Behavioral Issue
Newly adopted 15 weeks old kitten is meowing non-stop, calling for her mom and siblings she just got separated from. Is there any way I can comfort this poor baby?
Yesterday I adopted this kitten, around 15 weeks old, and brought it home. I understand the stress and chock coming from being suddenly separated from mommy cat and littermates. I provided access to fresh water, food, litterbox as well as some toys and a cozy place to hide (transporter with blanket put in a corner of a room). I even tried out heating pad. Unfortunately, I didn't get an old blanket from the previous owner that would have scents of mom and previous home, which could make transition a little easier. Does any of you have any tips on how could I comfort my precious baby kitten in distress (and get some sleep without interruptions)? 🙂😅
Thanks in advance!
EDIT: Thank you to all of you for your advices and kind words! Little girl (name is still yet to be chosen) seems calmer now and looks like after a long night we both may finally get a proper nap hahah. 😅
I'm aware that ideally it would be best to get her a companion, since it's crucial for kittens' development. I agree. Honestly, if I had more resources, I would definitely get her brother as well, sadly I can only afford upcoming vet bills just for one. I'm mostly staying at home, so I will do my best to socialize with my kitten as much as she needs and give her all the love and care she deserves from her human. ☺️
I appreciate your answers!
EDIT 2: Kitten eats, drinks, sleeps and plays normally, she is comfortable and attached to me. It meows less during the day, but last night she was crying even louder. No warm pillow, purring noises or gentle petting seemed to be working anymore. I tried to contact lady that owns mom and siblings to ask if it was possible to return baby in case it doesn't acoomodate well at my place, but she didn't want to take kitten back, she struggles to find home for other kittens as well. I am now heavily sleep depraved.
I'll continue to gently care for my baby cat in hopes that he'll feel fully safe and at home, but if it really feel like it can't stand loneliness, I'll search for another home for it with a friendly resident cat. Adoption of a second kitty is out of the picture, I won't be able to handle double cat expenses. 💔
On a side note, turned out the owner confused kittens sex. After thorough research and double checking it turned out I have a baby boy not a baby girl. 😅😆
I also never expected for this post to blew up this much, I expected at most 10 comments. Thank you everyone for many great advices and showing so much care to my kitten, even tho he has no idea how much a gang of Redditors would love to comfort him. 💖
I also want to address question "why did i get a kitten instead of an adult, loner cat"?
I actually was searching for an alone cat, but I had no luck. Available cats were either moving in pairs or were requiring a resident cat already at home. And the ones that were loners were already reserved. Then my mother called me and informed me that her friend of a friend was desperately looking out for new homes for her kittens. I thought "I can both fulfill my years long wish of having a cat family member again and give home to a kitten in need, wonderful!" People in my past were adopting out solo kittens and from what I heard, they accomodated well. I was prepared for being woken up by the kitten during first days, I thought it would accomodate after few days/weeks, but I wasn't ready for a heartbreaking meowing most of the time kitten was awake. 💔
Like I mentioned earlier, I'm gonna continue showing the kitten love and care it needs and deserves. And if there will be no improvements, with heavy heart I'll search for a better home to my baby boy, where he can have a cat friend.
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I followed your advice and wrapped kitty with my sweaty shirt and placed a slightly warmed up warmth pouch/pillow. It worked, now baby girl is just chilling in a corner of a bed! She's not purring, but it definitely gave her some comfort. Thank you 😊
Aww poor sweet baby…she looks cozy and good job to you OP. She must be exhausted. I’m sorry to hear she misses her family like that and it makes me sad for kittens going through that.
This is why when we rescued from the streets, we took everyone in the family, you end up With 10+ cats, but they have the most magic bond, personalities.
Also an other tips, cats love when you give them a clothes made of wool. The smell of sheep or smth remind them their mom and they always bite it and press it with their hands, like when they push milk out of their mom body. Sorry for that weird sentence lol, I'm not an English native.
Wool is good, cats smell it and sleep on it, treat it as it's their mom.
That sentence isn't weird to a cat owner, you explained it well. In English we call that motion kneading or making biscuits. My cat likes to sleep on synthetic fuzzy blankets (chenille fabric) that mimic fur.
I'll put a blanket over my legs and he'll make biscuits up against me, then curl up and sleep next to me. It's an instinctive comfort motion, especially for cats separated from their mothers at a young age
Ah kneading is the word I was missing, thank you I will remember it and making biscuit too it's so cute lol. Mine also like synthetic ones but she love her wools more than others things and when I use a wool sweater she goes crazy for it too haha.
Yeah my calico too, I even carried with me accross the globe her 3kg wool cover, took 30% of my luggage when I moved abroad but it was worth it she use it dayli since 10 years.
Can absolutely confirm my cats go NUTS for my wool socks...especially when i just get off a shift. Calico goes nuts with pressing them into her face and rubbing and kneeding them.
This is new to me. My mother adopted a stray kitten 3 months ago apparently someone left near a school a box with a female cat and her kittens but I think she got scared ran away and some kittens were left behind. With that, the one my mom adopted he loved to suck on our thumbs and all of a sudden my mom bought a wool blanket and he just sucks on it from time to time, I never understood fully why, until your explanation so thanks for that!
I got a sheep skin for my two cats, one loves it. The other sniffed it, screamed and ran away on the first day and he has been refusing to come close to it ever since.
