Birth to 2 weeks: the kitten orients towards sound and its eyes open, separation from its mother or littermates may lead to behavioral issues. 2 to 7 weeks: your kitten begins socializing and playing and may wean at around 6 to 7 weeks, though it may continue to suckle for comfort. 7 to 14 weeks: your kitten increasingly socializes and increases its physical coordination. Kittens shouldn’t be separated from their mothers or littermates before 12 weeks to minimize the risk of developing problematic behaviors. [1] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source In addition, kittens who are gently handled for 15 to 40 minutes daily for their first 7 weeks are more likely to develop larger brains. [2] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
It’s been separated from her mother or littermates too early. [4] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source It wants comfort or attention. It is hungry. It is cold. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source It has a disease that can cause her to feel unusually hungry or restless. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source It has to go to the bathroom.
Determine for yourself when the crying is excessive or because of a need and to if you need to stop it. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Be aware that some cat breeds, such as Siamese, are more prone to a lot of meowing. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Tell your vet when the meowing started and if anything helps or makes it worse. Consider telling your vet how long your kitten was with its mother and littermates. Bring your kitten’s medical records with you if you have them. Answer any questions your vet has honestly so that your kitten gets the treatment it may need.
Handle your kitten gently. [11] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Pick it up using both hands so that it is supported and won’t fall. Avoid picking it up by the neck to minimize the risk of injuring it. Hold your kitten in your arm like a baby—it may not want to be on its back, but can also lie in your arm by snuggling its nose into the crook of your elbow. Put a blanket in your arm for your kitten to snuggle into. Avoid putting a blanket over your kitten, which might scare it.
Focus on petting your kitten’s head and neck and under its chin. Avoid your kitten’s tail and other sensitive areas. Make sure to not pet it with too much force. Brush your kitten twice a week or more often if it likes that.
Talk to your kitten when you pet and hold it, or feed it, or whenever it approaches you. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Keep your tone soft and don’t yell, which can scare it. [15] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Say things that include its name and praise your kitten. For example, “do you want me to pick you up, Sam? Aw, you like that a lot don’t you? You’re such a good and sweet kitten. ”
Have a supply of age-appropriate toys for your kitten, like balls and larger toy mice it can’t swallow. Keep a scratching pad on hand, too. Toss a ball back and forth to your kitten. Wrap a toy around a string and let her chase it. Make sure to watch your kitten and store the toy where it can’t reach it when you’re not playing. Kittens can eat strings which can cause major intestinal issues or even death.
Consider lining the bed with an item you’ve used like a sweatshirt or even blanket. This will help your kitten get used to your scent.
Moisten your kitten’s canned food with milk replacer up to 10 weeks. It should be about the consistency of oatmeal. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source This is especially useful is it was weaned early or orphaned. Avoid regular milk because this might upset your kitten’s stomach. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Put your kitten’s food in ceramic or metal bowls. Some kittens may be sensitive to plastic. Have a separate bowl of fresh water available for your kitten. Make sure your kitten’s food and water are fresh and that the bowls are clean.
Make sure the litter box is small enough so that your kitten can easily get in and out of it. Use low-dust unscented litter. Scoop any material out as soon as you can. Do it daily to encourage your kitten to use it. Place the litter box away from your kitten’s food. Kittens don’t like their food near their litter.
Make sure your kitten gets its full course of medication. Ask you vet any questions you have about administering the medication with as little trauma to your kitten as possible
