Expert: Kate Tilmouth - 11/27/2008

Question
Our lovely moggie has given birth to three energetic kittens for the first time.
They are now five weeks old and she will howl constantly for attention.  We
love here dearly but have to continually stroke and pet her when she's in this
frame of mind which is nearly all the time.  What could have caused such
radical change in her, especially as she's caring for young (she's an excellent
mum)?

Thank you

Sharon

Answer
Hi
well this just sounds like a cat who is feeling a little insecure and perhaps a little over whelmed with the whole mother thing. Some first time mums can get a bit neurotic and the calling is her way of getting attention from you to make her feel more secure and less worried about the situation.

unfortunately there isn't much you can do about it apart from making her feel safe and secure. But only give her attention when you want too. If you do it whenever she cries it will turn into a long term habit as she will know that when she cries she gets your immediate attention. She must learn that this is not so.

As long as she is happy caring for her young and is ok in herself health wise then i wouldn't worry too much. Give her some quiet time alone with the kittens.


I have some web pages about kitten care etc if you are interested they can be found at http://www.our-happy-cat.com/kitten-care.html

best wishes Kate
http://www.our-happy-cat.com