Why is my cat randomly growling?

By instinct, cats will not draw attention to themselves if they are sick or in pain, so this is NOT the reason your cat is growling. in the wild, doing this is like hanging a "free meal" sign over their head for all their predators to see.

Your cat has just lost his lifelong friend and caregiver, and is now in a strange place with strange people.

The growling is a sign of fear. It can be a multiple of things. I'd say he's scared out of his mind.

If it don't bother you, try and see if he will sleep with you on your bed. You and he need to bond, and while this will take time, it can be done.

The last thing he needs now is isolation. This is why he's hiding under your bed now.

Calling his name is a great start, and while you should not force the issue of bonding, you do need to be proactive in your effort to help him adjust to his new home and best friend.

Also, try a night light in your room, at least for a while, so he will not be so scared. Again, as long as it doesn't prevent you from sleeping.

He'll come around and the more positive you are toward his needs now, the more he will repay you later on.

Hope this helps,

As you said, there are many reasons a cat will growl. Taking the cat to the vet seems like the best thing to do. You have to rule out physical causes. If there is nothing physically wrong with the cat, then something emotional may be going on... I have had cats that have taken as long as a year to feel really safe and happy in my home. It could be old age, some cats do go senile and growl at things that aren't there. If it is some sort of anxiety, you could try Feliway, the spray that contains a smell that makes cats feel calmer and safer. I've seen it work on my brother's cat who was VERY upset when they moved. And it works on mine when I have to take them to the vet.

By the way, I wouldn't lock your cat out of a room that it feels safe in... I would think that it would cause more anxiety. Cats are curious and when it feels safe and calm enough, it will explore on it's own. Good luck to you and your new cat.

Well, my cat goes to the window and talks to the birds outside. He also seems to see something in my kitchen that I don't see. I figure either there is a mouse in the wall or he sees or feels a ghost of a mouse or something. I'm not trying to be funny. I don't know what he's seeing, but animals can sense things that humans often can't. I had one cat that was acting weird, like he was smelling something along the floor so I investigated and he was actually able to smell some ants that had come in under the door. I had several other cats but only he seemed to be able to smell them. What can I say, cats are weird sometimes. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless he starts acting aggressive and mean a lot more than usual. :)

I think your new cat is afraid and feels anxious.

My cat has always growled when she hears someone outside. I moved about a year ago and she began to growl at random moments, and like your cat would run into another room. It has stopped for the most part now, we just had to wait it out.

When my cats have been sick they have not growled, they purred.

It was nice of you to take the cat. I hope this helps a little.

Look at it this way. You lived with someone in one place for your whole life. Suddenly one day that person is just gone. You don't know where he is or when he's coming back (never crosses your mind he's not coming back). The next thing you know some random person picks you up puts you in a box taking you to a new place, with lots of people you kinda know but not really. This place smells funny, looks funny, and everything you know is gone.

So what's your outlet? As humans we'd ball up and cry. He's grieving for everything he knows being gone. He can't cry.

However, I would take him to the vet and give him a through check up. I lost a 10 y.o. cat to heart strain when I went away for college. My mom had to give him to my aunt and he died 3 weeks later. It's very difficult on a cat. I don't want to scare you but I just letting you know. I didn't have any luck with that Feliway spray.

I agree with Kelly - don't lock him out of the room he likes. Get some Feliway - I like the plug-in diffusers. They're cheaper at PetEdge.com. Beyond that, I think he just needs more time.

You're right, if the stomach upsets continue, you should see a vet.

Good luck to you! It was really good of you to take in this cat.

so what's your question? why he's growling?? you already answered that... "(cats sometimes growl when they feel bothersome pain or discomfort)"

even if he hasnt shown any symptoms to a upset stomach today, doesnt mean his stomach isnt upset. i mean, you've been nauseous without throwing up and or having diarrhea right? but you still curled up in bed and hated the world when it was happening, right?

i would take the cat to the vet. you never know whats up, as they plain cant say whats on their mind.

if you're asking why he doesnt have more health issues because of his old age.. whats the complaint? please give you more reasons to visit the vet and have a sick cat that only likes you? that could be fun...... not.

good luck and thats awesome you took in an elderly cat that wasnt at all your responsibility. shows youve got a good heart.