re sleeping. Showing your own frustration or punishing your cat for vocalizing can increase her anxiety and aggravate the problem. It’s better to treat increased vocalization by increasing your cat’s activity during the day and gradually reestablishing her proper sleep-wake cycle.

Pheromone or drug therapy may help your cat feel less anxious. You can use feline pheromone sprays or diffusers in areas where your cat normally spends her time. Anti-anxiety medication can also help reduce vocalizations. You can also seek advice from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) and your veterinarian, or a veterinary behaviorist (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior, Dip ACVB). Please see our article, Finding Professional Behavior Help , to locate a professional behaviorist in your area.

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What are the causes of pacing & circling in cats, signs of labor in pregnant cats.

If you've noticed recently that your usually calm and mellow cat has suddenly developed a penchant for pacing and circling around your home, don't simply chalk it up to kitty OCD. Repetitive pacing behavior in cats can point to a lot of different things, from mating issues to anxiety.

Obsessive pacing and circling is often a sign of anxiety, especially in senior cats. If your cat is feeling nervous and stressed out about something, she may express it by pacing, oftentimes during the night hours when you're trying to get some much-needed shut-eye! Felines can feel stress due to a variety of causes, from major lifestyle changes to frustration over cognitive difficulties. Separation anxiety at night can also trigger a cat to pace. If you're asleep -- and therefore "away" to your cat -- she may try to get your attention by pacing in your bedroom.

Pacing and circling can also be a sign of poisoning in cats. If you suspect that your cat has been exposed in any way to a toxic substance, seek emergency veterinary medical attention immediately. One such example is the sweet pea plant. If your cat accidentally ingests sweet pea, she may begin relentless pacing and circling along with other effects such as quivering, convulsions, exhaustion and unusual feelings of weakness. In severe cases, sweet pea may even be deadly to your precious pet, so be extremely careful.

If your cat hasn't been spayed or neutered, pacing also can indicate the desire to mate, both in male and female felines. When a queen cat enters into her heat cycle, she may repetitively pace around because she's feeling antsy -- she wants to get outside and find tomcats for mating purposes. Pacing also may be a sign that a pregnant cat is ready to give birth.

When a male cat reaches reproductive maturity, he may display similar pacing behaviors -- along with repeated attempts to escape your home and go outdoors and wander! If restless pacing and circling is a problem for you, consider getting your pet fixed. Along with making your little one significantly more relaxed, it will also help keep cat overpopulation under control -- a wonderful bonus.

Veterinary Attention

In some instances, pacing and circling behaviors can be signs of a serious medical condition. Be safe and smart -- take your fluffball to a veterinarian at the first sign of uncharacteristic pacing. Pacing is sometimes a symptom of ailments such as diabetes, liver disease or hyperactive thyroid. Without further ado, take your cat's health seriously and investigate the pacing issue.

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• ASPCA: Behavior Problems in Older Cats
• Gastineau Humane Society: Spay & Neuter Information
• ASPCA: Sweet Pea
• Portsmouth Humane Society: Spay/Neuter Information

Why does my cat wander around the house meowing?

Introduction:

Have you ever wondered why your beloved feline companion wanders around the house, meowing persistently? Cats are known for their mysterious and sometimes perplexing behaviors, and this particular behavior can leave many cat owners scratching their heads. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind why cats engage in this peculiar behavior. From natural instincts to communication needs, understanding why your cat meows while wandering around the house can help strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. So, let’s explore the fascinating world of cat behavior and uncover the secrets behind their wandering meows.

What do the different types of meows mean

Cats are known for their unique vocalizations, and meowing is one of their primary means of communication. While meowing can vary from cat to cat, there are some general patterns and meanings behind different types of meows. Understanding these variations can help cat owners better understand their feline companions. Here are some common types of meows and what they might mean:

1. Demanding meow: This meow is usually loud and persistent. Your cat may be trying to communicate a specific need or desire, such as hunger, the need for attention, or wanting to go outside.

2. Contented meow: This meow is softer and more melodic. It typically indicates that your cat is happy and relaxed. For example, your cat may greet you with this type of meow when you come home.

3. Angry or annoyed meow: This meow is harsh and often accompanied by other body language cues like flattened ears or a swishing tail. Your cat may be expressing frustration or discomfort, such as being handled in a way they don’t enjoy or being disturbed while sleeping.

4. Curious or questioning meow: This meow is usually short and high-pitched. Your cat may use this meow when they encounter something unfamiliar or when they are investigating a new object or situation.

5. Lonely or attention-seeking meow: This meow is often long and plaintive. Your cat may use it when they are feeling lonely or seeking companionship. They may want you to interact with them or provide them with comfort.

6. Warning or defensive meow: This meow is often accompanied by growling or hissing sounds. Your cat may be issuing a warning to back off and not approach them further. They may feel threatened or cornered and are trying to protect themselves.

It’s important to keep in mind that each cat is an individual, and their meowing patterns may vary. Additionally, cats can learn to use specific meows to get what they want from their humans. By paying attention to your cat’s body language, context, and other vocalizations, you can better interpret the meaning behind their meows.

If you notice any sudden changes in your cat’s meowing behavior, such as excessive vocalization or a complete lack of meowing, it may be worth consulting with a veterinarian. These changes could indicate an underlying health issue or stress that requires attention.

Why is my elderly cat yowling

Title: Understanding the Reasons Behind Elderly Cats Yowling

Introduction: Elderly cats, like humans, may experience changes in their behavior as they age. One common behavior that cat owners often notice is yowling. This article aims to shed light on some possible reasons why your elderly cat might be yowling and how to address this behavior.

1. Sensory Decline: As cats age, they may experience a decline in their senses. This can include hearing loss or diminished eyesight. Cats rely heavily on their senses to navigate their surroundings and communicate. When their senses decline, they may become disoriented, leading to yowling. It is essential to provide a safe and familiar environment for your elderly cat to minimize confusion.

2. Cognitive Dysfunction: Just like humans, cats can develop cognitive dysfunction as they age. This condition is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans and can lead to changes in behavior, including increased vocalization such as yowling. If you suspect your cat is experiencing cognitive decline, consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and management strategies.

3. Medical Issues: Yowling can also be a sign of underlying medical problems in elderly cats. Some common health issues that may cause yowling include:

• Pain or discomfort: Arthritis, dental problems, or other painful conditions can cause cats to vocalize.
• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can lead to increased vocalization.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure can cause cats to vocalize due to discomfort.
• Urinary tract infections: Painful urination can make cats yowl.

If you suspect a medical issue, it is crucial to take your cat to a veterinarian for a thorough examination.

4. Attention-seeking behavior: Elderly cats may yowl to seek attention or express their needs. They may feel lonely, anxious, or simply want companionship. Providing mental and physical stimulation, spending quality time with your cat, and ensuring their environment is enriched can help reduce attention-seeking yowling.

5. Environmental factors: Changes in the environment can trigger yowling in elderly cats. Moving to a new home, the addition of new family members or pets, or a change in routine can cause stress and confusion. Cats are creatures of habit and prefer a stable and predictable environment. Minimizing environmental changes and providing a familiar routine can help reduce yowling.

Conclusion: Yowling in elderly cats can be caused by various factors, including sensory decline, cognitive dysfunction, medical issues, attention-seeking behavior, and environmental changes. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for addressing this behavior effectively. If you are concerned about your elderly cat’s yowling, consult with a veterinarian who can provide you with guidance and appropriate interventions to ensure your cat’s well-being.

Which type of vocalization indicates a cat is in distress

Cats are known for their vocalizations, which can vary in meaning depending on the situation. One important aspect to consider is understanding when a cat is in distress based on their vocalizations.

Meowing: Cats use meowing as a form of communication with humans. However, excessive or unusual meowing can indicate distress. For example, if a cat is meowing loudly and persistently, it may be a sign that they are in pain or feeling anxious.

