DEAR JOAN: I have a 9-year-old indoor male cat, named Jasper. We also have another indoor cat and a dog.
Jasper yowls at night and in the early morning. He does not appear to be in pain and has dry food and water out all the time. He has access to a “catio” — not at night, but if it’s not too cold, we leave the window open, and he can have outdoor time in a protected cage.
He’s not too interested in toys. He does like a lot of attention, which we try to give him. I bought some new toys to give him more stimulation, but he doesn’t really care. Do you have any advice for me to try to get him not to yowl in the very early morning hours?
— Lisa Shedd, Walnut Creek
DEAR LISA: Ah yes, the music of the night, well known to many cat companions such as yourself.
There are a few reasons Jasper is yowling. If you haven’t already, take him in for a check up to make sure there isn’t a medical reason for the howls. If he gets a good report, time to consider other factors.
If this is something he has consistently done for much of his life, it could just be a habit. If you get up to check on him or offer him treats, then he knows he’s got you well trained.
Cats also yowl when hungry or bored, if the condition of the litter box isn’t up to their exacting standards, or an outside cat is trespassing on claimed territory.
I think, however, that the answer to the mystery is revealed in your letter. Jasper likes a lot of attention. If he’s closed out of your bedroom, or if he’s separated from the other pets, he might be lonely and missing his humans.
Try giving him extra attention right before bedtime. Engage in some play, give him extra cuddles, and give him a treat. Then try to ignore his attention-seeking cries.
DEAR JOAN: We are thrilled to announce a significant conservation victory for the Bay Area. Save Mount Diablo has officially closed escrow on the Ginochio Schwendel Ranch!
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, including 56 of your dedicated readers who helped us raise $12,750, and the partnership of the Ginochio family, this strategic 98-acre property along the Marsh Creek wildlife corridor is now permanently protected. This effort helped safeguard rare volcanic soils, breathtaking views and vital habitats for species including the Mount Diablo Globe Lily and the California red-legged frog.
We are immensely grateful to the Ginochio family, our supporters and your readers for helping make this important land acquisition possible. We are also thrilled and thankful to have officially started a conservation partnership with the California Wildlife Conservation Board by working together to protect the strategic Ginochio Schwendel Ranch.
— Ted Clement, Save Mount Diablo executive director
DEAR TED: On behalf of my readers, you’re very welcome. And thanks to you and Save Mount Diablo for all you do to preserve important spaces for wildlife. Congratulations on another win.
Animal Life runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.