Will a kitten cry when it s hungry
Why Do Kittens Cry? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & How to Stop It
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreKittens are super cute, and many people go gaga for the tiny cats. Kittens are also an immense responsibility and a great worry, particularly since they tend to cry. A lot. They are sweet and adorable until they keep you up at night with their crying and meowing and you dont know whats wrong or how to help them.
Why do kittens cry? How do you know when something isnt right? Is there any way to stop them from crying? Kittens can cry for a number of different reasons, and all kittens cry from time to time. There are things you need to do in order to meet your kittens needs so that they stop crying, but in some cases, your kitten will need to see the vet.
Here are eight possible reasons why kittens may cry and how to attend to their needs, as well as when to contact the vet.
This guide is not a replacement for veterinary advice, so please consult your vet if your kitten is crying or meowing more than usual or they are not well in any way. Their condition can worsen quickly, and getting them seen by a vet promptly is of utmost importance. For the purpose of this article, we have not specified the age of the kitten, but generally, we have tried to cover most common reasons for kittens crying, from a newborn up to several months of age.
The 8 Reasons Why Do Kittens Cry
1. The Kitten Is Hungry
One of the most common reasons that kittens cry is because they are hungry. Kittens need to eat as much as six to eight times per day, depending on their age. Kittens cry to alert their mom that they need food so that they can get fed. If you are feeding your own kitten and find that your kitten is crying a lot, you need to try feeding them more often by increasing the number of their meals.
If your kitten stops crying and gets interested in food when you go to feed them, they might just be hungry. If they do not want to eat or are crying during or after feeding, this may indicate an underlying health issue, that they arent getting enough food, or that the food is not suitable, and they should be promptly checked by a veterinarian.
2. The Kitten Is Cold
Kittens can easily get cold. Unlike adult cats, kittens cannot regulate their body temperature during the first 4-5 weeks of life. This can lead to your kitten feeling cold, which can cause them to cry, or in the case of very young kittens, to become very weak and lethargic, barely moving and feeling cold to touch.
If you suspect your kitten might be cold, you can try bundling them up in a blanket or raising the thermostat to a higher temperature. This problem can be more pronounced in the winter months. In the first weeks of life, kittens need a nest box temperature of around 80-85F. After 4 weeks of age, this can be reduced to 70-75F going forward.
3. The Kitten Is Lonely
Kittens can get lonely. Many kittens are used to being around their mothers and usually other kittens. A young kitten does not like to be alone, as that is unfamiliar. When a kitten starts crying, they could be looking for attention or calling out to their mother or littermates. This may be more pronounced soon after weaning and when kittens are adopted to their new homes after 8 weeks of age. Spending time with the kitten, petting them, and sitting nearby could be enough to ease their loneliness and get them to stop crying.
However, be mindful not to consistently teach them to seek your attention by crying, as this may form a positive association, and they may cry every time they expect something. Certainly in the first days of them becoming a member of your family, when everything is new and scary, they will need a lot of reassurance and company. Keep them busy with games, puzzles, treats, and toys, so they will tire out more easily and be more settled. Reward their calm and confident behavior with attention and treats, and they should settle in fairly quickly.
4. The Kitten Is Confused or Lost
Being a baby can be confusing and frustrating. Kittens are born blind and deaf, and it takes time for their senses to come into focus. Very young kittens can get confused or even lost if they venture away from their nesting box, and that can lead to crying.
If you have just adopted your kitten, keep them in a crate or a small room to begin with, so they can gradually explore the rest of the house. If they are out and about in the first few days, they can easily get lost and hide under various pieces of furniture, not knowing how to find their way back. If you suspect that your kitten could be confused or lost, try resetting them by bringing them to a familiar location and feeding them. You can even coax them with toys and treats, so they can learn the way themselves, unless they are too small or have ventured too far away from their safe place.
5. The Kitten Is Stressed
A kitten might cry if they are stressed out. A kitten can feel stressed or anxious from any combination of factors. A kitten might be anxious about being away from their mother. They could be cold or missing their litter mates.
One of the best ways to reduce a kittens stress is to fill their immediate needs, distract them, and spend time with them. Bundle your kitten up, pet them, play with them, and redirect their attention to something else, like food and toys. Meeting your kittens basic needs and providing a comfortable and safe environment will go a long way in reducing stress and potential crying.
6. The Kitten Could Be Sick
No one wants to imagine that their precious kitten could be sick, but it is a real possibility. Your kitten might be crying because of illness. This is more likely if you notice your kitten is still crying even after all their immediate primary needs have been met. You might also notice that your kittens cries seem weak or sound different than before. They could be weak and lethargic, not wanting to play or move much, or they may have more specific signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, eye discharge, a runny nose, sneezing, or lack of appetite.
If you believe your kitten is sick or they are exhibiting any of the above signs or generally seem lethargic, you should bring them to the vet right away for diagnosis and to get treatment started.
7. The Kitten Might Be in Pain
Another thing that could cause your kitten to cry is pain. A kitten can hurt themselves or become injured. Kittens can be clumsy, and they do not know their own boundaries and the boundaries of their environments. They could get injured through encounters with other pets in the house, children, or people by unintentionally being stepped on or pushed.
If your kitten is in pain, it can cause them to cry for longer periods of time even when the rest of their needs seem to be met. Look for signs of pain, such as limping, holding a paw up, hunched posture, wobbliness or lack of coordination, the inability to move, skin wounds, or licking a specific area over and over again. If you believe your kitten has been injured or is in any pain, you should get them to the veterinarian urgently.
8. The Kitten Needs to Use the Bathroom
Like human babies, kittens need time to learn how to use the bathroom and become litter box trained. Sometimes a kitten will cry when they need to go to the bathroom, but this is not very common. You can try to gently put your kitten into a litter box to see if they will relieve themselves and stop crying, but very young kittens under 4 weeks of age will need help to use the bathroom by gently stimulating their genital area before and after each meal.
