Many cat owners find that their feline friends, typically quite gentle in their vocalizations, can sometimes transform into nighttime wailers, sounding eerily like a crying baby. This is particularly common when cats enter their heat cycle, also known as estrus. This intense vocalization serves as a way for cats to attract potential mates or to warn off rivals. While this is a natural part of a cat's physiology, these nocturnal howls, which can last for days or even weeks, can significantly disrupt the sleep of both owners and neighbors. If you're struggling to understand and manage this behavior, we will explore ways to mitigate the nighttime howling.
The reason your cat cries like a baby is primarily due to being in heat. They are trying to attract a mate or potentially warning off competition. This is a natural behavior, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be stopped. This howling typically occurs when the cat is seeking a mate during the estrus cycle. It’s a normal physiological response, and the behavior tends to subside after the heat cycle. The duration of this phase can range from several days to weeks, making it a real challenge for anyone nearby trying to sleep. If you want to know how to stop this nighttime howling, here are a few methods.
How to Stop Cats From Howling at Night
1. Anti-Estrus Supplements
To help relieve the discomfort cats experience during their heat cycle, consider giving them anti-estrus supplements or calming aids. This option can alleviate the symptoms of estrus without affecting the cat's reproductive abilities, and usually poses no health risks to the cat. These supplements can help reduce the cat's urge to vocalize.
2. Spaying or Neutering
Spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) is the most effective way to permanently stop heat-related vocalizations. It tackles the problem at its root by preventing the hormonal fluctuations that trigger the howling. Moreover, these procedures have significant health benefits for cats, including a reduced risk of certain diseases and an extended lifespan. Additionally, spaying and neutering reduce pet overpopulation. These procedures are a one-time solution that leads to a calmer, healthier cat.