Zsa-Zsa Wailing

[Miss Z]

Hello PTers! My cat Zsa-Zsa has developed a habit of wailing when she gets a little lost. She has recently become blind, and everynow and again, she gets a little confused as to where she is. Then she makes a really strange noise, almost like a baby half wailing, half gargling. She stops when we call her. My other cat, Brando, who recently passed away, used to do the same thing, but he meowed normally. I can't seem to find any info on this in my cat book, does anyone know about this??? Info would be much appreciated.

[moosmom]

Sounds like Zsa-Zsa needs reassuring. When a cat loses their eyesight, they have a tendency to do what Zsa-Zsa, yowl for their humans. How long ago did Brando pass away?? She could also be lonely for him too. Do you have anything like cat bedding or something with Brando's scent still on it? That might help calm Zsa-Zsa a little, giving her security. You also might want to leave a couple of nightlights on around, as she may only be partially blind and need a little help finding her way.

Give Zsa-Zsa smoochies from me. And good luck.

[Miss Z]

Sounds like Zsa-Zsa needs reassuring. When a cat loses their eyesight, they have a tendency to do what Zsa-Zsa, yowl for their humans. How long ago did Brando pass away?? She could also be lonely for him too. Do you have anything like cat bedding or something with Brando's scent still on it? That might help calm Zsa-Zsa a little, giving her security. You also might want to leave a couple of nightlights on around, as she may only be partially blind and need a little help finding her way.

Give Zsa-Zsa smoochies from me. And good luck.

Ok, thanks
Brando passed away from kidney failure on 25th August this year aged 15 after a number of health scares in his last few months. Zsa-Zsa is a cat who pines for things, and after his death she did lose a lot of weight. Also, it seems that she went blind very soon after Brando's death.
As soon as Brando went, she immediately took over his favourite basket and has used it ever since. She must know that Brando would have wanted her to have it.
A night light would be no use to Zsa-Zsa as it has been confirmed by vets and eye specialists that she is completely blind.
(PS Zsa-Zsa says thanks for the smoochies!)

[Killearn Kitties]

I don't think that sort of behaviour is unusual in older cats. Clearly beautiful Zsa-Zsa needs as many cuddles as she can take. Please give her some from me too.

[Barbara]

My Filou does this since he is a baby. We always say he's got lost in the staircase - because that's where he does it usually. We call him and usually he wants a cuddle session

I think her brother's passing and herself becoming blind makes Zsa-Zsa feel she needs a little more reassurance than usual.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Eddie does this too (and he is relatively young.) When he cries I call to him and that usually seems to be enough.

Last time we went on vacation (for 10 days) he cried so the first night we were home I got no sleep!