Hissing: Hissing is a defensive vocalization that cats use when they feel threatened or scared. It is often accompanied by other signs of distress, such as an arched back, flattened ears, or a puffed-up tail. If a cat is hissing, it’s best to give them space and avoid further provocation.

Yowling: Yowling is a loud and intense vocalization that cats may use when they are in distress. It can be a sign of pain, frustration, or seeking attention. For instance, an older cat experiencing joint pain or discomfort may yowl to express their discomfort.

Growling: Growling is another vocalization that cats use when they feel threatened or agitated. It typically signifies that the cat wants to establish its territory and warn others to back off. If a cat is growling, it’s important to respect their boundaries and give them space.

Purring: While purring is usually associated with contentment and relaxation, it’s important to note that cats can also purr when they are in distress. Cats may purr to self-soothe in uncomfortable situations, such as when they are at the vet or experiencing pain. Therefore, it’s essential to consider other accompanying signs of distress when assessing a purring cat’s well-being.

It’s important to remember that each cat is unique, and their vocalizations may vary. When determining whether a cat is in distress based on vocalizations, it’s crucial to consider the context, observe other physical cues, and seek professional advice if necessary.

Title: Understanding the Reasons behind Your Cat’s Meowing and Wandering Behavior

Introduction: Cats are known for their mysterious and independent nature. However, if your furry friend constantly wanders around the house meowing, you might be wondering what’s going on. In this article, we will explore some possible reasons behind this behavior and offer insights into how you can address it.

1. Attention-seeking: Cats are masters at getting our attention. If your cat is meowing and wandering around the house, it could simply be seeking interaction or companionship. This behavior often occurs when they feel lonely, bored, or want to play. Engaging in interactive play sessions with your feline friend can help satisfy its need for attention and reduce excessive meowing.

2. Hunger or Thirst: Meowing is one way cats communicate their needs. If your cat is wandering around the house meowing persistently, it might be telling you that it’s hungry or thirsty. Ensure that you provide fresh water and feed your cat at regular intervals. Establishing a feeding routine can help address this issue.

3. Medical Concerns: Sometimes, excessive meowing and wandering behavior can be an indication of underlying health issues. Cats may meow to express pain, discomfort, or distress. If your cat’s behavior seems unusual or you notice other symptoms like changes in appetite, litter box habits, or activity levels, consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.

4. Environmental Factors: Cats are highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Some common environmental factors that may trigger excessive meowing and wandering include: – Stress: Cats may vocalize more when they encounter stressful situations like moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet, or changes in their routine. – Territory Issues: Cats are territorial animals, and conflicts with other cats in the neighborhood can lead to increased vocalization. – Aging: Older cats may experience cognitive decline, causing confusion and restlessness.

Addressing environmental factors involves creating a calm and predictable environment for your cat. Provide hiding spots, scratching posts, and perches to help your feline companion feel safe and secure.

5. Reproductive Behavior: Unspayed female cats in heat can exhibit intense meowing and restlessness. Similarly, unneutered male cats may display similar behaviors when they sense a female in heat nearby. Spaying or neutering your cat can help minimize these behaviors and improve their overall well-being.

Conclusion: Understanding why your cat wanders around the house meowing is essential to address any underlying issues and provide the necessary care. By paying attention to your cat’s needs, creating a stimulating environment, establishing routines, and seeking veterinary advice when needed, you can ensure a happy and contented feline companion. Remember, each cat is unique, and it may take time and patience to find the most effective solutions for your furry friend’s meowing and wandering behavior.

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7 Reasons Your Cat Is Pacing

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Most cats spend their days lurking around the house, minding their own business. They’ll occasionally jump on the couch to cuddle up next to you and meow when they’re hungry, but besides that, cats pretty much do their own thing.

A cat’s behaviors are  typically consistent, so when something’s off, it’s easy to tell. Cat pacing is actually quite common, and can be a result of stress, boredom, pain, hormones, and a host of other health conditions. A cat pacing may be a sign of a serious health issue that needs medical attention. If you have been noticing that your cat has been pacing around your house aimlessly, it’s worth involving your veterinarian.

In this blog post, we’ll be discussing more in-depth about the various reasons why your cat is pacing, as well as frequently asked questions about cat pacing. If you’re curious as to why your cat keeps walking around the house aimlessly, continue reading. Otherwise, you can use the links below to skip to a section of your choice.

• 7 Reasons Your Cat is Pacing

Cat Pacing: Frequently Asked Questions

Final notes, 7 reasons your cat is pacing.

Your cat isn’t just pacing around the house because they feel like it. There’s most likely a reason behind your cat’s pacing, and it can be a result of something as simple as boredom to a side effect of a more serious health condition, like hyperthyroidism.

These are some of the most common reasons as to why your cat is pacing:

Stress or anxiety

The reason why your cat is pacing might just be because they’re stressed or anxious. A cat who is stressed or anxious may be feeling restless, which is causing them to pace around. Any changes to your routine can trigger anxiety in a cat, such as moving homes or getting a new pet. Remember, something that isn’t stressful for you might be for your feline friend.

If you suspect your cat is pacing around due to stress or anxiety, talk to your vet. They will know the best form of treatment. Depending on the severity of their anxiety, a vet may recommend anti-anxiety medication to quell their nerves.

When you’re in pain, it’s hard to sit still. The same goes for your cat. Pain can cause your kitty to be unable to relax or lie down comfortably, which can lead to them pacing around. If your cat is in pain from any visible wounds, bring them to the vet immediately. But even if they don’t have any visible wounds, it’s still a good idea to bring them to the vet as they could be suffering from an internal injury.

A simple explanation for your cat’s pacing might just be because they’re bored! Boredom can cause night-time pacing, especially if your cat is used to going outside at night. If your cat doesn’t get enough stimulation during the day through playtime, it might cause them to stay up throughout the night, walking around aimlessly. Cats are most active at dusk and dawn, which is why it’s so common for them to pace around at night. It might take a while for them to get adjusted to your sleeping schedule, so pacing at night is quite common for young cats. 

To prevent your cat from pacing due to boredom, make sure your cat has enough toys to play with during the day. Try to build in some time in your schedule as well to engage with your kitty so they get enough playtime on a regular basis.

Your cat’s hormones can be another reason why they’re pacing around. Female cats who are in heat may pace around because they’re feeling antsy and looking for a mate. Male cat hormones can also cause them to pace around inside because they’re feeling anxious and want to go outside and explore. If you notice this sort of restless pacing in your cat, it’s a good idea to bring them to the vet and get them spayed or neutered. This will help ease their hormones, make them more relaxed, and should help with the pacing. Spaying or neutering your cat will also prevent pregnancies and help keep the cat overpopulation problem under control.

Hyperthyroidism

If your cat is pacing, restless, and eating more than usual, this might be a sign of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that means your cat’s thyroid is overactive  and producing more hormones than are necessary for a healthy metabolism. Hyperthyroidism can increase your cat’s metabolism, which can cause them to pace around. Hyperthyroidism also causes weight loss and an increased appetite.  If you suspect your cat’s pacing is due to hyperthyroidism, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible so that they can run blood tests. 

A pregnant cat may pace around and meow in their very late stages of pregnancy, right before giving birth. If her meowing intensifies even more, this might indicate that labor is coming very soon. If you notice your pregnant cat pacing and meowing, it’s a good idea to start preparing for the kittens to arrive as your cat may be starting labor soon. You should call your vet to discuss signs of labor to watch for. .

Feline Dementia

Feline dementia (cognitive dysfunction) is another potential cause of cat pacing, and is especially common in older cats. In addition to pacing, if your cat is suffering from dementia, they will also likely sit and stare off into space, meow excessively, spend less time grooming themselves, and become more easily agitated. If you think your cat’s excessive pacing and meowing is due to dementia, speak with your vet so that you can figure out a treatment plan to help them feel more comfortable and less anxious.