However, if your kitten is crying each time they try to use the bathroom, either to urinate or defecate, or if they are straining, having diarrhea, having very hard stools, are in painful with distended abdomen, or having any issues passing urine, they need to be checked out by the vet immediately.
Do All Kittens Cry?
Yes. Some kittens cry more than others. Crying is really just kittens meowing and trying to get attention for whatever need they have that hasnt been fulfilled, or as a way to say something is wrong. Very young kittens cry more than older kittens. But all kittens do cry.
Trying to identify and meet your kittens needs will reduce crying to a minimum, but if you are looking for a way to stop your kitten from crying completely, you are out of luck. Just like human babies, baby cats are more likely to cry when they are young. Most importantly, learn to observe your kittens behavior, so you can distinguish the meowing they do as attention-seeking behavior versus any meowing or crying that may indicate pain, fear, and illness.
As they age, the crying will generally become less consistent and less prominent until it reduces significantly. Still, each kitten will have their own way to ask for your attention and food, and they will develop a specific bond with their cat parents based on their initial few months. Some cats may remain more vocal throughout their life.
Unfortunately, some kittens will cry for no apparent reason, and they should get checked out by your vet. If there is no underlying medical cause, this behavior should reduce as your kitten ages, especially if you are ensuring not to actively reward such behavior with attention, while still ensuring all of their needs are fulfilled.
Conclusion
Kittens cry for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are simply hungry, lost, confused, scared, or they can be in pain or sick. The best way to get a kitten to stop crying is to identify the cause and seek immediate veterinary attention if they are unwell or hurt. If there is no underlying medical reason for the crying, fulfilling their basic needs, such as feeding, toilet habits, playing, safety, reassurance, and company, should reduce their crying.
Featured Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
How to comfort your scared, crying kitten after bringing them home
Simply thinking about your new kitten probably makes you smile. You just recently bought your little furball home, but you already cant imagine your life without them. Youve loved introducing them to every inch of your house, and your snuggle sessions are true highlights. You might wonder if the feeling is mutual if your kitten is crying. Its so tough to hear your little one in distress.
Why do kittens cry? There are several reasons. Pinpointing whats triggering your little one can help you effectively soothe them.
Why do kittens cry?
Every kitten is unique. Some pets seamlessly transition to their new home but may have different reasons for crying, while others need time to adjust. Also, a kitten may cry multiple times per day for various reasons. Here are common explanations for kitten crying, according to experts.
Your kitten is experiencing new-home stress
You tried your best to make your home as comfortable as possible for your kitten with a cozy bed, toys, and a scratching post. Despite your best efforts, your kitten might be feeling some anxiety about their new home, which experts say this is normal. Think about it: You might have missed your home on your first night at sleep-away camp or if you went away to college. Your tiny kitten is no different.
Theyre hungry
When a kitten is nursing, they let mom know theyre hungry by meowing, just like a human baby does. You are now your kittens parent, so they may be signaling you that they need to eat.
Theyre cold
Kittens also cry to their mother when they are cold. Your kitty may be alerting you that theyre not a fan of having the air conditioning on full-blast.
Your kitten cant find something important
Part of adjusting to a new home is learning the lay of the land, including where your kitten can find their food, water, bed, and toys. A kitty may become upset if they cant find something they want or need.
Theyre not feeling well
Excessive meowing may be a sign your kitten is not feeling well. The crying often accompanies other symptoms, such as reduced appetite or fatigue.
Theyre teething
Kittens begin losing their baby teeth around four months old and will typically have all 30 of their adult (permanent) teeth by 6 or 7 months old. Teething is about as fun for some kittens as it is for human babies. The process may involve some kitty cries.
How to comfort your crying cat
When your kitten is crying, you want to do everything you can to help. Once you know whats triggering the sad-sounding meows, you can try some of these expert-backed ideas.
Plenty of play sessions
Playing with your kitten can alleviate stress and help them sleep more soundly. More importantly, playtime is a bonding experience. The more comfortable your kitten becomes with you, the less anxiety theyll feel in their forever home.
Make sure kittys necessities are easily accessible
Pick one spot for items like the litter box and food and water dishes and keep them there. Make sure these items are in places that dont require much effort to access high shelves or hidden corners of the house are no-gos. Try places that are out in the open, so your kitty can easily find them.
Invest in chew toys
Toys are not only fun, they can reduce teething pain. Give your kitty rubber or plastic toys for about 15 minutes twice per day during teething.
Check your kittens dishes
Theres a chance your kitten needs food and water. Take a peek at their dishes to see if they are empty and refill them if need be. Follow your vets guidelines for how much food you should be feeding them per day.
Get a larger litter box
As your kitten grows, they may need more space in their litter box. They often need a larger one between 9 and 16 weeks, and its a good idea to evaluate it for the first year.
Call the vet
If none of these tips seem to be working or your cat is displaying symptoms of illness, including GI issues, vomiting, excessive meowing, and tiredness, youll want to give the vet a call. They can check to make sure there isnt a medical issue that needs treating.
Figure out the root cause of crying
Its sad to hear your kitten cry, and its natural to want to fix it ASAP. The first step is figuring out why your kitten is crying. There are several possible reasons, including stress, coldness, hunger, or illness. Once you determine whats triggering the crying, you can help your kitty feel better. Playing with them is one way to keep them happy and bond with them. When your cat is teething, have chew toys available to help relieve pain. Youll want to ensure your cats food and water bowls are easy to find and full and that their litter box is the right size for their growing body. Call your vet if you think your cat is sick or if you cant figure out whats up. Theyve seen it all and can help.
