kittens cry when doing their business?

Question

hi just got my kitten last friday when he goes to his litter tray to do his buisnes he crys is this right when we got him the owner said he would do this thanks marina xx

Answer 1

Hi Marina,

My kitten did this for the first week, but just as we were due to take her to the vet for her first injection (and to ask about the crying) she stopped doing it!

It could be because it hurts a little, or because he's not used to it yet. However, crying when in the litter tray can be a sign of worms. Check what he leaves in the litter tray and look for white rice-like things, which are worm segments. Also look for blood in the stools, as if this is every day it can be a sign of worms. My kitten had blood in her stool for a couple of days, but my vet told me it was likely to be due to us changing her food brands a bit too quickly. It could also be down to your kitten being constipated, as others have suggested.

If he cries when he is urinating, this definitely requires a visit to the vet as it's likely to be a urinary tract infection. These infections are very common (like cystisis in humans) and easily treatable, but painful and dangerous for the kitten if left untreated for too long.

See how he goes over the next couple of days and if it is still happening, you may want to take him to the vet to be on the safe side.

When my kitten had blood in her stool, we actually just called the vet to ask whether she needed to be bought in, rather than making an appointment. The vet kindly spoke to us over the phone for a few minutes and said that if the blood stopped over the next few days there would be no need to bring her in. So you could always ring, explain the situation, and hopefully they'll give you some advice about whether you need to take him in.

(By the way, what have you called him hun?! If you have any pics, feel free to email them! I'd love to see what he looks like after hearing so much about him!)

xx Emmie

Answer 2

That is perfectly normal. I have been fostering pregnant cats and kittens for years. I usually foster about 40 kittens a year. The reason they cry when they are in the litter box is because it's very new to them and they don't understand what is happening. Remember, kittens do not use the potty on their own when they are born. Mom licks the rectal area to stimulate bowel movements and cleans them up for the first two weeks of their life. When they suddenly have to go on their own, it's scarry for them. Although they instinctively go to the litterbox, they are still not sure why this is happening. They usually stop crying in the litter box after the first week or so. Some even sooner.

Answer 3

Lots of kittens cry. Sometimes they get constipated from the new food. They need a few days for there stomachs to adapt to the new food. Usually its not too serious but if its also crying while urinating then it could be an infection. If this does not subside in a couple of days then see your vet. You might also wanna call the vet and ask him what he thinks.

Answer 4

Hi Marina,
Most of your advice here is to take the kitty to the vet. When the cat cries in the litter box it is not a good sign. If your kitty is crying while trying to do his business this could be a sign of constipation and/or he could have an infection. If your kitty cries while trying to urinate, this could be very serious. Kitties, especially males can easily get a urinary blockage. If urinary blockage is left untreated this can result in a major surgery for correction. If the urinary blockage is caught and treated in time your chances of dodging surgery are very good. Please take your kitty to the vet and hopefully it is none of the above and or something easily treated. Good luck.

Answer 5

It sounds like ur kitty may be constipated. Could be from the change of diet, from what the previous owner was feeding him to what u r feeding him now. No fault of ur own, if that is the case. Some cats just cant handle it as well as others. Depending on ur kittys age, u could try a cat laxative, there are a few on the market, but u would have to make sure it is alright for his age. Best bet would be to take him to see ur vet tho, especially if he is still a youngen, just to make sure. Hope these sites help.

Answer 6

Mine used to do this when I first of all got him, he was smaller, now 9 months old, I mentioned it to the vet and they said it was because he was getting used to eating the kitten food I put him on, ie, not his mothers milk, so as the food is obviously bulkier than the milk and passing this food instead of milk was a bit of a strain for him, however, if you're still unsure, ring the vet. But once he got used to food (a few weeks or so) he had no problem.

Answer 7

It doesn't sound right to me at all, I've had cats and kittens for years. If the owner has told you he has already been doing it then I would take him to the vet because he could be in pain and have an infection, especially if he only does it when he goes to the toilet.

Answer 8

From my personal experience it can be normal for them to cry a little when using the litter tray. Perhaps they don't understand what's going on yet?

Answer 9

I have had cats in the past and I can't recall any off them doing that. You need to get the kitten checked at the vets.

Answer 10

I should think that anything that makes your kittens cry, particularly doing their business, would warrant a visit to the vet.