Why does a feral cat meow frantically then stop when I go outside?

Unfortunately it's impossible to know why Adik is meowing so much! If the cats are not spayed and neutered, he is more likely to reactive if the female is coming into heat or if there are other un-neutered males outside. If they are not spayed and neutered, I recommend to have this done. This may help to decrease reactivity but it may now fully control it. Other things you can do are related to environmental enrichment. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play (really get him moving) and/or switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. Try feeding him out of a food puzzle. Hide food for him to find. Provide a stand or resting place by a window so he can look outside. You may also try clicker training him for positive behavior. Here is a link about training cats: https://www.petcoach.co/article/can-i-train-my-cat/ Most cats response best to combination therapy. The veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help with behavior. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Starting her heat cycle in a unspayed female cat is the most common reason for increased vocalization. Other possible causes are: she sees other cats outside (territorial), anxiety (cats outside, starting heat, changes to house hold), attention seeking, or medical issue. I would close the blinds temporarily, provide environmental enrichment (cat trees, interactive cat toys, lazer pointer, play with her) and consider spaying her. You can also consider a Vet exam to be sure it isn't a medical condition. If she is otherwise fine, I hope that is improves with time and some of the above. Have a great day!

An adult feral cat may have a difficult transition to being an indoor cat. If she is intact, the vocalizations and nighttime behaviors could indeed be heat related. Having her spayed may decrease those behaviors but may not completely eliminate them. Try a pheromone collar, spray or plug in diffuser to decrease any anxiety she may be experiencing. If that doesn't help, an exam with your veterinarian to diagnose any underlying cause would be recommended. If you think she would be happier back at the barn, have her spayed (if she isn't already) to prevent accidental or unwanted litters. Some cats prefer living outdoors and that's may be the case here.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since he isn’t neutered he could smell a female cat in heat outside and want to mate. Be sure he is urinating, male cats are at risk for urinary obstructions. Sometimes they vocalized. If he is a senior cat, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause increased vocalization. I hope this helps and I wish Grayson the best!

I would start by getting Binx spayed to stop this behavior. Typically females will respond if male cats are in the area. She also behavioral likes you and has a bond with you so sometimes cats will start being vocal when owners are round. The best way to stop this is really to just get her spayed. I hope that helps!

Hi and thanks for posting! Vocalizing is very common and a normal behavior in female cats who are in heat and who are ready for mating. Vocalizing is thought to be a behavior used to attract a male to mate. She may continue to vocalize frequently until she comes out of heat or until she is bred. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

As long as there is no underlying medical reason that could account for the sound then I imagine she may be bored and looking for attention. I would suggest getting a cat flap if you don't already have one so that she can come and go as she pleases. Cats love being outside and usually tire themselves out when out. Alternatively get her some climbing toys and you could try a pheromone diffuser.