In any case, if your cat is pacing excessively, or newly pacing, it’s important to contact a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. While a cat pacing could be very harmless, it could also be a result of something serious, so you’re always better off playing it safe and bringing your cat to the vet to get checked.

What does it mean when a cat is pacing?

Your cat pacing back and forth can be an indication that something is off with them. A cat pacing can be a result of a host of different conditions, such as anxiety, boredom, or hyperthyroidism. In order to figure out the primary cause of your cat’s pacing, you should bring them to the vet so you can get a proper diagnosis. 

Why is my elderly cat pacing?

If your eldery cat is pacing around back and forth, this could be a sign of dementia (cognitive dysfunction). A cat with dementia will pace around, develop changes in their sleeping habits, become angry and confused, and may even stop grooming themselves. To help a cat with cognitive dysfunction, it’s important to keep their environment the same to avoid any further confusion and anxiety. You should also keep their brains stimulated by playing with them often. Your vet may recommend giving them supplements to help the dementia, such as supplements with Omega-3 and vitamin B12.

Why does my cat constantly walk around?

Your cat constantly walking around can be due to boredom, stress, anxiety, hormones, old age, hyperthyroidism, and a variety of other health conditions. If you notice your cat constantly walking around, bring them to the vet as soon as possible so they can figure out what’s wrong. 

There are many reasons that could be causing your cat to pace around aimlessly, but in order to figure out exactly why, you need the help of a vet. Don’t just brush off your cat pacing as no big deal. While their pacing could simply be because they’re bored, it could also be because they’re suffering from a health condition that needs medical attention. So if you see your kitty pacing around aimlessly, bring them to the vet as soon as possible so that they can receive the proper treatment they need.

But if you’re having difficulty making an appointment with your vet, check out Dutch.com, where you can make remote appointments with licensed veterinarians. When you sign up on Dutch, you’ll get connected with a network of licensed veterinarians who can help with a multitude of different cat health conditions, such as cat diarrhea , a cat ear infection , cat skin allergies , and more.

We partner with highly qualified veterinarians who will diagnose your sick kitty and prescribe them the treatment they need to get better– all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re dealing with cat pacing or an itchy cat , Dutch is here to provide you with a customized treatment plan for your feline friend. And the best part is, you’ll get the prescription delivered directly to your door within 7 days. With Dutch, bringing your pet to the vet has never been easier.

Behavioral Problems of Cats, Merck Vet Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/behavioral-problems-of-cats

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Dutch is an online veterinary pet telehealth service, created by pet parents and board-certified veterinary specialists. We use a science-backed approach to provide pets relief for their everyday physical and behavioral health issues. Dutch connects you with licensed veterinarians over video chat and messaging to help you get care for your dog or cat quickly wherever you are — without the stress or expense of a vet visit. We also partner with pharmacies who can deliver prescription medication (in applicable states only) and over-the-counter treatments directly to your door. Dutch isn’t a veterinary practice or pharmacy, but a company that helps facilitate these services for pet parents to make veterinary care more accessible to all.

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When booking a video call with a vet, you'll be asked a few questions about your pet’s health issue. Depending on the issue, you may also be asked to fill out a longer questionnaire about their symptoms and share photographs of them so our veterinarians can better understand what’s going on. You’ll then pick an appointment time that works best for you. During your video call, one of our licensed veterinarians will talk to you about the symptoms your pet is experiencing, ask you questions, review your pet’s medical history if you’ve provided it, and answer any questions you have. The vet will ask to see your pet and their environment. And they may ask you to perform some simple checks on them if needed. After your video call, the vet will send you a message with a custom treatment plan to help your pet feel better, including a link to buy any recommended prescription or over-the-counter medications. Place your order and we’ll ship it free.

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In addition to the base membership plan, our veterinarians may also recommend additional medication (Rx and/or OTC) that you will have the option of adding to your plan at an additional cost.

• Cat Behavior
• Health & Care

8 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Pacing – Vet-Approved Tips on What to Do About It

Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

VET APPROVED

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

It can be worrying if you suddenly start to notice that your cat is pacing. If this turns into a regular occurrence rather than a one-off, it can be a sign that everything isn’t quite right with your beloved cat. The first thing to do is to try and figure out why your cat may be pacing. We’ve listed common reasons for pacing and what to do about each one.

• The 8 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Pacing
• 1. Stress or Anxiety

Cats are sensitive creatures, and there are many reasons that they can become stressed. If there have been changes to your routine, like moving to a new house, a new baby, or even another cat moving into the neighborhood, these can all cause your cat to feel stressed.

• What to do about it: Speak to your veterinarian, who may recommend anti-anxiety medication if your cat seems extremely affected. You can also use a pheromone plug-in, like Feliway , to help your cat feel more secure and to reduce stress.
• 2. Hormones

If your cat hasn’t been spayed or neutered, pacing can be a sign that they’re ready to find a mate. If you’ve shut your female cat away for the duration of her heat cycle, she may start pacing in frustration that she can’t go outside. The same goes for unneutered male tomcats!

• What to do about it: If you don’t plan on using your cat as part of a breeding program, speak to your vet about getting them spayed or neutered. This will prevent unwanted pregnancies, as well as ease the hormones that cause your cat to pace in the first place.

• 3. Your Female Cat Is Pregnant

Female cats often pace as they’re close to giving birth. See if your female cat is pacing but also eyeing up cozy spots in the house. If your female cat is not spayed and allowed outside to roam freely,  it’s highly likely that she could be pregnant. Or maybe you already know that she’s expecting kittens!

• What to do about it: Schedule a veterinary consultation to confirm if your female cat is expecting kittens.

Sometimes pacing and circling can be a sign that your cat has eaten something poisonous. If you also notice any convulsions, weakness, and lethargy, then check your house carefully to see if you can find anything your cat may have eaten. Certain houseplants and garden plants are toxic to cats .

• 5. Hypothyroidism

An overactive thyroid can lead to an increase in your cat’s metabolism. Your cat may be pacing, restless, and eating more than usual.

• What to do about it: Schedule an appointment so your veterinarian can run blood tests.

If your cat is in pain, they won’t feel relaxed enough to rest. Pacing can be a sign of pain in cats .

• What to do about it: Check to see if your cat has any obvious wounds , but to be on the safe side, make an appointment with your vet, as they may want to check for internal injuries as well.

If you used to let your cat outside at night but have started keeping them inside, they might simply be bored. Indoor cats can also get bored at night time. Cats are more active at dawn and dusk , so if your cat is pacing at those times, it might simply be that they’re ready for playtime.

• What to do about it: Make sure your cat has toys to play with or a food puzzle , or do sleep training to shift your cat’s schedule slightly.
• 8. Feline Dementia

If your older cat has started pacing, it may be a sign that they’re developing dementia . In this case, the pacing is often combined with your cat sitting and staring off into space, increased meowing, spending less time grooming, and seeking you out in an agitated manner.

• What to do about it: If you think your elderly cat’s pacing is a sign of dementia, speak to your veterinarian to find out what you can do to keep your cat comfortable. Drug therapies are available to consider.

• Wrapping It Up

There’s no one-size-fits-all remedy for pacing in cats, but it’s important to figure out why your cat is pacing, and then you can figure out how to help them.

Pacing can be a sign of a serious medical condition or a reaction to being poisoned, so we’d always recommend seeking veterinary assistance. You may be able to solve your cat’s pacing simply by having them spayed or providing more enrichment for those early morning hours when they’re just bored!

Related reads:

• Why Do Cats Walk in Circles Before Lying Down? Facts & FAQ
• Can Cats Tell When You’re Sick? What Science Says

Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

About the Author

Christian Adams

Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster. Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.

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Why Does My Cat Walk Around Meowing – 14 Unique Reasons

By: Author FAQCats

Cats are extremely vocal pets, and it’s often a joy to be around them. However, sometimes it can be concerning when a cat is meowing incessantly. These situations can be annoying and worrying at the same time; especially if you can’t figure out what the cause is. So you’re likely wondering; why does my cat walk around meowing?

