Sleepless nights

Question
I've seen a few posts asking about cats who cry/howl at night.  We have this problem as well.  Our 12 year old, healthy, energetic Siamese mix sleeps much of the day but when awake she is calm and quiet.  As night draws near, she spends much more time awake is often appears restless.  She cries out--howls, actually--for no apparent reason, and paces around the house from room to room, climbing up then down whatever furniture she can find.  Holding/petting her can help, but often I have to coax her to me for petting and usually then usually after a few seconds she leaves me to howl/pace some more.  

This behavior has been going on for a year or so, but has gotten MUCH worse in the past few months.  The howling keeps us awake at night.  Shutting the bedroom door does not discourage the behavior (plus, it increases the likelihood the howling will wake up our 1 year old).  Our house doesn't give us a good option for isolating her downstairs either...so there is no where to put her at night.  And while we run a fan in our bedroom for white noise, we'd need the roar of a jet engine to mask the cat's cry.

I've tried some herbal aromas that are supposed to calm a restless cat.  No luck.

The lack of sleep is impacting our family's quality of life.  We need help curbing the constant cries and the restless pacing around the house (and on top of the bed).  

I don't like the thought of giving her sedatives simply for our sanity.  But after a few months (yes, months!) of 4 hours sleep each night, I'm at my breaking point.  

Any ideas/recommendations?

Answer
Hello again Emily,

Wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten about you but I have not yet heard back from the breeders I mentioned.  I did write to both of them but I'm not sure why I haven't gotten a response.  

Sedatives are really not a good idea you could try some remedies such as 'Rescue Remedy' by Bach.  You could also try a homeopathic vet who may be able to give you some remedies that are more specific to your cats problem.  Have you considered adding another cat to your household?  Another cat would very likely help keep her company at night, drastic I know but it may be exactly what is needed.  I would go to a cat rescue group and explain the situation, they know thier cats and would be able to help you chose one with a personality best suited to your family and your situation and if it ends up being disasturous would be right there to take the cat back unlike a shelter.  A rescue group would also be there to guide you through the integration process.  I have heard the yowling of a siamese and I really feel for you!

I will let you know if I hear anything from the breeders.  Another thing you should do is to get a thorough vet check up to rule out any medical problems that may be causing the behavior.

Natoma

Hi Emily,

I am going to start out by saying that unfortunately I have no experience with this particular problem.  I have Maine Coons and in general that are very quiet cats, this is a scenario that I've never dealt with even with my pet buyers.  I however do know a couple of siamese breeders so I am going to forward this on to them to see if I can get some qualified answers for you!

It is likely that she is lonely at night and the howling is her way of letting you know, how to deal with it is another story.  Give me a day or two and I will get back to you!  

Natoma