I recently adopted a kitten from the shelter a few months ago. He’s now almost 7 months old, and since day one, he’s been super vocal. I never minded it at first, but now it’s getting really out of hand. He meows every morning, begging for wet food even though he has dry food in his bowl. I had to kick him out of my room because it was affecting my sleep, which in turn, was messing with my work. Now he meows non-stop at my door, trying to wake me up. It’s loud and continuous! Even when he gets his wet food, he keeps meowing for more. I play with him, feed him, give him toys, and he always has access to a window. Still, he won’t stop. I’m really exhausted, but I love him and don’t want to get rid of him. Can anyone help me with this? I need advice before I lose my mind!
Try putting him on a feeding schedule, and give him a bit of time. Kittens do tend to calm down as they get older. Also, you never know how long you’ll have with him. He could live 20 years or just 4, so enjoy the time you have. You can try motorized toys, a laser pointer with motion detection, or a timed feeder. Maybe get him another cat to play with, but I understand that can be a lot. Keep toys by your bed and toss one to him when he wakes you up. With time, he should settle down. I had a kitten named Kylo who was a nightmare when he was younger, but after neutering him, he calmed down. Is your kitten neutered? I also have an 18-year-old cat I adopted at 15, and once I got him on a feeding schedule and gave him meds for his arthritis, he started sleeping when I slept. Good luck, don’t give up yet!
@Noah
Thanks for the advice! I’m not giving up on my kitty! I’ll try some of these tips!
Why are there so many posts like this? This is the third one I’ve seen today.
Has he been neutered? If not, that could be why he’s so vocal. You should neuter him before he starts spraying – trust me, that’s not something you want to deal with. Also, kittens need lots of playtime. You should try to play with him for at least two hours a day in small sessions. Check out Jackson Galaxy’s videos on how to wear out your kitten. Here’s one: The Natural Way to Play With Your Cat and Living With A Hyper Cat or Kitten. You can also try using feline pheromone diffusers or sprays, like Feliway. Another tip: play “Music for Cats,” composed by David Teie, to help them relax. You can find it on his YouTube channel or website.
@Zora
He’s neutered, and I do play cat music for him often. I think the pheromones sound like a great idea! I’ll check them out. Thanks for the suggestions!
I had a cat who wouldn’t stop meowing either. Took her to the vet, and after a thorough check, they found she had fleas! It wasn’t obvious at first, but the vet found them during a second combing. Maybe check your kitten for fleas?
@Davi
Thanks for the tip. I think I need to bring him in for a checkup, if not for anything else, just to be sure.
He’s still very young. Maybe getting him another cat to play with would help keep him busy.
Shae said:
He’s still very young. Maybe getting him another cat to play with would help keep him busy.
Unfortunately, that’s not an option right now.
I’m sorry you’re going through this. I had the same problem, and it’s tough. Kittens are incredibly needy, and it feels like they want all your attention. But it does get better! Kittens grow and learn how to soothe themselves as they mature. You might also consider getting another kitten to keep him company. I know that’s a big decision, but it could help. Also, try setting up a feeding schedule – maybe feed him wet food at 8 am and 5 pm or something like that.
Honestly, your options are getting another cat or rehoming him. I know it sounds harsh, but that’s really the reality.
KeyGlock said:
Honestly, your options are getting another cat or rehoming him. I know it sounds harsh, but that’s really the reality.
I’m pretty sure there are more options than just that. Please stop with the negativity.
Could you try shutting him in a different room at night with food, water, and some entertainment? You could also try using white noise to block out his meowing. Maybe get him more interactive toys to tire him out? It’s possible that he’ll outgrow this behavior as he matures. Best of luck!
Forgot to mention that he’s also very mischievous. He loves getting into trouble, like tearing down the shower curtain or ripping up jackets. I try to teach him not to, and everything’s fine, but then a few minutes later, he’s back at it. I point at him and say no, but maybe I’m doing something wrong?
@Skyler
You’re describing normal cat behavior. They’re not like dogs. And he’s just a baby! Do you not know anything about cats?
KeyGlock said:
@Skyler
You’re describing normal cat behavior. They’re not like dogs. And he’s just a baby! Do you not know anything about cats?
Not really, which is why I posted this question. I’m getting frustrated by the way you’re responding.
@Skyler
Do you have catnip?
@Skyler
Is he neutered yet? It can help with some of those behaviors. But he’s still a little kitten.