Your cat walks around meowing because they want attention. In some cases, cats will meow when they are hungry, in pain, upset, or are not feeling well. Restlessness caused by hyperthyroidism can also cause cats to walk around and meow.

The reasons above apply to most cats, however, every cat is an individual and you can never be sure. Below we’ll jump into 15 unique reasons why cats do this, and what you can do as a pet owner to help solve their problem.

Reasons Your Cat Is Walking Around Meowing

At this point, you’ve probably spent a lot of energy trying to figure out why your cat is meowing and can’t seem to stop. No worries, we’ve all been there, and sometimes figuring out what’s wrong isn’t always easy. Below are 13 of the most common reasons why cats walk around meowing along with some unique behaviors only some cats show.

1. Your Cat Is In Pain

One of the leading causes and cats walking around and meowing is pain. Think about it anytime your cats are playing around; whether it’s jumping off a high ledge or taking a run around the house, there’s always the risk for injury. Eventually, your cat will hurt itself.

However, the funny thing about cats is that you’re never entirely sure what they injured until you pick your cat up and begin to assess our weak spots. Because of this, your cat may approach you walking around meowing but not appeared injured or in pain.

What you can do is get a hold of your cat and gently begin feeling in different areas. Start with the Torso and then look around the leg areas looking for any noticeable scratches, bumps, or missing patches of fur.

Your cat starts to get sensitive when you touch a particular area; then, it is almost certain that your cat is walking around meowing because they are in pain. Once you figure out what areas are in pain, then you can start to look at treatment. In most cases, cats need a bit of rest when they are in pain, and the neon will eventually stop.

However, the meowing is at a varying level; then, you’ll want to consult your vet and see if the injury needs further treatment. Things such as Bone bruises, fractures, and internal damage will need to be diagnosed via x-ray. Another way you can tell your cat is in pain is to look for any noticeable limping or gingerly holding their paw as they walk around meowing.

2. Something Upset Your Cat

It’s almost impossible to read a cat’s mind. However, when they are upset it’s usually pretty clear. Cats do one of two things:

• Act out aggressively
• Become more vocal

So, if your cat is walking around meowing nonstop, they are likely upset with something. This can be anything from running out of food, needing a refill of the water bowl, and a lack of attention. Sometimes figuring out what’s upsetting your cat is the tricky part. It’s best to go down a list of potential reasons why your cat could be upset. Think about any recent changes, have a look at their living conditions, and see if you can put two and two together.

After attempting to fix a few of the possible issues, see if your cat’s behavior changes. If so, then you’ve nailed it! If not, you’ll need to get back to the drawing board. Cats are really reactive, so if you fix the problem, chances are the meowing will stop almost instantly.

3. Your Cat Is Hungry

Food is one of the leading contributors to a cat’s behavior. They are insanely happy when they have it, but equally insane when they don’t have it. If your cat’s food bowl is empty, they’ll start meowing at you; sometimes nonstop until filling it.

Leaving a cat’s food bowl empty is not intentional on our part as pet owners. However, it happens from time to time. That’s why it’s best to put your cat on a feeding schedule and find a way to make sure they always have access to food when they need it.

One helpful thing to do is to measure your cat’s weight and portion food out to be fed multiple times per day. You can either make sure to feed them manually in small amounts, or you can get an automatic feeder. Automatic feeders work really well though.

Most of them can work with apps too, and you can control when food is dispensed. If your cat eats all of its portioned food and wants more, you can set the feeder to provide more. It’s a helpful tool to keep your cat happy and comfortable throughout the process.

4. An Underlying Illness

Underlying illness can be a contributing factor to a cat meowing and walking around. This meow has a different tone to it though. Usually, there’s a bit of strain associated with it. You can hear that your cat is experiencing discomfort. Sometimes, a cat may meow to the point that they are straining their voice and fully exhausting themselves.

Some common underlying conditions include:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney Disease

No matter what the underlying issue is, this is not a good position to be in, and the only way to know for sure what’s going on is to take your cat to the vet. One health issue that commonly associates with excessive meowing is Hyperthyroidism which we’ll dive into later.

5. Your Cat Is Thirsty

Much like a desire for food, cats need plenty of water for their daily function. In fact, without water, a cat simply can’t survive. When your cat is thirsty and the water bowl is empty, expect to see them running up towards you meowing for more.

Much like an automatic feeder, a simple solution to this problem is to provide your cat with an automatic water dispenser. There are also fountain options that work quite well. They run at intervals so that your cat never becomes dehydrated.

There are also water dispensers that allow you to fill the entire container. As your cat drinks water, fresh water will flow from the container until the bowl is full. So, in a way, your cat never runs out of water and it’s less monitoring on your part.

6. Your Cat Is Greeting You

Cats love to greet their owners, especially when they first get home. The greeting doesn’t just stop there, however. Cats can become very excited and continue this greeting behavior for several minutes to several hours. This is particularly the case when they have been alone and away from social life for the majority of the day.

Instead of ignoring your cat when they do this, give them the extra attention they crave!

7. Wanting Attention

Sometimes a cat meows because they want attention. No, there are no health issues or any complex thing about it; it’s simply attention.

This kind of situation doesn’t affect every type of cat though. Instead, if you have a cat that is often bored and alone, along with no companion , this is likely to happen.

The easy solution is to give your cat the attention they want. Play with them, pet them, pick them up, and spend time keeping them active.

If you are the busy type and don’t have this kind of time to give your cat (20 – 30 minutes per day), then you need to invest in the following:

• A companion cat
• Automatic toys

If you can’t do those two things and you neglect your cat, then it’s probably a good idea to give it away to someone who can give them that kind of attention.

8. Mental Confusion In Older Cats

Certain mental conditions can develop with cats over time, especially as they get into their senior years. This can also contribute to them walking around meowing seemingly for no reason.

This can include things like cognitive disfunction and also be seen in the form of disorientation.

Sometimes you might find your cat just staring at a wall meowing , or in places they normally don’t go. Other times, the meowing is accompanied by frantic pacing, and a cat walking around in circles . Sudden shifts in mood are often associated with this too.

Your cat could show some signs of sluggish responses, have a lack of appetite, have schizophrenia, and even start using the litter in random locations without a set pattern. Anxiety and depression also accompany your cat’s behaviors too.

To really know for sure if your older cat has a mental issue, they’ll need testing.

9. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs in older cats; usually eight years or more. It’s an overproduction of thyroid hormones, and this leads to an increased metabolic rate. This means your cat will be full of meowing energy to the point it won’t stop. This leads to cats pacing around rather frantically and meowing along with it.

Because of your cat’s thyroid location (near the larynx), the meow your cat gives off will have a unique tone to it. There will also be things like frequent panting and crying too . Your cat will not only be hyper, but they’ll show an extreme level of discomfort too.

When a cat is dealing with this condition you’re likely to see the following:

• Rapid weight loss
• Bigger appetite
• Frequent urination
• Dehydration

Now, figuring out if your cat has hyperthyroidism isn’t as simple as looking at these symptoms. It requires a special blood test It’s a single test that measures your cat’s T3 or T4 concentration. If those levels are elevated, then you’ll know your cat has a problem.

10. Your Cat Feels Sick

Your cat could be feeling sick and want to make sure you know. When a cat is sick the only way they really communicate that is through their meow. Things like an upset stomach, nasal discharge from a cold, and more are all ways cats can be sick.

Think about any changes in diet your cat may have recently had. Perhaps the new food is not working well with them, or maybe they are too cold (more on this later).

11. Your Cat Is In Heat

Cats that are in heat will go through a period of excessive meowing. Sometimes the meowing will be to other cats outside the home that they can sense. That meow is their way of calling out to them.

