Why is my kitten crying?

Having a crying kitten is a common occurrence. Lots of new owners have to deal with their new kitten crying a little too much, but don't panic: it's usually harmless.

But there are reasons behind a kitten's crying, and excessive vocalisation can indicate a deeper health issue.

Here, we discuss reasons for a kitten crying, some recommended soothing techniques and when a kitten's crying is concerning.

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Common reasons why kittens cry

Kittens cry for numerous reasons, but here are the most common contributors:

Hunger or thirst

Kittens tend to cry when they have immediate needs, like hunger or thirst. Signs a kitten needs food or water are:

• Circling food or water bowl

• Dry, tacky gums

• Persistent meowing

• Vocalisation

Our guide on how to feed a kitten can help.

Loneliness and separation anxiety

Loneliness and separation anxiety are often manifested with excessive crying.

Discomfort or pain

Kittens tend to cry when they're in physical discomfort or they're dealing with underlying health problems.

Seeking attention

Sometimes, kittens cry when they want attention. It's important to understand the difference between playful cries and needy cries, though.

Why is my kitten crying at night?

Some kittens are perfectly fine during the day but then cry at night. This can happen due to a few reasons, but common causes are:

• Fear

• Loneliness

• Reactions to unfamiliar sounds or sights

• Unfamiliar surroundings

You can help a kitten adjust to nighttime with a consistent bedtime routine, a comfortable, secure sleeping area, active playtime during the day and, sometimes, a small evening meal to get them tired.

How to soothe a crying kitten

We understand it can be stressful when your kitten is crying, but having an action plan can ease your worries.

Assess the situation

Check if your kitten has access to what they need. Do they have food and water near them? Have they been socialised with lately? Is there anything clearly wrong?

Give them a quick medical check if the behaviour persists or if there are other symptoms, like appetite changes, lethargy, limping or too much urination.

Create a safe, calm environment

Sometimes, kittens cry because they don't feel comfortable in their environment.

You should try:

• Giving them a cosy, comfortable safe space with their bed and toys.

• Establish a strong, consistent routine for feeding, playtime and bedtime. This provides structure and predictability, which helps reduce anxiety.

• Have quiet areas where they can relax or hide.

Use soothing techniques

We recommend trying things like:

• Gentle reassurance - Speak to your kitten in a calm, soft voice and gently pet them.

• Snuggle - Sometimes, a kitten just needs to be held.

• Distraction - Anxious kittens sometimes need engagement with playtime.

Don't reinforce crying behaviour

You need to be careful you don't end up positively reinforcing crying behaviour. Assuming your kitten is healthy and there are no issues, giving them lots of fuss whenever they cry will just teach them to cry to get attention.

Be patient and consistent with your approach to kitten crying.

When to be concerned about your kitten's crying

You should show concern for your kitten's crying if it's persistent and comes with other issues like:

• Appetite issues

• Diarrohea

• Excessive grooming

• Lethargy

• Vomiting

Persistent crying is defined as crying for an extended period even when you meet your kitten's basic needs, like food, litter box and water.

Final tips for new kitten owners

So, a kitten crying isn't unheard of - they tend to cry as they grow up. But persistent crying, especially when it's combined with other symptoms, is something to look into.

Remember to be patient and attentive, and always speak to your vet if you think something's off; they're there to help.

Our kitten insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected with significant vet fee cover, 24/7 access to a video vet with FirstVet and host of ManyPets Perks.

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