Glossary
Night howling
Loud calling, wailing or yowling at night, common in older cats and in cats in heat, and sometimes a sign of illness.
Also called: nighttime yowling, night yowling, nocturnal vocalisation, nighttime crying
Night howling is the long, loud, mournful calling some cats do in the small hours, often while pacing. It can wake the whole house. Causes depend on age and circumstances.
In young cats the cause is often boredom or too much energy, because cats are naturally active at dawn and dusk and at night, see crepuscular. An unspayed female in season calls loudly and persistently, and an unneutered male answers. Some cats call because they are hungry or want company.
In older cats, night howling is more concerning. Feline cognitive dysfunction, a condition like dementia, may cause confusion and disorientation, and the cat may wander and cry. High blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, kidney disease, pain and loss of hearing or sight can all produce the same calls. For that reason, see your vet if the habit is new, especially in a cat over about ten years old.
For healthy cats, play hard in the evening, feed a meal before bed, leave a night light for senior cats and give a warm bed nearby. Do not shout at the cat or give attention at night, which can reward the calling. Ask your vet about spaying or neutering.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026