If your cat is in heat, there are not too many options you have to stop the meowing other than to get them neutered or spayed.

12. The Temperature Is Bothering Your Cat

Cats are very sensitive to temperature changes; especially extreme ones. The temperature you set in the home is important. Set it too hot and your cat will be in a constant state of agitation. Make it too cold and your cat will walk around shivering hoping it’ll warm up.

You can tell if your cat has issues with the temperature just based on the body language in combination with the meow. They’ll likely try to find warm areas and materials like blankets and pillows. If it’s too hot, expect the water bowl to empty frequently (this can also cause meows too if it is constantly empty!).

13. Communicating With Other Cats

Sometimes cats walk around meowing because they are communicating with other cats. for the most part, this is to the other cats in your home if you have them. Listen carefully, chances are the other cats are communicating back much the same way.

However, if you notice your cat is running up to the window to meow, or perhaps the door, then it can sense other cats in the area.

In that case, this can be a bit problematic.

One solution is to put deterrents around the home. This can be something simple like sprayer vinegar or citrus smells around the perimeter. That can help keep the other cats away as those scents are normally ones they dislike.

14. Time Of Day

Cats are naturally more active at night. Because of this, you can expect to hear them roaming the home late at night meowing. This doesn’t mean anything is wrong most of the time; it’s just something cats do. Still, if you’re looking for a specific reason it can be any of the following:

• Your cat is aging
• They feel boxed in
• Your cat is understimulated

Thankfully there are some things you can do to stop this. The first is making sure to really tire your cat out during the day hours. Keep them active, give them lots of playtime, that sort of thing, and then they’ll be good and ready to sleep more during the night.

You can also provide them with non-noisy toys and gadgets so that you’re not hearing too much noise. Keeping your cat preoccupied and helping them rid themself of the “zoomies” is key.

My name is James, and welcome to FAQCats!

Along with our  team of cat owners, expert pet enthusiasts, and pet professionals, we aim to write engaging helpful, engaging content about cats. At FAQCats we strive to provide content that’s accurate and fun to read. Our team writes about everything related to cats; even the most complex of topics. Through extensive research and caring for our own fur-pals, we’re able to provide something cat owners worldwide will love. Have a look around, and leave us feedback anytime!

Each cat in the study wore a harness with a GPS device for a week to track where they went.

• DOMESTICATED

'Cat Tracker' study reveals the secret wanderings of 900 house cats

Understanding where outdoor cats go is important for keeping them, and native wildlife, safe.

The goal of the massive international Cat Tracker project was simple: find out where pet cats go when they’re outside. Researchers have tried to tackle this question in the past, either by following cats on foot (good luck!) or by putting radio-transmitters on collars around cats’ necks, but Cat Tracker was singular in its scale—nearly a thousand cats across four countries wore GPS trackers for a week to shed light on how far they range and where they go.

After six years, the results are in. Published in the journal Animal Conservation , a new report the Cat Tracker team compiled data across continents to find that for most cats, there’s no place like home.

“I was surprised at how little these cats moved,” says lead author Roland Kays of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. “Most of them spent all their time within 100 meters [330 feet] of their yard.” While it’s good news that most cats aren’t wandering into natural areas, the study reveals that pet cats nonetheless can cause ecological mayhem and put themselves in danger. ( Read more about following in the footsteps of felines here. )

Michael Cove, a cat expert at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute who studied the effects of feral and free-roaming cats on endangered small mammals in the Florida Keys, lauded the study as “quite an accomplishment.”

“I am unaware of any studies that have examined the spatial ecology of this many individual domestic cats, or any domesticated species for that matter,” he says.

Journeys, great and small

Catniss Everdeen—a long-haired, blue-eyed, year-old cat from Durham, North Carolina—was a typical participant. Like most cats in the study, she mainly stayed around her house and in the forested lot behind it. She did, however, make several visits to the apartment complexes on both sides of the house, and crossed the two-lane road in front of her house three times. Once she walked more than 150 yards to an industrial parking lot. The GPS unit attached to her harness recorded her location every three minutes, revealing a home range of about four acres.

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Catniss actually wandered slightly more than most. More than half the cats stayed within about 2.5 acres, or the area of two American football fields.

That’s not to say that all cats were layabouts, however. Seven percent covered more than 25 acres, and several cats had enormous ranges. The record-setter was Penny, a young female from the suburbs of Wellington, New Zealand, who roamed over the hills behind her house, covering an area greater than three square miles.

Another standout was a neutered tomcat from southwest England whose rambles were unlike those of any other cat in the study. Max walked the road from the village of St. Newlyn East to Trevilson, a distance of more than a mile, and then turned around and walked back. Why he made this round-trip twice during the six days he was tracked is unknown.

These intrepid explorers notwithstanding, the majority of pet cats have home ranges vastly smaller than feral cats or wild species like ocelots , the study finds. The explanation seems obvious—pets get fed at home and have no need to explore far and wide to find their next meal. Also, most house pets are neutered or spayed, so there’s no urge to search for a mate.

“Without the motivations of food and sex, most cats seem content to be homebodies,” Kays says. ( See photos of street cats around the world. )

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The researchers expected to discover differences in the journeys of cats in the different countries. In the U.S., for example, the widespread occurrence of coyotes might inhibit cats from moving far from safety, they theorized. But in fact cats generally stayed close to home everywhere, though the ranges of Australian cats were smaller than those elsewhere. “Cats are universally lazy,” Kays concludes.

Other findings from the study include that males travel more widely than females, intact cats more than neutered and spayed cats, younger cats more than senior cats, and country cats more than city slickers.

Hunters on the prowl

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the toll that cats take on populations of reptiles , birds , and other wildlife. GPS data are useful by showing not only how far cats wander, but also what kind of places they visit. Across countries, three-quarters of the cats spent almost all of their time in backyards and other human-modified places. At first glance, this would seem to be good news—how much trouble can Bella get into amidst the patio and flower beds? The paper points out, however, that by concentrating their hunting in a restricted area, cats can have an outsize effect on local wildlife populations. And considering the immense number of pet cats—nearly 100 million in the United States at last count—those local impacts can add up to an enormous overall impact.

13 vintage National Geographic photos of cats

“Urban areas have wildlife that are already affected by human development and landscape fragmentation,” says Troi Perkins, one of the study’s authors, who managed U.S. data collection while an undergraduate at North Carolina State University.

“The more pet cats outside, the more stress and fatalities local wildlife species can encounter,” she says. “The ecological impact of housecats roaming outside can be even more dire when there are threatened or endangered wildlife living nearby.”

Outdoor dangers

About 10 percent of cats abandoned the garden and spent most of their time in natural habitats. Traipsing through forests and wetlands, these felines not only could hunt species that don’t occur in human-dominated landscapes, but they also could be on the other end of the predator-prey relationship—coyotes and dingoes are well-known to have a taste for cat. ( Learn more: Coyotes have expanded their range to 49 states and show no signs of stopping. )

The research reinforced another danger that cats face: cars. The average cat crossed roads four-and-a-half times during the six days of tracking. “A lot of people, when they received the data on their cats, were more concerned about them crossing roads than their effect on wildlife,” says Heidy Kikillus , the leader of the New Zealand team. When she checked back months after the tracking was over, a number of the cats had, indeed, been run over.

While the Cat Tracker study has increased our knowledge of the outside lives of housecats, the researchers say there is much more to be learned. Knowing where cats go is an important advance, but to really understand their impact on the environment and vulnerability to threats, we need to know what they are actually doing.

Kitty cams that take video from a cat’s point of view are one way of learning what cats get up to. A complementary approach is to borrow technology developed to study how fast cheetahs run when they hunt. “We are working on new technology that will combine higher resolution GPS plus accelerometers to more precisely map out the behaviors of cats, especially, how often and where they hunt,” Kays says.

