Behavior problems/incessant meowing

Question
Almost a year has passed since I adopted Niles (almost 3yrs. old).  I found him at a local shelter - he and his sister were left there by their previous family.  For whatever reason, the facility allowed the sister to be adopted without taking Niles as well, so they lost each other as well.
From the first day he has been quite the talker (he even talks in his sleep).  However, no matter what I am doing, he is constantly meowing/howling.  Rarely is he ever calm and relaxed, and just hanging out.  When I'm home, if I'm not giving him my complete undivided attention, he goes nuts - it's a meow and howl as though the world is going to end.  I try to console him, and he's fine for that instant, and then he's at it again.  He used to howl all through the night as well, but that has since subsdided and only creeps back every now and then (now he "only" wakes me up crying 2-3 times per night).
Now he is attacking my legs as I walk by him and launches at me as I pass by, or he'll chase after me after I've passed by and pull a sneak-attack from behind.
I'm certain that the separation from his family and then his sister was all very traumatic for him, and I try to be as compassionate as I can, but shouldn't he be coming around by now? after almost a year (10.5 months)?
After all he's been through I couldn't even dream of giving him up (even though almost everyone is telling me to since I can't sleep at night and it's affecting my stress levels during the day) - I've grown quite attached to him - and he to me...I do wonder if maybe he just needs a pal/another cat (but I fear he may reject her since she wouldn't be his sister).
so, if you could provide any insight or advice it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Hi Melissa,

It sounds like Niles is a bit hyper-active. I have several suggestions, and the first one you already mentioned yourself - get another cat! A kitten is often easy to introduce to an adult, but adult-adult introductions can go just fine as well. The most important thing is to select a cat or kitten who has been around other cats - either their siblings or another cat in the household, and is not aggressive or overly timid. Contact local rescue groups and shelters and talk to the staff to find an active young cat who loves to play with other cats. Often feral cats who have been tamed make the best comapnions for another cat because they relate very well to other cats! www.petfinder.com is a good place to look for cats and kittens in your area. Below is advice on introducing the cats properly to get things off on the right foot. Having a second cat will not actually increase your work (other than having to clean the litterbox more often), it will provide Niles with some companionship when you're away or asleep and relieve you of the duty of being his personal slave :)

Of course taking on a second cat is a committment and if you are not ready for it financially or otherwise, you may have to make due with the following suggestions, and you can utilize these even if you do get another kitty.

1. Create a schedule that Niles can predict and stick to it. Cats like to feel in control of their lives and when they can anticipate pleasant activities it makes them feel more secure. Feed him at the same time each day, set aside a half an hour after dinner to play with him with an interactive toy like a string or feather wand. Set aside a mellow time of day to pay attention just to him - even if it's jsut 15 minutes. He will start to anticipate these activities when you do them on schedule and he'll be less likely to bug you otherwise.

2. Make sure you play with him after dinner for at least half an hour each day to make sure he is tired enough to sleep more at night. Get him chasing a laser pointer or a feather wand, running and jumping as much as possible!

3. When you cant be around to entertain him, make sure he has other sources. If you don't already have a cat tree beside a window with a nice view, arrange that if possible. A fish tank (with sturdy lid of course) can keep cats mesmerized for hours. You can set up a small aquarium with some cheap and easy to care for goldfish, get a cover with lighting so your cat can see them all them time. Set up a cat tree or chair beside the tank and he'll sit there for hours! Some people even buy vidoes made for cats to play on TV - featuring birds fish and rodents that some cats actualy watch!

Here's advice on how to introduce a new cat or kitten. It is natural for the resident cat to want to put the new one in his or her place, it's normal to see hissing, smacking and sometimes growling. What you want to avoid is a ball of cats with fur flying! Following this system should ensure as smooth a transition as possible. Adult cats will often follow a new kitten around and hiss at him, sometimes smack him repeatedly with a paw - but once they realize the kitten is no threat, they'll start to accept them. The important thing is to reassure the resident cat by paying him positive attention and never punishing him for interactions with the new cat - if he smacks the new kitten and you yell at him, he blames it on the kitten that he got in trouble! Instead praise him and give him treats when the other cats is around - before he gets dominant with him.

Introducing A New Cat to Other Cats

1. Confine the new cat to one room with its litter box, food, water, and a
bed. Feed the present cats and the newcomer near either side of the door
to this room. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until the cats
can eat calmly directly on either side. Next, use two door stops to prop
open the door just enough to allow the cats to see each other, and repeat
the whole process.

2. A product called Feliway (www.feliway.com) - available at most pet
stores - can be useful when introducing a new cat. It mimics relaxing
pheromones that cats exude from their cheek glands. Spraying doorways and
furniture where the cats encounter each other with Feliway can help ease
introductions.

3. Switch sleeping blankets between the new cat and resident cats so they
have a chance to become accustomed to each other's scent.

4. Once the new cat is using her box and eating regularly while confined,
let her have free time in the house while confining the other cats. This
switch provides another way for the cats to experience each other's scent
without a face to face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become
familiar with her new surroundings without being frightened by other
animals.

5. Avoid any interactions between the cats which result in either fearful
or aggressive behavior. If these responses are allowed to become habit,
they can be difficult to change. If either cat becomes very fearful or
aggressive, separate them, and continue the introduction process in a
series of gradual steps, as outlined above.

You'll need to add another litter box and scoop and clean all the boxes
more frequently. Make sure that none of the cats is being "ambushed" by
another while trying to use the box.
Expect hissing, spitting and growling. If a fight breaks out, do not
interfere directly. Instead throw a blanket over each cat, wrapping the
blanket around the cat before picking him up. Separate the cats until they
have calmed down. It may be best to leave the cats separated when you are
not home until you are sure they are getting along well.

Successful introductions usually require time and patience,
don't expect things to be perfect overnight!

Good luck!

-Tina