Help! My Cat is Yowling! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Isabella is 2 years old and has been happy living with us for the past year, but sometimes she wanders around our house, sniffs the furniture, and yowls. I know cats mourn the loss of another cat companion, but is it possible she is mourning the loss of my Pumpkin, whom she never met? If so, how do I explain to her that Pumpkin has been gone for nearly 2 years now?“– Melanie
Quick Info about Isabella
Hi Melanie,
This is such a thoughtful question, and it speaks volumes about how deeply you observe Isabella. While cats do grieve, the evidence we have from behavioral medicine tells us they mourn individuals they have formed a direct bond with, not those they have never met. Isabella is not grieving Pumpkin in the same way humans could, and there is no way to explain time or past loss to a cat. What you are seeing is more consistent with feline vocalization tied to unmet needs, environmental curiosity, anxiety, or even subtle frustration. Think of it like pacing while talking out loud on the phone; the behavior is expressive, not reflective of a specific memory.
Yowling paired with sniffing furniture is often associated with arousal or uncertainty rather than sadness. At two years old, Isabella is in a developmental stage where energy levels, mental stimulation, and social engagement matter greatly. Medical causes such as gastrointestinal discomfort, urinary tract irritation, or early musculoskeletal pain should also be kept on the radar, as cats frequently express physical discomfort through vocalization rather than overt limping or withdrawal. This is well described in feline behavior and pain literature, where vocal changes are considered a common sign of internal discomfort.
If Isabella is otherwise eating, using the litter box normally, and interacting affectionately, this behavior is unlikely to represent grief. A structured daily routine with predictable play, food puzzles, and interactive engagement often helps settle this kind of restlessness. You are clearly attuned to her emotional world, and that awareness alone already gives Isabella a sense of safety and stability.
Kind regards,
– Dr. Paola