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Cat Pacing Around The Room

Cats are typically mellow and calm animals but when they act strangely there may be underlying issues behind the behavior.  If your cat attacks you for no reason or suddenly runs around like crazy it could mean that she is stressed or has an underlying health condition. But, what if you notice your cat pacing around the room? 

Cat pacing around the room: Why is she acting that way?

It is not normal for a cat to pace around in a room a lot. Here are the most common reasons why your cat is pacing around the room:

1. She may be bored. 

We normally pace restlessly when we are bored and this holds true for cats as well.  They do get bored especially if they are left alone for most of the day. 

What you can do:

Play with your cat and engage her with interactive toys such as puzzles . You may place a cat tree for her, too. This way your cat becomes preoccupied and be able to burn pent-up energy as well. 

2. She may be stressed or anxious.

If your cat cannot stay still but repeatedly paces back and forth around a room, she may likely be feeling stressed or anxious . There may have been sudden changes in the household lately such as a new pet, an additional family member or your house was renovated. Cats are sticklers for routine and sudden changes may overwhelm them.  Similarly, cats may also become stressed if they experience loss or grief such as the loss of a fellow cat or a human family member that they were close to. 

If you suspect that your cat’s unusual behavior is due to stress, assure your cat that everything is okay by spending time with her. Take things slowly and let your cat know that she is cared for. Make sure that her essentials such as the litter box, food and water are accessible and well-maintained.  You may also try to place pheromones like Feliway Diffuser to help calm your cat.

3. She may be in heat. 

Constant pacing around the room may also indicate that your cat is in the heat especially if your cat has not been spayed or neutered yet.  Cats tend to become restless, cry like babies and pace restlessly because they are looking for a mate. Males tend to pace and roam around especially if they detect the pheromones or scent of a queen cat and female cats may similarly pace around the room if they are in heat. 

Spaying or neutering your cat is the best solution to resolve this behavior. 

4. She may be in pain. 

Another reason why your cat may be pacing around the room is that she may be in pain. Your cat may have suffered an injurybut it may not be obvious because cats are masters at hiding pain. She may not be able to sleep, nap or relax because she is not feeling okay and is in a state of discomfort.  

If you suspect that your cat is pacing back and forth because she is in pain, do a physical check-up and see if she has a wound or injury. Check for lumps or bumps and if you do see a wound, treat it at once or bring her to the vet for treatment. 

5. She may be suffering from health issues like hyperthyroidism. 

Your cat may be suffering from an overactive thyroid which is keeping her awake and restless. In this case your cat tends to eat and drink a lot and she may become hyperactive. Your cat may also be suffering from other health concerns like diabetes or liver disease.

Bring your cat to the vet so she will be checked and given the proper medication and treatment.   

6. It may be due to her old age. 

Your furry friend may be pacing restlessly around the room because of her old age. Senior cats tend to be disoriented due to memory loss and as a result, may resort to pacing around the room. She may wander around the room or go to other rooms as if looking for something such as her toys or litter box.  They may become confused and tend to vocalize in addition to the constant pacing around the room. 

Keep your cat’s essentials such as her litter box, bed and food and water trays in the same spots as much as possible.  Do not confuse her further by carrying her and dropping her at odd places that she is unfamiliar with around the home. Most importantly, consult your vet on the right steps to do to help your cat. 

7. She may have ingested something toxic to cats. 

Your cat may also be pacing around the room because she ingested a toxic or poisonous ingredient or plants like the sweet pea or day lily.   She may be pacing because she may be feeling nauseous, disoriented or having convulsions. 

Inform your vet at once about the situation and keep your cat calm or better yet, bring her to the vet at once. If your cat ingested a toxic item or plant, be sure to bring a sample to your vet. If the poison is in your cat’s skin, thoroughly rinse with water.

Final thoughts 

If you notice your cat pacing around the room for no apparent reason, be mindful and closely observe her.  She may be suffering from pain,  stress, anxiety or boredom.  Your cat may also be pacing around the room due to her old age and she may be feeling disoriented or confused or it may also mean she has an underlying health issue like hyperthyroidism, diabetes or liver disease. 

Image: istockphoto.com / krblokhin

petcommunitydaily.com

7 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Walking Around Crying

December 10, 2023

Introduction

Cats often communicate with their owners through meows and other vocal cues, but when your normally quiet feline friend suddenly starts walking around crying, it can be cause for concern. This behavior can be confusing and worrying for cat owners, prompting the inevitable question: “Why is my cat doing this?” Understanding the myriad reasons behind this distress signal is the first step to addressing your cat’s needs. This article aims to explore the possible explanations behind your cat’s crying and offers insights into how you can help comfort and care for your furry companion.

Your Cat May Be Feeling Sick or In Pain

Cats in discomfort will often vocalize more frequently or loudly. Common signs of illness include changes in appetite, activity, or litter box usage. To assess your cat’s physical condition, gently check for any injuries or tender areas, keeping an eye out for changes in grooming habits. It’s important to observe for any accompanying symptoms and provide supportive care; however, persistent crying or visible pain should prompt immediate veterinary attention to discern and treat any underlying conditions.

Hunger or Thirst Could Be Prompting Those Cries

Just like us, cats will vocalize when they’re hungry or thirsty, particularly around their usual feeding times. Ensure that your cat’s dietary needs are met with appropriate and scheduled mealtimes, and keep fresh water available at all times. Monitor and respond to changes in your cat’s eating or drinking habits, as they may signal health issues or preferences that need to be addressed to maintain their well-being.

Cats Cry for Attention and Social Interaction

Cats are social creatures that crave interaction and attention from their owners. Engaging in interactive play sessions, offering companionship, and implementing consistent social routines can greatly satisfy your cat’s social needs. Watch for signs of separation anxiety, such as excessive meowing when you leave, and take steps to provide mental stimulation and reassure your cat of your return.

A Mating Call: The Behavior of Unspayed or Unneutered Cats

The cries of unspayed female cats and unneutered male cats can often be attributed to their instinctual mating behavior. These vocalizations can be intense and frequent. Spaying or neutering not only curbs these calls but offers numerous health and behavioral benefits. By understanding their reproductive behaviors, you can make informed decisions for their health and manage their vocalizations more effectively.

Your Cat Could Be Experiencing Stress or Anxiety

Cats manifest stress or anxiety through behaviors like crying, which warrants a deeper dive into their environment to uncover stress triggers. Having dealt with numerous feline cases, I understand how subtle changes can upset our sensitive companions. Identifying sources of stress in a cat’s life involves keen observation and a thorough knowledge of their normal behavior.

Identifying sources of feline stress in your home environment

Stress in cats can originate from various sources – from the introduction of a new pet or family member to less obvious changes like a new cleaning product’s smell. Sometimes, even a shift in the household schedule can disrupt a cat’s sense of security. Recognizing what’s altered in their environment is the first step toward addressing their anxiety.

Techniques to create a calming and secure atmosphere for your cat

Creating a haven of peace for your stressed cat is crucial. I often recommend starting with their immediate physical environment – providing secluded spots, maintaining cleanliness, and incorporating calming pheromones. But don’t overlook the emotional aspect; your steady presence and gentle reassurance can do wonders.

Knowing when to consult a professional for behavioral issues

Chronic or severe anxiety in cats should never go unchecked. When changes at home don’t soothe your cat’s cries, a professional behaviorist or a vet should be consulted to rule out underlying health issues or to provide specialized care.

Changing Environments Can Cause Distress to Your Cat

A move or even a furniture rearrangement can distress your cat, leading to vocalizations that express unease. I’ve seen firsthand how cats can thrive on routine and familiarity, so upheaval can be quite challenging for them.

The impact of new surroundings or alterations in the living space

Transitions such as moving to a new home can be particularly stressful for cats. They may cry while exploring or attempting to establish their new territory. Similarly, significant changes within the home can disorient them, prompting a vocal response.

