Newborn to 8 Weeks In their first weeks of life, it's normal to hear baby kittens crying or meowing because they need food and warmth, says the ASPCA. Kittens usually stay with their mothers until the age of 8 weeks so that they can nurse and stay cozy.
Giving your kitten enough to eat may help it to stop crying. Moisten your kitten's canned food with milk replacer up to 10 weeks. It should be about the consistency of oatmeal. This is especially useful is it was weaned early or orphaned.
Most of the time when a kitten cries there's probably nothing to worry about, it may be due to physical needs, or attention seeking, or it may just be that it's crying because it just feels like it!
It's almost inevitable that your kitten will cry for at least the first couple of nights when you bring them home.
Play before bed.
With a young or energetic cat, set aside some time as part of your nighttime routine to play with your cat. Satisfy his hunting instincts with toys that will entice him to bat and chase. This will help to tire your kitty out right before bedtime so he can sleep through the night.
They want attention
One reason why kittens meow is because they are seeking attention. It is believed that cats have lived in close contact with human beings for 10,000 years. As a result, these two species have a close connection. In that time, cats have developed a unique way to communicate with their owners.
Refrain from responding to your cat's night-time meowing.
But if your pet just wants attention while you're catching up on sleep, you might try ignoring the behavior.
Your kitten will sleep best if they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them. Although adult cats like to climb and sleep on high perches, such as on top of furniture, it's safest for young kittens if their beds are low down to begin with.
It is completely normal for kittens to cry on their first few nights in a new environment. A good idea is to warm up a blanket to mimic the warmth they would get from their mother so that they feel more at home. You can also use a warm blanket for puppies, as well as toys to comfort them.
Your kitten is still small.
Or he could be hurt if you or your spouse roll over on him accidentally. Wait until he's of a size to make that an unlikely risk. My main rule of thumb is to wait until the kitten is old enough to get up on the bed on his own — typically around his 6-month birthday.
You may want to wait a while before sharing your bed with the new kitten. It takes time for kittens to be litter trained so if you want to keep your sheets in mint condition it's best to invest in a separate kitten bed.
The First Night
The truth is, kittens are full of energy, and they don't always understand the whole “sleep at night” thing. If the kitten room happens to be your bedroom, then you just may end up with a kitten curled against you in the night. But don't feel bad about leaving them in their room to go sleep in yours.
Separating kittens from their mom and siblings is a stressful time for a little kitty. Suddenly the only life they have ever experienced is gone – no mom to comfort him, no siblings to entertain him, no pile of friends to snuggle with.
In the case of attention-seeking, try your best to wait it out and ignore the kitten crying. Once they stop, reward them with a treat or affection. Eventually, your kitten will make the connection that meowing will not achieve the attention they want.
If the kittens are clean, plump, and sleeping quietly in a heap, odds are that they've got an attentive mom and should be left alone. Abandoned kittens will be dirty and the nest will be soiled, and they will cry continuously because they're hungry.
Some adult cats like their solitude, but kittens need lots of socialisation and activity. When they're in their busy kitten months, their little brains are working on forming strong bonds with their human and animal companions. Being left alone for long periods of time can cause loneliness.
In general, a kitten between 8 weeks to 4 months can be left alone for about 4 hours. After 6 months, they can spend close to 8 hours on their own.
If you are concerned that your kitten is sleeping well, keep in mind that she has to feel protected, warm and comfortable in a quiet place.
9-14 Months: By the time you reach this stage, you officially have an adult cat. After spending so long learning the social etiquette of your home, they will start to mirror you and your actions–like sleeping more during the night and playing during the day.
Younger cats may also get into the habit of 'crying' in the middle of night, sometimes through boredom, but often because they may be feeling anxious. This could be due to changes in their environment, or perhaps if they've moved house. Conditions such as hyperthyroid can also cause a cat to meow during the night.
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 what's triggering the crying, you can help your kitty feel better. Playing with them is one way to keep them happy and bond with them.
Playing with your cat and providing them with interactive toys, such as wand toys and puzzle toys, can also reduce anxiety. Over-the-counter calming products, such as pheromones and supplements, may help reduce anxiety but should be discussed with a veterinarian first.
Once your cat shows interest in trying to leave the room, or is begging at the door to come out, they're ready to explore the rest of the house! Most cats will adjust within one to two weeks. If you have a multiple-animal household, it may take several months for everyone to fully adjust.