How can I keep my older cat from meowing and pacing all night?

Question

He's a neutered 15 years old cat named Henry who is used to being an 'inside-outside' cat but has had to come in permanently since he is too old to be outside and various neighborhood cats were beating him up (in his own yard mind you). We've tried keeping him awake during the day, but we don't have much time to do that. We also tried playing with him before we go to bed to try and tire him out. So far nothing has helped. He paces and meows (a low, deep yowl) for 3 or 4 hours every night before settling down and finally getting some sleep.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I have two cats that do this. We just moved and I dont allow them outside yet. So, I decided to cut their food portions in half. I feed them before I go to bed and then again during the day. Seems to help some.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Perhaps he is missing the outside interactions? Sounds like you've tried everything else - so maybe its the idea that he misses being outdoors with all the critters. You may want to look into going to your local PetSmart and finding a DVD called "Cat Sitter." When my 2-year old boy cat, Cupid, gets restless not being able to see critters running or flying around during the winter we pop this DVD in and let it run for a few hours. Usually he'll sit there for about 20 minutes solid - walk away - eat or drink - then come back for a bit and watch some more.

He's never been an outdoor cat int he time we've owned him, but I do know as a kitten he was abandoned and dumped so there was some exposure to the outdoors and he seems to really love watching birdies, squirrels, chipmunks and other critters. And watching this DVD keeps him entertained - even batting at the flat-screen TV with his paws to try and get the birds or butterflies ~lol~

It's about $10 and worth the try!

Answer 3

my cat does the same thing. he is also very old (17) and he is an outside inside cat (same reason, its too cold at night for him) and when we keep him inside for the night, he never lasts, and at 2 in the morning hes meowing and walking up and down the hallway. sometimes he even runs back and forth. wierdo.

anyways,
he probably wants to go back outside. just keep a bed with a heating pad on the porch so if he gets cold he can sleep on that . thats what my cat does.

:)

Answer 4

Wow, your cat is very old, he's like a senior! I suggest you get him to get used to it by making the home very nice and fun place to hang around. Plus, shouldn't a cat who's that old be sleeping alot? Or at least not be very active?

My seven year old cat is an indoor cat so there are times he looks out the window or scratches at the door but we only let him out sometimes. I'm surprised that your cat is that old and was an indoor cat becuase statistically outdoor cats live alot less than indoor ones. This is considering that they could get all sorts of infection outside, get into brawls with other cats, contract rabies, or die from a car accident or get eaten by a kayote. That's one of the reasons we keep our Playboy indoors (because of the cayotes)

Answer 5

sounds as if he is used to hunting at night. feed him and leave out dry food for him to snack on. place a hanging toy where he can play with it without bothering your sleep--if it has a bellon the toy--you will know he is hunting and it will not bother your sleep. he will get his jollies and you will get your sleep.
happy new year and good luck. should work--did with mine.

Answer 6

let him out he knows his limits they always come back he just wants to feel free