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Cats/my kitten will cry everytime she gets picked up

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Expert: - 11/21/2008


Question
Hello, I hav three 8 week old kittens. One of the 3 cannot b held without her crying non stop and wanting to escape. It seems as tho she is mentally slow. She's a very distant kitten and at times wen I look into her eyes she doesn't seem like she's all there. Wen the other 2 are picked up and held they are more complacient with it than her. She is by no means the runt of the litter, and wen they first started to explore few weeks after birth, she was alwys the one standing back and watching the other 2, observing and having an introverted disposition. she doesn't show me love and the only time she does is wen she wants food and everytime I try and hold the feline creature, she doesn't wana b held, will cry constantly until she gets her own way and is put down. I have to hold her until she crys herself to sleep like a human baby, and wen she stops I will put her down. So I was wondering if u hav n e answers as to why my kitten is doing this cuz I don't understand her behavior, and the only explanition I hav came up with thus far is that she could hav a mental disability. Thanx so much !!

Answer
Rob,

It's quite possible that this kitty sees the world in a different way from her siblings. She may be visually impaired or deaf and/or disabled mentally. There isn't any real measuring stick for why some cats are somewhat different than others. I prefer to look at it as each cat or kitten has their own personality and this kitten is more reserved and wants a bit more attention. This kitten may just be substantially more insecure and shy than her siblings. Really putting a name to this kitten's state of being is less important than loving her and wanting her to have the happiest and fullest life possible.

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

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I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

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I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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