my kitten is almost 5 weeks old, without a mom. i fed her and she's warm what would make her cry for me???

Question

i have a almost 5 week old kitten and moms not around. So i've been feeding it milk replacement. Tonight she woke up and started to cry for milk, so i fed her and put her back. But she doesn't want me to put her in the box. I hear that kittens only cry for two reasons milk and coldness but its not either at the moment. what do you think is wrong???

Answer 1

Is the kitten pooping ok? It may be constipated and Kitten Milk Replacers's tend to do that. Just a small drop of normal dairy cream in the next bottle should help take care of that if it is the problem.

Also, she may need a little stimulation or comfort, take a warm face cloth and gently stroke it around her mouth and over her body, using a motion such as a Mom cat would do. Also gently stroking her abdomen will help. When you feed and clean the kittens, wash their fur all over with a barely damp towelette using short stokes as the mother would use. This cleans their fur, teaches them to clean their fur, and gives them a feeling of attention and well-being..Make sure she's dry then wrap her up and put her to bed. 5 week old kittens are able to stand a temperature a little lower than younger kittens, she may be too hot?

She may be ready for something more than kitten milk. You can add a little warm water to some canned kitten food or soak some dry food in a little warm water and offer it to her.

If you have an old wind up clock that ticks, you can try wrapping it in a blanket or in a fluffy pyjama bag or dressing gown or a slipper, as long as it's fluffy and pop that in with her, the ticking noise should simulate Mom's heartbeat and is soothing for kittens and puppies alike.

If after trying all of these things she is still unsettled, a vet check may be a good idea to rule out any problems. Young kittens without the benefit of Mom's milk are more susceptible to viruses and infections and can be really sick before any symptoms are noticed. Behavioural changes are often the first signs of illness in cats.

Good luck, I hope it's nothing serious and she is just wanting attention.

Answer 2

Have you ever noticed kittens that are with their moms? When they sleep, they are curled up in a lump with their 4-6 other littermates against mom's belly.

Now that your little one has no mom, she's not getting that comfort she's used to. Yes, she's getting her milk replacement and she's physically warm enough. However, she might be seriously missing that litter safe-haven of cuddling/snuggling with mom & 4-6 of her brothers/sisters.

And your kitten may be very vocal by nature. I have 1 that isn't, but 3 that talk to me all the time. One "chirps", the other 2 "whipple". They love being talked to in a gentle voice.

One last thing - you're using a real milk replacement, right? Not cow's milk? Cow's milk is hard on their digestive tracts - if you're feeding that, she may not be feeling good and could be mewing about that.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Absolutely, because they're eating already you've got a head start. Go through normal weening with moistened kitten food about a week and slowly to dry. Also cats like to have one place to use the bathroom. After a bowel movement or if you're lucky enough to catch then on the act put them in the liter box . They'll train easily if constant.

Answer 4

She is probably lost and scared. Most kittens when taking away will meow for the first couple of nights until they are used to mommy not being around. When i got my cat socks i got a furry stuffed animal for him to cuddle up against in his bed that looked like a real cat. If she didn't stop meowing after about 10 or 15 minutes i would let him curl up next to me and just make sure he was safe. If the meowing persist for more then a week or so it might be sick. If you haven't yet i would take it to a vet just to be checked out and made sure it's healthy and safe and didn't get anything from the mother. Other then that just keep feeding it the milk replacement and keeping it safe.A dark area might also work. They like dark small places to cuddle up in. I've raised two cats from that young and most the stuff i've suggested is stuff i used on them. they are both very healthy and well behaved cats for the most part. only when they puppy is trying to chase them. *L*

Answer 5

She is lonely and missing her mom and siblings. Imagine going from being surrounded by Mom and 5-6 squirmy brothers and sisters to snuggle and play with to a lonely quiet box left alone, you'd cry too. They cry for more reasons than just warmth and milk. Try putting in a few stuffed animals for the kitty to snuggle up to, it should help, good luck

Also add in what Nicki 06 said and that should cover it.

Answer 6

haha, no, cats cry/meow for lots of reasons hun. I adopted my kitten too early too. He meowed all night until i ran to the store to get him milk replacement, then after he was fed, he still meowed cause he wanted attention. He definately was warm enough cause he was in a warm room. To this day my cat is very vocal w/ me. Its possible that your kitten is going to be vocal. No worries. Just make sure your kitty has everything she needs.

Answer 7

It won't do kitty any harm to cuddle her as much as she wants!

What's more important is to get her checked by a vet if you haven't already. She'll need her first vaccinations at about 8 weeks of age. You should also be starting to wean her at this age - start offering her kitten food, but keep on with the milk of course.

Chalice

Answer 8

She's still calling out for her mom. Don't worry, 2 things you can do: 1) make her box as comfortable and warm as you can (lots of blankets). 2) get her a friend (same age possibly). Cats love attention & they can sense this in her surroundings. Just be there & play with her whenever you can.

Answer 9

She wants to be close to you. You are her mommy and she needs that interaction. Your warmth is better than any simulated warmth, plus it will help her with her socialization since she does not have her mother or her littermates around to learn from. So scoop that little one up and cuddle her as much as you can! :)

Answer 10

when my cats where kittens 1 of them used to cry for cuddles like a real baby. Hestill does it now he'll sit at my feet and cry i have to pick him up and he squeeses his arms around my neck like a hug it's so cute. there's nothing wrong she's just telling you she loves you.