Expert: Norman Auspitz - 9/11/2009

Question
About a week ago I rescued a tabby kitten who was been meowing since square one. The woman who rescued him said he was just "in the wa wa phase" of kitten hood but I'm very concerned because he meows even while eating and using the litter box. The only time he doesnt meow is when playing with toys or sleeping on my bed/my lap. He is a great kitten otherwise. I took him to the Vet this week at Petsmart but they brushed it off as nothing to worry about ( Their office is like an assembly line, quick and heartless ) and I dont trust them.

His appitie is normal and he drinks lots of water and using the bathroom regularly. The talking was present even when he was at the woman's house so im worried about internal medical problems. I'm also concerned about the cost of taking him back to the VET for tests and examines, I don't have a whole lot of money.

If he is just a talker then Im also wondering if I should return him to this woman. She said she would take him back at any point in his life I but I have had him for a week and spoiled him to death! It would be unfair to send him back I think, but it would also be unfair for me to put up with the constant meowing now only to have it wear on me over time and affect my relationship with others who visit my appartment.

Please help! I LOVE this kitten but I KNOW his meowing is abnormal. ( By the way, I grew up with a siamese that meow'd often, but this kitten takes the cake hands down! )

Answer
Nathan,

You may or may not be right about the constant meowing, There are cats who talk all the time. There may or may not be soemthing wrong with him, however, the only outward symptom appears to be talking.

So, if you are unhappy with the talking, you may have to make a tough decision. Personally, I feel the best thing to do is to ignore it totally and not make a big deal out of it.  If the kitten has figured out it can get under your skin by constant talking, it will use that to manipulate you!!!!!

Best regards... Norm.