At that age, anything could be going on. It could be a from a physical issue or from becoming a little daft.

When my cat was 17 he yowled for months. I finally took him to the vet and he had tumors in his lungs. When you’re able to get him to a vet for X-rays. I’m sorry to tell you this but it can be a sign of discomfort.

Last night I left a light on in the lounge, her day bedroom and wonder of wonders she came and said goodnight at midnight but returned to the lounge. She then never disturbed me until 6 am. I fed her and cleaned her litter she then let me have another hour and a half before niggling that she could hear the birds outside and wanted to join them. She has been pretty good until now when she has just had her first caterwauling, I hope because I ate my late 3pm. brunch rather than clean her litter tray. Fingers crossed. I've also started giving her a 4 gram dose of fish oil each day. If nothing else it will make her fur soft and shiny.

I'd have someone come over and help you out till you recover. Old cats can be demanding but it sounds like she's still healthy and just noisy.

I have heard of that. When they get old, their ability to see, hear, and smell get bad and sometimes this is the result. There is a spray that calms them down. I do know it is on-line and for a bit more, at the vets. It might help. I have one for my dog and it seems to help when we are doing something new and perhaps scary.

Im not sure about its availability in Australia but ive noticed some shops around here that carry CBD hemp oil products and some of them have a version for pets. If shes just a bit uncomfortable n cranky because of it that might chill her out if you can find it.