This kitten is very intelligent and just the right mix of playfulness and mushiness. But! He has an extremely annoying habit. If I am not paying full attention to him, or if he's not sleeping, then he meowls incessantly. I don't mean a little mew, no; I mean long, loud, unrelenting caterwauling that is so disturbing that i've already considered giving him up. I love this kitten, but being a disabled person who is in constant pain I need all the sleep I can get. I can't be kept awake by a cat who sings to his own tune. I've tried the water squirt bottle and I've tried locking him in the spare bedroom for five minutes. I've even tried rewards when he doesn't meow. Nothing seems to work. Any ideas folks? number one, why does he do this and number two, how do I break him of this awful habit?
he's possessed
Oh dear, this is tricky. I have to ask why, being disabled, you got a kitten? It is going to be incredibly hard work for you and you would have been better getting an older, quiet, home-loving cat.
I suspect that this particular kitten needs constant stimulation to keep him amused. How old was he when you got him? If 6 weeks or under then he should not have been taken away from his mother/siblings and this is why you get behaviour "problems". In fact, you don't have a "problem" but you do have a normal kitten who wants to play and interact with someone and you have said you need to sleep a lot. This is not really acceptable for a young kitten.
It might be best if you try to rehome him to a place where he will get the attention he needs. If you can't bear the thought of doing that then you need to give him a room of his own overnight. Put everything he needs in there, along with a cosy bed with an item of your clothing in it to reassure him. Get him into a routine by playing with him and feeding him just before bedtime and then putting him in his room. He will cry (a lot) at first but should start to settle after a few days.
Another thing you could try is Feliway Artificial Pheromone diffusers which you plug in around the house to calm and reassure him. Don't squirt him with water. He doesn't know that what he is doing is wrong and he will just start to associate you with something bad.
I suspect that this particular kitten needs constant stimulation to keep him amused. How old was he when you got him? If 6 weeks or under then he should not have been taken away from his mother/siblings and this is why you get behaviour "problems". In fact, you don't have a "problem" but you do have a normal kitten who wants to play and interact with someone and you have said you need to sleep a lot. This is not really acceptable for a young kitten.
It might be best if you try to rehome him to a place where he will get the attention he needs. If you can't bear the thought of doing that then you need to give him a room of his own overnight. Put everything he needs in there, along with a cosy bed with an item of your clothing in it to reassure him. Get him into a routine by playing with him and feeding him just before bedtime and then putting him in his room. He will cry (a lot) at first but should start to settle after a few days.
Another thing you could try is Feliway Artificial Pheromone diffusers which you plug in around the house to calm and reassure him. Don't squirt him with water. He doesn't know that what he is doing is wrong and he will just start to associate you with something bad.
Animal welfare volunteer working with feline behaviourist. Owner of 6 cats.
Some cats just like the sound of their own voices. You might have one of them.
Most cats do much better if they have another cat to be buddies with. I suggest getting another cat or kitten. If you can't do that, then try earplugs, or playing the radio when you sleep.
Most cats do much better if they have another cat to be buddies with. I suggest getting another cat or kitten. If you can't do that, then try earplugs, or playing the radio when you sleep.
Cats meow for a lot of reasons including communication. Commonly called "talking,” . If your kitty is lonely, anxious, or bored, she is trying and get your attention. If the kitten has been left alone for several hours. Your kitty is just trying to tell you she missed you. Call her by name and say, "Hello.” Give her plenty of love and attention. If the meowing gets out of hand, try redirecting her attention to a favorite play toy. Should you need to leave or go to sleep, put her in the other room and leave a radio on to keep her company.
it sounds like he needs attention. It may be hard for you however if you dont have the physical ability to keep up with him. Kittens are very demanding.
Do you have a female kitty around that may be "in heat"? He may be calling for her. If so I would suggest neutering, well I would anyways as it prevents several health and behavioral problems in cats.
If you cant keep up with him and all the other suggestions have been tried and failed then perhaps he could go to a home where the new owner can keep up with him. Sorry I know that isnt what you wanted to hear, I guess you got the kitty for company. Perhaps re-home an older cat from a rescue shelter, they tend to be a little more sedate!
Good luck.
Do you have a female kitty around that may be "in heat"? He may be calling for her. If so I would suggest neutering, well I would anyways as it prevents several health and behavioral problems in cats.
If you cant keep up with him and all the other suggestions have been tried and failed then perhaps he could go to a home where the new owner can keep up with him. Sorry I know that isnt what you wanted to hear, I guess you got the kitty for company. Perhaps re-home an older cat from a rescue shelter, they tend to be a little more sedate!
Good luck.
Me, had many cats and kittens.