How to Get A Kitten to Stop Crying – Most Common Causes & Most Effective Solutions
Kittens usually mewl when scared, hungry, or cold. And this meow-ing is for their mother to hear, so she can provide that much-needed comfort, warmth, attention, and food of course. Kittens and cats use other forms of communication as well, such as growling, yowling, hissing, etc.
Then there’s crying too, so how to get a kitten to stop crying? First of all, why is your kitten crying? There’s obviously a valid reason, which is something you must look into, as a loving, caring, and responsible pet owner, for the well-being of your little kitty.
Now let me also tell you that cats sometimes meow just because they wish to hear their own voice. And then some of them like having a conversation when they’re mewling at you. But if your cat seems to be talking or crying more than usual, something IS the problem. Time to figure out what and why!
Why Is My Kitten Crying? One of 5 Reasons In Most Cases!
Reason #1 – Your kitten may be feeling confused or lost
Young creatures, especially as tiny as kittens, find it confusing when brought into a new, large environment (such as your home of course). Your kitten, as a response to that, is bound to feel scared and also even lost, hence he/she calls out for help.
The surroundings are new, thus alien and unrecognizable to the kitten who probably up until now only feels comfortable and safe in a litter box.
So remember to keep your kitten’s home a small space initially (for 1-2 weeks) until the little confused creature gets acclimatized to the new territory and setting of your house.
Reason #2 – Your kitten might be hungry
Human babies cry when they’re hungry, and so do kittens. When the time between meals is too long, a kitten can cry out, which means you ought to be feeding more frequently. Especially if this crying out for food is happening on a daily basis. Consider altering the feeding schedule in order to keep those gaps between means not too long.
Reason #3 – Your kitten is lonely
Animals, in general, are both curious and highly energetic creatures, right? Kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, etc. – all of them require both physical and mental stimulation when awake. So if your kitten seems to be crying constantly, it’s more likely that he/she is demanding more attention as a response to feeling lonely or bored.
Newly adopted kittens could be crying for their mother or their fellow litter siblings. So all the more reason to make time for your kitten – play with the little adorable feline and be a good companion. You can also consider adopting another kitten, so both can keep each other company.
Reason #4 – Your kitten may be sick or in pain
That piercing, shrill, shrieking cry of agony – the most common sign of an animal when in pain, sick, or injured. For instance, when you accidentally step on a cat or dog’s tail or when one of the limbs gets stuck in some uncomfortable or painful position.
At such times, it obviously goes without saying, find out immediately what the source of the trouble is. And based on that, seek medical assistance through a vet.
Being sick is another common reason as to why those sorrowful cries are coming from your kitten. The illness might not be always or instantly be visible to you. But when the kitten is crying, that is a clear sign indeed that he/she is distressed in some or the other way.
Reason #5 – Your kitten has to poop
Being a little squeamish or fussy about pooping is something that kittens do, especially when they’re younger than 8 weeks. Kittens below 8 weeks often meow during or before pooping. And this is completely normal unless your kitten seems to be straining or appears uncomfortable at such times.
GI problems, diarrhea, constipation, etc. – these can lead to the kitten struggling to defecate. Therefore, don’t delay that visit to the vet’s clinic to get the problem solved before it gets worse and affects his/her delicate body and health.
How to Get A Kitten to Stop Crying – How to Soothe A Crying Kitten?
1. Create A Comfortable Environment
The space or little home you make for your kitty should be warm, cozy, and quiet. He/she should feel secure there, and not overwhelmed. So make sure there’s a litter box, comfortable cat bed, toys, water, food, scratchpad, hiding places (like a carrier), etc.
A newly adopted kitten has indeed been separated from not only her littermates but also her mother, hence it’s bound to feel lost, lonely, and confused.
2. Give the Kitten A Lot of Attention
Attention in the form of plenty of mental and physical stimulation, which means playing with your pet kitten or cat is a must. You can include some interactive toys as well. Or maybe adopt another kitten because kittens are happier, more active, and feel safer in pairs.
Giving attention could also mean gently holding and stroking your kitten to make him/her feel comfortable, secure, and loved. Think of your little kitten as if it’s a baby. So this approach might get the kitten to stop crying constantly. Plus, you’ll also form a healthy, loving, and caring bond this way.
Stroke your kitten’s neck, below-the-chin area, and head. You can brush them also since they absolutely LOVE that.
And lastly, providing attention in the form of talking to your pet is also very important. Keep your voice low and soft. They love hearing praises and even their name, I mean who doesn’t love that, right?
3. Keep the Litter Box Clean
Cats, unlike some humans, are very neat and particular when it comes to cleanliness. And this applies to the litter box too. So ensure that you keep their litter box clean and also easily accessible. The constant crying could also mean that the kitten wants to poop but is unable to get into the box for some reason.
Therefore, make sure the litter box has low sides for your little kitty to climb in and get out the most easily and comfortably.
And lastly, always choose an unscented litter that can be scooped without much difficulty.
If Your Kitten Still Continues to Cry, It’s Time to Speak to the Vet!
Any extra or unusual signs or cries of distress (lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) means you should take your kitten to the vet as soon as possible. Because sometimes all that excessive crying and meowing could also be indicative of an underlying serious health issue.
So it’s very important for you, as a pet owner, to listen to your kitten. Be responsive, loving, and caring above all else!