How to help your cat adapt to changes smoothly

Patience and gradual introduction to new spaces or changes are key. I recommend keeping your cat’s essentials – like their bed, toys, and litter box – consistent and familiar. It’s also helpful to spend quality time with your cat in the new environment to reinforce a sense of safety.

Importance of maintaining routine to provide comfort and stability

Maintaining a consistent routine is essential for your cat’s comfort during times of change. Structure in feeding, play, and cuddle times can provide them with a blueprint of what to expect, reducing their anxiety and resultant crying.

Cognitive Dysfunction or Aging Could Be the Culprit

Like humans, cats can experience cognitive decline or confusion as they age, which can lead to increased vocalization. Recognizing this possibility is vital for providing the right care to an aging pet, and it’s a subject close to my heart as a caretaker of senior felines.

Understanding how aging can affect feline behavior

Aging can bring about significant changes in a cat’s behavior, including disruption to their sleep-wake cycle, disorientation, or increased vocalization. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, as they often indicate underlying health issues or cognitive changes.

Recognizing the signs of cognitive dysfunction in older cats

Signs of cognitive dysfunction in cats include disorientation, altered interactions with humans or other pets, sleep disturbances, and changes in activity levels. Monitoring these signs can be crucial for early intervention and management.

Advice on caring for a senior cat with special needs

Providing specialized care for a senior cat involves numerous considerations, from dietary adjustments to environmental modifications. Simple steps like keeping their living area easy to navigate and their routine consistent can significantly improve the quality of life for a cat experiencing cognitive decline.

What underlying health issues could cause my cat to cry and how can they be treated?

Cats can express discomfort through vocalizations such as crying or meowing, and this behavior can be attributed to various health issues ranging from minor concerns to serious medical conditions. Possible ailments include urinary tract infections (UTI), arthritis, dental disease, or more serious conditions such as hyperthyroidism or kidney disease. Identifying the root cause requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian, who may perform blood tests, urinalysis, or x-rays to diagnose the problem.

Treatment options depend on the specific ailment. For instance, a UTI may require a course of antibiotics, while arthritis pain can be managed with medication and modifications to the cat’s environment to minimize joint strain. Dental issues might necessitate professional cleaning or extractions. Chronic conditions like hyperthyroidism or kidney disease require long-term management, possibly including medication, dietary changes, and regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the cat’s condition.

It is crucial to attend to these health concerns promptly to relieve your cat’s discomfort and prevent more severe complications. Always consult with a veterinarian to decide the best course of action for your cat’s health issues.

Could my cat’s diet be linked to its excessive crying, and how can I adapt its nutrition to help?

A cat’s diet can significantly affect its well-being, and nutritional imbalances or deficiencies might lead to vocalizations indicative of distress or discomfort. For instance, a lack of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to health problems that might cause pain or irritability. Cats require a balanced diet rich in protein, amino acids like taurine, and fatty acids.

If a diet-related issue is suspected, it’s advisable to evaluate the cat’s current feeding regimen. Make sure that the cat food is of high quality and meets the nutritional guidelines established by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Dietary changes should be made gradually to avoid upsetting the cat’s digestive system. It may also be beneficial to introduce wet food that can help keep cats hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to urinary tract issues that might cause crying.

Consulting with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist ensures that adjustments to the diet are suitable for the cat’s age, size, and health status. They can recommend therapeutic diets for specific health issues, supplements if needed, and advise on feeding practices that encourage good digestion and overall health.

Is my cat’s crying a behavioral issue related to stress, and what strategies can minimize its anxiety?

Cats can be very sensitive to changes in their environment or routine, which can lead to stress-related vocalizations. Sources of stress can include moving to a new home, the introduction of new pets or family members, changes to the household schedule, or even rearranged furniture. These stressors can make cats feel insecure and may manifest through various behaviors, including increased crying.

Minimizing stress for a cat involves creating a stable and secure environment. Ensuring they have a consistent routine, a quiet place to retreat, and access to their own resources (food, water, litter boxes, scratching posts, and toys) can help. Taking time to engage in regular play can also provide an outlet for a stressed cat and strengthen the human-animal bond. Additionally, pheromone diffusers or calming supplements can also be helpful in reducing feline anxiety.

If stress-related crying persists, it’s wise to consult with a veterinarian or a feline behavior specialist. They can provide strategies tailored to the individual cat that can help to modify behavior and reduce stress levels, contributing to a quieter and happier household.

How can I differentiate between normal vocalization and distress calls in my cat?

Cats communicate with their humans through vocalizations, but distinguishing between normal chattering and cries signaling distress is vital for their well-being. Normal cat vocalizations include meows, purrs, hisses, and chatters, which can vary in intensity and frequency based on the cat’s mood and personality. Some cats are naturally more vocal than others, and breeds like Siamese are known for their talkative nature.

Distress calls, on the other hand, are often louder, more persistent, and occur at unusual times, possibly suggesting that something is not right. These can include long, drawn-out meows, unusual yowls, or cries that sound more urgent. A noticeable change in a cat’s vocal patterns, such as a typically quiet cat suddenly becoming loud, may also indicate that something is amiss.

Observing the context of the vocalization can provide clues; for example, cries near the litter box could indicate discomfort from a urinary issue. If in doubt, a consultation with a veterinarian can help rule out medical causes and provide peace of mind. Understanding the nuances of cat vocalizations is essential for responsible cat ownership and ensures prompt attention to any issues that may arise.

Could a change in my cat’s environment lead to excessive crying?

Yes, cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment. A new pet, a move to a new home, or even rearranging furniture can cause stress and anxiety, which can lead to increased vocalization. Offer your cat a quiet, comfortable space and familiar objects to help soothe them during transitions.

At what age do cats typically become more vocal, and could ageing be a factor?

Cats may become more vocal as they age, often due to confusion, disorientation, or cognitive decline similar to dementia in humans. This usually occurs in senior cats, typically around 11 years of age and older. If you notice a sudden increase in crying in an older cat, it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian.

Is there a connection between a cat’s diet and excessive crying?

A cat’s diet can indeed influence its behavior. If a cat is not receiving the proper nutrients or is hungry, it may cry to indicate its needs. Ensure you are feeding your cat a balanced diet and adhering to a consistent feeding schedule. Sudden dietary changes can also cause stress, so any transitions should be gradual.

Could crying be an indication of a cat marking its territory?

Crying is not commonly associated with territorial marking. Cats typically mark territory through scent – by rubbing their face or body against objects, or more overtly through spraying urine. However, a cat may vocalize if it feels its territory is threatened or to communicate its presence to other cats.

Are there specific breeds of cats that are more prone to crying?

Some breeds are known for being more vocal than others. Siamese, Orientals, and Burmese cats, for instance, have a reputation for being very talkative and may cry more often. Still, individual personalities vary, so it’s possible for any breed to be particularly vocal.

Can medical conditions lead to a cat walking around crying more at night-time?

Yes, medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, or vision impairment can become more troubling for cats at night, potentially leading to increased crying. If your cat’s nighttime crying is a new behavior, it could be worth exploring a medical cause with your veterinarian.

How can I comfort my cat when it won’t stop crying?

Comforting a crying cat involves addressing the underlying cause of the distress. Ensure all basic needs are met, provide a consistent routine, and create a calm environment. Offering reassurance through gentle petting or a soft voice can also help. However, persistent crying may warrant a veterinary visit to rule out possible health issues.

In conclusion, a cat’s vocalizations are a significant part of its communication, but when your feline friend starts walking around crying more than usual, it warrants attention. From health concerns to emotional distress or simply a quirky personality, the reasons for a cat’s cries can vary. Assessing their environment, physical health, and behavior will help you pinpoint the cause and address your cat’s needs effectively. Always consult with a veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat’s health or well-being. Understanding and responding to your cat’s cries will deepen the bond you share and contribute to its overall happiness and contentment.

