VOCALIZATION - EXCESSIVE
Why is my cat persistently crying?
Most owner complaints about feline vocalization are either to do with the
intensity and persistence of the vocalization, or the fact that it occurs at
night, when family members or neighbors are trying to sleep. Attention getting
behaviours, sexual (estrous or male) behaviours, play behavior, medical problems,
discomfort and aggressive displays are the most common reasons for feline vocalization
Of course, since some cats are quite active at night, it is not surprising that
many owners are concerned about their cat's night time vocalization and activity.
Some breeds, such as the Siamese, are much more likely to be vocal than others.
What can be done to prevent undesirable vocalization?
Providing sufficient play and exercise during the daytime and evening may
help to schedule the cat so that it sleeps through the night. Never reward vocalization
by providing food, attention, or play, when the cat vocalizes. Mild outbursts
of vocalization can either be ignored or interrupted with remote punishment
techniques but never through physical punishment.
How can excessive vocalization problems be treated?
Understanding the problem
The cause of the cat's vocalization, those stimuli that are associated with
the onset of the behavior as well as all factors that might be reinforcing the
behavior, must be understood. For some cats, especially those that are middle
aged or elderly, veterinary examination is recommended to rule out potential
medical causes of vocalization such as pain, endocrine dysfunction and senile
changes.
Modify the environment
If the cat can be denied exposure to the stimuli for the vocalization (e.g.
the sight or sounds of other cats), or prevented from performing the behavior
(e.g. keeping the cat out of the owner's bedroom at night), the problem can
often be resolved successfully.
Modify the pet
The most important aspect of a correction program is to identify what may
be serving to reinforce (reward) the behavior Many owners inadvertently encourage
the behavior by giving the cat something it values when it makes a noise. Attention,
affection, play, a treat, allowing the cat access to a desirable area (outdoors,
indoors) are all forms of reinforcement. Reinforcement of even a few of the
vocalization outbursts perpetuates the behavior Although removal of reinforcement
(known as extinction) ultimately reduces or eliminates excessive vocalization,
the behavior at first becomes more intense before it starts to fade. Owners
must be prepared for this if the technique is to work. The last thing they should
do is give in at this time as this trains the cat to be even more vocal than
before.
Punishment
Physical punishment should never be used in cats. Not only is it ineffective
at correcting most behavior problems, it can also lead to fear and anxiety either
of the owner or people in general. Although ignoring the vocalization, so that
the cat receives no reward for the behavior, is the best solution, in the long
run it can be difficult to do. Punishment devices that are not associated with
the owner can be used to interrupt the behavior immediately and effectively.
A spray of water, an audible alarm or a quick puff of compressed air (from a
computer or camera lens cleaner) is often effective at stopping the behavior,
and at the same time ensuring that the cat has received no form of reward. Punishment
that is not immediately effective should be discontinued.
What can be done for cats that vocalize through the night?
For those cats that vocalize through the night, it is first necessary to try
and reschedule the cat so that it stays awake and active throughout the daytime
and evening. Food, play, affection and attention should be provided during the
morning and evening hours, and as many activities as possible must be provided
for the cat during the day (cat scratch feeders, activity centers, or perhaps
even another pet). Older cats with sensory dysfunction and geriatric cognitive
decline may begin to wake more through the night and vocalize more frequently.
These cases will need to be dealt with individually depending on the cat's physical
health.
If the cat continues to remain awake through the night, there are two options
that might be considered. The first is to lock the cat out of the bedroom by
either shutting the bedroom door, or confining it to a room or cage with bedding
and a litter tray for elimination. If the cat is ignored it may learn to sleep
through the night, or it may be able to keep itself occupied if there are sufficient
toys, activities or another cat to play with. Under no circumstance should the
owner go to the cat if it vocalizes (even to try and quiet it down) as this
will reward the behavior
If the cat must be allowed access to the bedroom, inattention, and punishment
devices such compressed air, or a water sprayer, can be used to decrease or
eliminate the cat's desire to vocalize so long as they are not associated in
any way with the owner.
Will neutering help?
If your cat is an adult male or female and not yet neutered, then some forms
of vocalization are associated with communication, especially with regard to
estrous cycles and mating. Cats in estrous are particularly vocal when "calling".
Neutering should help to reduce vocalization in these cats.
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