Cat Moans For No Apparant Reason

slykat12

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Hi,

My 4.5 y/o spayed rescue Whitney "My profile pic cat" has begun softly moaning on occasion. It is not her angry moan, nor a "I want to mate moan" but akin to the kind of moan humans make when snuggling down for a nap or stretching. She is otherwise eating great, playful, and eliminating normally.

The soft moaning started when I got a second rescue cat 5 months ago, who has shook up the household with his bold behavior. However, Whitney does not moan at him. She moans on her own like when laying down or changing position.

It should be noted that the new kitten came to us with chronic health issues "probably calicivirus" but was checked out and blood tested for diseases before I let them mingle. Whitney did have one eye infection a month into the introduction-her first.

I am concerned as this is a brand new behavior tied to the intro of a new cat. I cannot tell if the little moans are pleasure moans or pain moans from say arthritis. She is not even 5 yet.

TY, for any advice
 

Tobermory

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I have what I think may be a similar situation: Lily, long-time resident cat; Mocha, new adoptee; Lily, unusual vocalizations. Lily’s are lower pitched than her usual meows and kind of grumbly. But she’s always by herself without Mocha being in sight. Additionally, Lily is over grooming her tail. Lily had a few litter box issues within the month or two after I adopted Mocha, but those stopped. I’ve had Mocha six months now, and everyone seems to be co-existing.

I had Lily checked by our regular vet and there’s nothing physically wrong with her. But the unusual behaviors continued and I just felt she was “off,” so last week, I took her to a holistic vet recommended by the animal sanctuary where I volunteer. He believes it’s stress, and since I thought that might be the case, I agree!

I’ve been using Feliway diffusers, the original calming one they now call “Classic,” since I brought Mocha home, but the vet gave me some herbal mixture for calming to put in her food. I just started it on Friday so it’s too soon to tell if it’s helping.

He recommended a product called Calm-a-Mile which is composed of essential oils. The company is animalEO (website: www.animalEO.info), and he personally knows the vet who owns the company and concocts the oils. He had it there in the office and used it on Lily to help reduce her stress. I'll have to admit, she was better at the vet than she usually is--and the stuff smells wonderful. The primary oils are two kinds of chamomile. She smelled like a very luscious, scented cup of tea. :)

There are two versions: Calm-a-Mile RTU (ready to use) where you put a drop or two on your hand, rub your hands together, and pet the kitty. The Calm-a-Mile NEAT has to be used with a water-based diffuser.

I'm going to give it a try, starting with the Calm-a-Mile RTU. An added benefit to the scent, according to the website, is as they groom themselves, they ingest some of it, and it aids in the calming. If it works, I may try the diffuser version, but of course, I don't have a water-based diffuser and would have to buy one. I wouldn't mind my house smelling like chamomile. Maybe it will calm me, too!

Interestingly, when I got Lily home, she seemed pretty relaxed and the other cats didn't react to her scent the way they often do when coming back from the vet.

I’m somewhat of a skeptic, but the vet I saw on Thursday was previously a traditional vet and has his DVM from a reputable accredited vet school. I checked. And he said he personally knows the vet who formed this company.
 
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slykat12

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TY so much for your answer! My cat could be showing her objections to the new baby or stress via her vocalizations. After all she has always been a lone cat. She seems sad since he came. He can be a bully in regards to the best spots to lay.

I will take a look at the calming products. I have also increased time we are alone together. I lock the kitten out of my bedroom once a day so she can have me to herself. The baby does not seem to mind at all and she seems to love it.
 

Tobermory

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She seems sad since he came.
That’s exactly what I thought about Lily. Sad..and hurt. I’ll be petting Mocha, look up, and see Lily watching. Then she turns away and lies down, facing away from me. “You’ve betrayed me,” she seems to be saying. :( I try to pet Mocha out of Lily’s line of sight. I hope Whitney can make friends with the newbie. She’s so beautiful!
 
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