Nissan Repair: engine, nissan altima, oiling system

Question
on start up when the engine is cold something in the crankcase screams like "a cat in pain." what is the problem and how do i fix it?
the car is a '93 Nissan Altima. please help.

Answer
Here are some things to check out.  Since I can't listen to the engine chekc the following:

Now, since I can't listen to the engine for you are you sure it is inside the engine or is it a powersteering belt screaming when you first start the car?  Check to make sure the belts are tight and that the noise does not vary when you turn the steering wheel side to side.

If it is not the belts I would assume that this is a manual transmission?  If it is I would say the imput shaft bushing or bearing.  

If you have an automatic you might have a problem with the oiling system.  First, I would go with a oil change to 5W30 Mobil 1 Synthetic and see if it quiets it down.  But, if it does not I would say the oil pump is going.  

Check out these and let me know what you find.