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Why does my cat yowl, spit, and run, then get hungry and thirsty?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

I think my cat is showing signs of a growing brain tumor, but I'm not entirely sure. She has episodes of loud yowling, she begins to spit up a saliva that appears to be a sort of yellow color, and she then runs across the house. After this happens, she gets very hungry and thirsty and she begins to want a lot of attention. This has happened more than once and the time range between these episodes are random. Thank you for your time.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on September 1st, 2017

Hi an thanks for posting your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say exactly what may be occurring sight unseen, but I can certainly offer a couple possibilities. Exhibiting odd behavior randomly as you described can certainly be a sign of a neurological dysfunction occurring in the brain. Sometimes a psychomotor seizure can cause the occurrence of random odd behavior such as vocalizing, exhibiting fear or aggression, etc. These episodes may last a min or so but pet's with psychomotor seizures always do the same thing each time. A postictal period after the seizure may induce hunger, thirst, or a general unwell feeling prompting her to want to be by your side for comfort. A brain tumor could cause the onset of seizures. There are other possibility as well that may explain her behavior. Pain, renal disease, liver disease, or other internal organ dysfunction may contribute. An thorough veterinary exam can help diagnose Spotty as well as basic blood work and perhaps some imaging like an x-ray or ultrasound. I hope this has helped and all the best to you and Spotty!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It actually sounds like Spotty may have an over-active thyroid. This causes cats to become more vocal, eat a lot, and lose weight. Diagnosing a tumor is difficult but a thyroid test is an inexpensive blood test. I recommend taking Spotty to the vet for an exam and blood work. Good luck and kisses to Spotty!

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