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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Needy kitten
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Question
I have a 7 month old kitten. She is very attached to me and quite needy. I don't know what to do, she cries all the time and follows me around, meowing like someone was abusing her. I can't figure out what she wants, when I get home, She will come to me purr, as she is angrily meowing. How can I make her happier and less needy? Or is it just her personality and I will have to live with it?
Rachel,
Is the kitten spayed yet? If not it sounds like she may be in heat and I would get it done ASAP!
A kitten, especially one with a needy personality, needs to have another kitten for company, companionship when it is alone, and for play. Humans can't give a kitten the social skills and kind of play that another kitten can. It is also easier to take care of two kittens than one because the kittens keep each other amused and it takes some of the pressure off of you to do it. If it is feasible, I would suggest getting her a friend (or two).
Just as a precautionary measure I will add that meowing can be a sign of pain. That is the only way they can tell you.
If the kitten has Siamese in her you can expect a vocal cat. I have a Siamese mix that will tell you the same story over and over and over again! *smile* And if no one is paying any attention, she will go around outside 'talking to herself'.
Tabbi
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Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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