The Peaceful Sleep Of Kittens: No Need For Tears

Kittens are adorable, but they can be a lot of work! One of the most common issues new owners face is dealing with their kitten's crying, which can be distressing for both parties. While it's important to remember that all kittens cry from time to time, there are several reasons why your kitten might be crying and effective ways to comfort them. Understanding these reasons can help you build a strong bond with your furry friend and ensure their health and happiness.

Hunger: Kittens need to eat often and may cry to alert their caregiver

Kittens are adorable, but they can be a lot of work and worry, especially since they tend to cry a lot. Crying is one of the main ways kittens communicate, and it's often because they need something from you. One of the most common reasons that kittens cry is because they are hungry.

Kittens have tiny stomachs and burn through energy quickly, so they need to eat very frequently—as many as six to eight times per day, depending on their age. They will cry to alert their mother that they need milk, and they may do the same with their human caregiver. If your kitten is crying a lot, try feeding them more often by increasing the number of meals they have throughout the day.

If your kitten stops crying and takes an interest in food when you go to feed them, they were probably just hungry. However, if they continue crying during or after feeding, this could indicate an underlying health issue, that they aren't getting enough food, or that their food is not suitable for them. In this case, you should get them checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

If you're unsure about what is causing your kitten's crying, or you're worried about their health, schedule an appointment with your vet. They can help determine why your kitten is crying and suggest ways to get them to stop.

Cold: Young kittens cannot regulate their body temperature and may cry if cold

Kittens are unable to regulate their body temperature during the first 4-5 weeks of life. This can lead to your kitten crying if they feel cold. In the case of very young kittens, they may become very weak and lethargic, barely moving and feeling cold to touch.

If you think your kitten is cold, you can try wrapping them in a blanket or turning up the thermostat. In the first weeks of life, kittens need a nest box temperature of around 80-85°F. After 4 weeks of age, this can be reduced to 70-75°F.

Kittens can cry for a lot of different reasons, from being separated from their mother too early to being hungry or needing to go to the bathroom. They may also cry to get your attention, just like human babies.

If your kitten is crying, try to figure out what they need. You can do this by going through a checklist:

• Do they have access to food and water?
• Are they eating and drinking properly?
• Do they have access to a litter box, and have they used it recently?
• Is there anything obvious that could be causing them pain or discomfort?
• Are they in good spirits, or do they seem sad or lethargic?

If you've gone through this checklist and your kitten is still crying, they probably just want some attention or playtime.

If your kitten is crying and you can't figure out why, or if they seem unwell, contact your vet.

Loneliness: Kittens are social and may cry if lonely, especially after weaning or adoption

Kittens are social animals and thrive on companionship. They are used to being around their mothers and littermates, so being alone is an unfamiliar and scary experience for them. Loneliness can be especially pronounced soon after kittens are weaned and when they are adopted into new homes at around 8 weeks of age.

Kittens may cry when they are lonely, and this can be distressing for pet owners. However, it's important to remember that crying is a kitten's primary means of communication. They cry to signal their needs and emotions, which may include hunger, thirst, discomfort, fear, or loneliness.

If your kitten is crying due to loneliness, there are several things you can do to help alleviate their feelings:

• Spend quality time with your kitten, pet them, and sit nearby.
• Keep them busy with games, puzzles, treats, and toys to tire them out and make them feel more settled.
• Reward their calm and confident behaviour with attention and treats.
• Provide plenty of affection and play with them to meet their need for human interaction and companionship.
• Adopt two kittens together so they have a companion to get along with and prevent lonely meowing.

In addition, it's important to be mindful not to consistently teach your kitten to seek attention by crying, as this may form a positive association. Instead, reward their calm and confident behaviour and provide plenty of reassurance and comfort to help them adjust to their new environment.

Confusion: Very young kittens can get confused and cry if they venture away from their nest

Kittens are curious creatures and they can get confused and cry if they venture away from their nest. This is especially true for very young kittens who are still developing their sense of coordination and strength. During the first few weeks of their lives, kittens are completely dependent on their mothers or caregivers for survival. They cannot see, hear, regulate their body temperature, or eliminate waste on their own.

Even as they grow and start to explore the world outside their nest, kittens may still feel confused and disoriented if they wander too far. They are still learning about their surroundings and figuring out how to navigate their environment. If they find themselves in an unfamiliar area, they may not know how to get back to the safety and comfort of their nest. As a result, they may cry out in distress, seeking help and guidance.

To prevent this from happening, it is important to create a safe and secure space for your kitten. Set up a cosy and warm sleeping area, and allow your kitten to explore and get used to its surroundings gradually. Provide plenty of blankets and make sure the bed has reasonably high sides to make your kitten feel secure and protected. It is also crucial to ensure your kitten has access to food, water, and a litter tray near its sleeping area.

Additionally, consider adopting two kittens together, as having a companion can provide comfort and reduce feelings of confusion and loneliness. By taking these steps, you can help your very young kitten feel secure and reduce the chances of them becoming confused and crying if they venture away from their nest.

Stress: Kittens may cry due to stress from various factors, including separation from their mother

Kittens are known to cry due to stress from various factors, including separation from their mother. This separation anxiety can lead to behavioural issues and excessive crying. It is important to recognize the signs of stress in your kitten and take steps to help them adjust and reduce their anxiety.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that kittens go through specific phases of development, and separation from their mother or littermates during the early stages can be particularly challenging for them. Ideally, kittens should not be separated from their mothers before 12 weeks of age to minimize the risk of developing problematic behaviours. However, if you have adopted a kitten that has been separated earlier, there are still ways to help them cope.

One way to help ease your kitten's anxiety is to establish a consistent routine. Try to leave and return home at the same time every day, as this can help your kitten adjust to the changes they are experiencing. Creating a designated sleeping area for your kitten, where they feel safe and secure, is also important. Set up a cosy, warm space with lots of blankets, and make sure they have access to food, water, and a litter tray nearby.

Interacting and playing with your kitten is another effective way to reduce their stress. Schedule daily playtimes with interactive games, and consider using puzzle feeders to keep them mentally stimulated and reduce anxiety. Providing a comfortable bed, lined with a soft towel or blanket, can also help calm your kitten and reduce crying.

Additionally, it is important to remain calm and confident when leaving your kitten. Keep goodbyes short and sweet, and avoid long, drawn-out farewells, as these can spur feelings of separation anxiety. If you want to give them extra attention, do so 10 to 20 minutes before you leave, and then depart without feeling guilty!

If you notice more serious signs of separation anxiety, such as urinating outside the litter box, excessive grooming, or appetite loss, consult your veterinarian. They can help identify any underlying medical conditions and provide behaviour management strategies to support your kitten's well-being.

Frequently asked questions