Are you excited to have a new kitten? These adorable and cute animals grow quickly and have many needs. However, the kitten may cry a lot, which can upset you too. By knowing what makes her cry and comforting her, you can stop her crying and form a strong emotional bond.
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Part 1 of 2: Understanding the Meaning of a Kitten's Cry
Step 1. Study the development of the kitten
Kittens go through specific developmental phases. Learning this will help you figure out why the kitten is crying and how best to comfort it. Here are the stages of kitten development:
- Birth to 2 weeks: Kittens approach sounds and their eyes open, separation from their mother or siblings can cause behavioral problems.
- 2-7 weeks: Your kitten begins to socialize, play, and will probably stop suckling at around 6-7 weeks, although she may continue to suckle for enjoyment.
- 7-14 weeks of age: Kittens are socializing more often and their physical coordination is getting better. Kittens should not be separated from their mother or siblings before 12 weeks of age to minimize the risk of developing problematic behavior. In addition, kittens who are gently held for 15-40 minutes daily for the first seven weeks are more likely to develop larger brains.
Step 2. Identify the cause of the kitten crying
Kittens cry for many different reasons, from being separated from their mother too early to being hungry. Recognizing the cause of your kitten's crying can help you identify the specific cry and give her the comfort she needs. Kittens may cry because:
- It is too early to be separated from its mother or its young siblings.
- He needs comfort or attention.
- He's hungry.
- It's cold.
- He is so sick that he feels very hungry or restless.
Step 3. Identify if the kitten is meowing normally or crying
Even if he cries or meows a lot, he's actually just expressing himself. By understanding that all the meows of kittens and cats are a normal part of their behavior, you will get used to their crying.
- Know when your kitten is crying excessively or because of a need that you need to stop.
- Be aware that some purebred cats, such as the Siamese cat, tend to meow frequently.
Step 4. Visit the vet
If you're not sure what's causing the kitten's crying and you're concerned about its health, schedule an appointment with the vet. He will know why the kitten is crying and will suggest the best way to stop it.
- Tell the vet when the kitten started meowing and what can help reduce or make the crying worse. Also tell the vet how long the kitten has been with the mother and siblings.
- Bring the kitten's medical records if you have them.
- Answer the vet's questions honestly so that the kitten gets the care it may need.
Part 2 of 2: Giving Kittens Comfort
Step 1. Hold the kitten
Most kittens love the comfort that comes with being held or petted by their owner. It resembles the comfort provided by the parent and is useful in socializing and helping it develop optimally.
- Hold the kitten gently. Lift him up with both hands so he is fully supported and does not fall.
- Do not lift him by the neck to minimize the risk of hurting him.
- Hold your kitten like a baby-it may not want to be on its back, but it can lie in your arms with its nose in the crook of your elbow.
- Place the blanket in your arms so that the kitten can snuggle into it. Don't put a blanket over him, which could frighten him.
Step 2. Caress the kitten gently
Whether you pick him up or when he's next to you, gently caress or pet him. This can calm and stop the crying and help form a strong emotional bond between you two.
- Focus on stroking the kitten's head and neck as well as the underside of its chin. Avoid the tail or other areas that seem sensitive.
- Make sure not to stroke it too vigorously.
- Brush the kitten twice a week or more often if he likes.
Step 3. Talk to the kitten
Interaction is an important part of a kitten's development and emotional bonding experience with you. Talk to the kitten when he cries and whenever you interact with him so he knows you are communicating with him.
- Talk to the kitten when petting, holding, feeding it, or whenever it gets close.
- Try to speak in a soft tone and don't scream, which scares him off.
- When talking about something, say his name and praise him. For example, “You want me to carry you, Pus? Aw, you really like that, don't you? You are such a cute and sweet kitten.”
Step 4. Play with the kitten
Play is another important part of a kitten's development and the experience of emotional closeness with you. Crying may be a sign that he needs attention and playing is a good way to fulfill that need.
- Prepare toys that are age-appropriate for the kitten, such as balls or mice that are bigger than him so he won't swallow them. Keep nearby a pad that he can scratch.
- Throw the ball back and forth at the kitten.
- Tie a toy with a string and let it chase it. Keep an eye on and store the toy so it won't be easy for him to reach when you're not playing. The leash can be swallowed by your kitten causing serious digestive problems or even death.
Step 5. Prepare a comfortable bed for him
Providing your kitten with a comfortable bed can help keep her comfortable and soothe her so that she cries less. Buy a special bed for cats or prepare a box with a soft towel or blanket.
Line the bed with something you've used, such as an old t-shirt or even a blanket. This will help him get used to your body odor
Step 6. Feed the kitten
Kittens need nutritious food to support their growth and improve their health. Giving the kitten enough food will help stop the crying.
- Soften canned cat food with a milk substitute for up to 10 weeks. Make the consistency like oatmeal porridge. This is especially helpful if he stops breastfeeding too early or is orphaned.
- Avoid plain milk as it can upset the kitten's digestion.
- Place the kitten's food in a ceramic or metal bowl. Some kittens may be sensitive to plastic.
- Provide a separate bowl of drinking water for the kitten.
- Make sure the kitten's food and water are fresh and in clean bowls.
Step 7. Clean the litter box
Cats and kittens are very sensitive about cleanliness, especially their litter containers. Keep the litter box clean and always available to him to help stop his crying.
- Make sure the litter box is small enough so it can get in and out easily.
- Use sand that is not too dusty and unscented.
- Remove the dirt as soon as possible. Do this every day to encourage him to use the litter container.
- Keep the litter container away from the food. Kittens don't like food near their litter containers.
Step 8. Give medicine
If the vet determines that the kitten is crying because it hurts, give the veterinarian prescribed medication and treatment. This will speed up his recovery and may stop his excessive crying or meowing.
- Make sure your kitten gets a thorough treatment.
- Ask the vet questions about how to administer the medication as much as possible to minimize trauma to the kitten.
Step 9. Don't ignore or rebuke him
Unless you're absolutely sure that the kitten wants something that's forbidden, don't ignore her need. Maybe he's having trouble accessing his poop container or he's run out of water. Likewise, don't scold your kitten for crying too much. This won't stop her crying, but it can actually make her afraid of you.
