My 21 year old Siamese cat is waking up the household

[Joy]

at all hours of the night meowing...not sure what she wants...she has food and water...she does have arthrititis and is getting pretty thin. I'm not sure if I am being selfish by not bringing her to the vet's but I am so afraid they will want to put her down if they see her.

[davet]

year older who is deaf and so if she can't hear she thinks no one elase can so she really hollars, day or night....you might ask your vet if it might help to give a little bit of Benadryl late in the evening to get her to sleep through the night..don't do it on your own because of her age and weight...but if it works it might just break the cycle.

[Joy]

I think I'm going to have to risk taking her to my vets and asking about the Benadryl. My husband is getting pretty cranky about getting woken up..

[Traci]

Yes, Joy, kitty needs to see your vet. At 21 years of age, any number of health conditions could crop up and the sooner you detect them and get them treated, the better. There are several diseases that our senior kitties are predisposed to in later years, such as diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney failure, even neoplasia. Left undetected, any one of these can worsen quite quickly.

Your vet will start with a comprehensive exam, but do tell him you want her eye sight and hearing checked out thoroughly. Older kitties do tend to lose some of their sight and hearing and this is most likely why she is keeping you up at night. She may be confused, lost, feel alone simply because she is disoriented. Having said that however, it's important that you get her checked out thoroughly by your vet, and I always recommend a full geriatric blood profile to detect any potential hidden illnesses.

Our senior pets deserve our care and devotion now more than ever. She has given you 21 years of unconditional love, you have to give it back by getting her examined and treated where necessary. She's depending on you to do so...

[Auntie Debbie]

I agree with Traci, a full geriatric check up is in order for your little senior. In the event that her eyesight is failing, you might try leaving some night lights on throughout the house so she can have an easier time finding her way around (worth a shot).
I have some links on "Geriatric Cats" under the Feline section of my website listed under Favorites in the menu on the laft side of this page.
I hope your kitty is in good health and that you can get a good nights sleep soon!

[oconnorjoy]

Thank you all...I will bring Susie for a checkup