As an avid cat lover with years of personal experience and expertise, I have developed an intimate understanding of our feline friends. From the playful antics of mischievous kittens to the regal demeanor of wise old cats, I have had the pleasure of sharing my life with a diverse array of feline companions.

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• Cat Behavior

Cat walks around the house meowing very loudly

• Thread starter VinceL
• Start Date Nov 19, 2020

Thread starter

Furballsmom

Cat devotee.

Hi! Start weighing her every couple weeks and keep a log, so that you catch if she starts losing weight beyond where she should be. Does she respond, and stop meowing when she is petted? Is she visual, in other words does she respond to a visual distraction such as a wand toy, a hexbug toy or a smartykat electronic motion toy?  

DreamerRose

You may be on to something. She could possibly hear herself through the bones in her head. On the other hand, my son had a cat with dementia, and she did go around the house meowing. She would also go to a corner of a room and meow at the wall.  

ladytimedramon

Is she spayed? When I adopted Delilah, she was quiet for the first month or so. Then she started walking around yowling at the top of her lungs. My friends said she was finding her voice. Then other things started happening and I thought it was her having reactions to food changes. Things stopped for about a week. Then they started again and she started "assuming the position". After I took video of some things happening i showed it to cat owning friends. They said she was acting like she was in heat. It turned out all of her yowling (and everything else) was because she had ovarian remnants. So Delilah was acting like she was in heat for about a week, acting normal for a week, heat for a week, etc. It didn't stop until surgery for the remnants.  

• Thread Starter Thread Starter

Thanks for all the responses. Let me answer your questions: Start weighing her every couple weeks and keep a log, so that you catch if she starts losing weight beyond where she should be. She is very petite...only about 5.5 lbs. Because of her small size we regularly monitor her weight, and it is very stable. Does she respond, and stop meowing when she is petted? Yes. She likes face rubs when she comes to me. If I am sitting or laying, she likes to get up on my stomach and be held and petted. Is she visual, in other words does she respond to a visual distraction such as a wand toy, a hexbug toy or a smartykat electronic motion toy? Yes, she follows a thrown toy or rolled ball. When she goes around the house meowing, she literally goes around the house....all rooms, on the floor, on our bed, on a cat tree, etc . Lexi was spayed as a kitten. ladytimedramon, your experience with your cat reminds me of our other female, Bonnie. We adopted her when she was about 8 months old. She had been spayed by the Humane Society. After we had her for about 6 months, she started the howling, rolling on her back, etc. And our 2 male cats (both neutered) reacted to Bonnie's signals. We had her spayed (again), and the vet removed tissue about the size of a pencil eraser. Never any problems since. Because of her deafness, she is easily startled if you approach her from behind. So, I always go around her to get in her field of vision before I get too close.  

FeebysOwner

Hi. I think the meowing is very likely due to her hearing issues. Feeby (16+ yo) started walking around meowing loudly (I call it 'squawking'), almost like calling out to someone or announcing herself. She also does not do it at night, just during the day, and many times is does seem to be around food desires. She is quieter after eating, but will still squawk off and on shortly after. She also seems to squawk more when there is no one immediately around her, as if she wants to have company and to be acknowledged. She, too, can be startled if you walk up behind her, so I try to do as you do in order not to scare her. Since these two things occurred around the same time, I am pretty sure the are connected. I am OK with it, since she seems happy otherwise.  

VinceL said: and it is very stable. Click to expand...

VinceL said: On a few occasions I have snuck some food to her without the other cats knowing. She ate most of the food Click to expand...

VinceL said: she literally goes around the house.... Click to expand...

This all sounds very familiar. Unfortunately, I don*t know of any remedies. One of my older cats started yowling at night after her cat companion died. They had been together for perhaps15 years, had never actually been friends, but the male had been the one to take a quick walk around the outside of the house before settling down for the night. I imagine, after he died, she felt insecure at night and yowled, hiding in the darkest corner of the living room. A short time later I took on a very placid second, unwanted older cat. Although, at first, the resident cat was not amused, she stopped yowling. She had something else to think about and right up until her death we had no more problems with a noisy cat at night. Mogi (13 years old) started pacing up and down and yowling about 8 months ago. I'm told it's only when I'm at home, whatever that implies! I also thought she was hungry and have been feeding her extra portions - in the bathroom, away from the other cats. She was in rather bad shape - probably because I was away from home so often in the previous year. The vet could find nothing wrong, but I was also told to weigh her regularly and ensure she had enough fluids. She is much fitter now, has a constant weight having put on 200g in the first few months. But, she's still yowling. Unless I am really occupied (or just too tired to get out of bed), I let her take me into the bathroom where she rubs herself against my legs and then climbs on my lap to drink from the tap. She prefers to rub herself against objects to being stroked but she purrs for 3 or 4 minutes and then is happy to walk away. By the way, I don't think that water is the problem - she has 2 fountains and bowls of water which she uses. She's always loved taps. Hopefully, someone will come up with some bright idea on how to help aging cats so that they keep their voices down and don't upset the two-legged residents. The noise certainly doesn't seem to bother the other cats.  

tarasgirl06

VinceL said: One of our cats, Lexi, is 13 years old. She has become deaf within the past year. Over the last few months she has started walking around the house during the day meowing very loudly. Fortunately, she does not do this at night. I thought maybe she was meowing because she was hungry. She no longer eats dry food. And, we can't leave wet food out for her 24/7 like we do with dry food. Since she can't graze on the dry food, I thought maybe the meowing was her saying she was hungry. On a few occasions I have snuck some food to her without the other cats knowing. She ate most of the food and then walked away. So, I figured she was full. A few minutes later she was walking around meowing. I don't think she is in any pain. She runs and jumps like she always has, and she enjoys play sessions. Our vet can't find any medical condition that he thinks could be causing her to meow. Her teeth look very good so he doesn't see how eating dry food would cause her any pain. I am wondering if she is meowing to try to hear herself in what is now her silent world. I have read that cats with dementia sometimes wonder around meowing and seeming very confused. Lexi does not appear confused. She demonstrates that she is familiar with her surroundings. Any cat whisperers out there who can shed some light on Lexi's behavior? Click to expand...

MiloTheBlackCat

Mama of milo and breeze.

Yeah, it could have something to do with her hearing loss. Then again you said she goes to every. corner. and. room. so, she could be looking for something. I'm also pretty sure cats do that when they are grieving. It's kind of a personal question, but has anyone died around or in your house recently? If so, she could be looking for them or grieving for them. That's all I've heard- I'm not sure I'm 100% right though-  

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Pet Cat Found Alive and Reunited with Family Days After Their Cleveland Home Was Destroyed by Arson

The feline, named Evelyn, was brought to a vet after being discovered

One Cleveland family was reunited with their pet cat earlier this week after she was believed to have been lost to a house fire that authorities think was started intentionally.

Cecilia Li and her husband Felipe Freitas initially feared the worst about their cat, named Evelyn. "She's been with me my entire adult life through everything," Li told News 5 Cleveland .

But when the feline was found alive days later inside the damaged house, she was brought to a vet and determined to be doing okay, the outlet reported.

The family's dog Salami, however, was killed in the fire, according to a GoFundMe page set up for Li, her husband and their 7-month-old baby.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Hannah Lee/GoFundMe

In a statement to News 5 Cleveland, the Cleveland Division of Fire said investigators believe the fire was set using an ignitable fluid.

"It's intentionally set on the front porch on the front of the building, and that's what spread it to the house and to adjacent houses and the cars, unfortunately totaling over $700,000 in damage," said Cleveland Fire Public Information Officer Mike Norman.

Authorities are still looking into the incident. They brought a K-9 in from the Painesville Township Fire Department to help with the investigation.

"He's trained to detect ignitable liquids. Trace amounts of those ignitable liquids will come through typically after the fire, and he'll help me find if there's any left," Lt. Gordon Thompson told News 5 Cleveland.

Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact the Fire Investigation Unit at (216) 664-6380.

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