DEAR JOAN: Once in a while I’ll find our male cat sitting next to one of several neighborhood cats, howling at the top of his lungs. Why does he do that ?

— Dennis M., San Jose

DEAR DENNIS: Normally, howling and yowling in the presence of another cat is not a good sign. It is a clear indication that there is something territorial going on, and we’re about to see an epic cat fight.

It’s also a precursor to mating — the female caterwauls, the male responds, lovemaking ensues.

As you don’t mention any aggression or X-rated activity following the howling, I think you cat is just gossiping with his buds.

As long as the neighbors don’t mind the evening howl-along, no fights break out and no unwanted pregnancies develop, you should be fine, however you might want to take your cat to the ve

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