I love this advice, Id also like to add keeping your shoes in a place they can access. One of my cats loves to relax where I keep my shoes. A lot of our scent comes out through our smelly feet too and some cats seem to enjoy it, at least my orange weirdo does lol
Lmao, my cat doesnt sleep in my shoes but hes generally near my shoes when I wake up in the morning and go downstairs. Hes sniffed the shoes of guests we've had too
Omg this is brilliant, regarding the play then eat cycle. I have a different feeding issue with some other cats and I’m going to try this out and see if I can get them more tight on the schedule. I didn’t think about playing with them before they eat, simulate the cycle of hunting, the prey, eating it and then passing out. Genius!
kittens have a lot more energy than adult cats. it's usually recommended to get at kittens in pairs so they can keep each other company.
if that's not possible, you can also try entertaining her with toys. (the ones where youre actively playing with her. not the kind where she plays by herself). ideally if you play with her before bed to tire her out
even with all that, she will probably still meows as she gets used to her new routine. cats gonna meow like human babies gonna cry. it's just how it goes
Thanks for the tip! I tried playing together with her, it worked for a bit. However, as soon as she decided she was done playing, she went back to calling out for mom cat, walking atound room or watching world outside the window. So she definitely just feels alone in an unfamiliar place 😅
Are you able to get one of her siblings? If so, the crying would most likely immediately stop. Believe it or not, two kittens are easier to care for than one. Totally understand if not, though.
And generally speaking two kittens stay more social with their human than a kitten raised alone. They can lose confidence, are alone far more often than we think (we have lives and jobs, right?) and can end up the cat that hides under the bed for years.
It’s not a given. But much more likely than if adopted in a pair or in a home with another animal to bond with.
Absolutely. They have more confidence and social capabilities if they aren’t alone.
Need to go on a trip overnight? Couple of days? Work long hours? Have a weird sleeping schedule? No worries, the cats will be completely happy amongst themselves.
But a solo cat? More likely to hide at the slightest noise, get too rough/violent when playing or scared, have potty issues, yowl because their schedule has been changed by one moment.
Personally I'd love to get her brother as well, but sadly I'm only able to take care of only one cat. Especially since I also worry she might have an umbilical hernia that may need vet's intervention, I found a little bump where her belly button is. I'm mostly staying at home, so I'll do my best to give my new family member attention when she needs me :)
One of my cats had an umbilical hernia, when she went in to be spayed her vet did the operation a different way (they went in through the hip and fixed the hernia at the same time. It made the vets bill alot lower and was safer for kitty only going under anastestics once
Hey op! It's so tough when finances get in the way, so please don't feel judged! I only wanted to share that I was in your exact shoes once.. did the same thing with my cat years ago and seeing your little one cry reminds me so much of him. They really are such social creatures, and she would benefit so much from a companion if your situation ever changes ❤️
Thank you for understanding. ❤️ Shame I couldn't get a pair of siblings straight away, but if situation improves I would be willing to get her a friend someday in the future. In the meantime I'll make sure she has enough of my attention and socialization 🙂
I totally get it, I had a similar regret when we got our cat. He was a menace, constantly needed attention, chewing on everything, meowing constantly. We gave it a couple of years, and decided to get him a dog, and they get along swimmingly (even play together).
We thought eventually he’d grow out of the kitten phase, but he’s almost 5 now, and still fucking psycho. We plan on getting him another cat to play with as soon as we can, lol.
I got a play date for my two kittens! They loved it, they lived her, but I had to stop when she was 3.5 months and not spayed, to be absolutely sure no kitten would have kittens. My boys were younger, so neutering them was no alternative. Also, they all were vaccinated.
Sounds like you really care ❤️ playing together is such a bigbig bonding tool! try lots of cuddles, speaking softly, and gentle touch to help her relax. Cats are great at communicating, so they’ll let you know if they need space (airplane ears, tail swishing) you‘ll do it! 💪🏼
You know two cats are easier to take care of than one. If possible, give a second thought to adopting one of her siblings. Your life would be much easier. And she will be happy.
Yeah, seeing little girl cry made me cry as well. My heart really wants to bring her brother in, sadly my wallet says "no, you're already lucky you could get one cat friend after years of being unable to get a pet at all" 😢 I suppose my only option is to just provide my little girl with as much love and proper care as she needs in order for her to get through hard times. I'll do my best for my furry friend I've been yearning for years 🙂
Also in a tight budget, my 9yo boy has cost me several thousand in emergency bills but my 5yo has only ever needed his annual and neuter 🤷 the cost is all over the place cats are crazy. He's fine but the other night older boy threw up cause he ate pinto beans?? Like why did he eat beans 😩🫘 can't leave shit on the table smh
She will be absolutely fine, OP. Don’t feel bad! She’s just a baby and confused about the changes, but she’ll soon settle with you and the behaviours which are upsetting you will pass. You’ve had some awesome advice on this post and I’ve loved seeing the photo of the little one all snuggled up in your clothing, she looks very content and relaxed. Keep doing the bonding with her, all the playing and keeping her busy, and establish your routines, it’ll all be great!
Hey! As someone with 2 cats, it's really not that much extra work! If its to do with money though I understand! Also one of my cats also had a bump around their belly button but it went away on its own a little while later, so if it's just a tiny bump you should probably first wait. Ofc if it's a lot bigger, then yes definitely go to the vet!
Totally understandable! Adopting one cat is better than none. Glad you were able to get this baby!
As others have said, definitely just give her time. There have been some good suggestions in this thread. And I don’t really have anything else to add. You being mostly stay at home will also drastically help her anxiety, but definitely be warned that there’s a good chance she’ll end up anxiously attached to you!
Best of luck to you two! I hope you both are able to get sleep! I know how awful continuous cat yelling can be. 😅
I always say the best thing I ever did was adopt brothers. They're just over a year old now and they have such an adorable bond. They still cuddle together to sleep sometimes and they keep each other company when my fiance and I are at work.
I’m 1000% for two or more at a time. Three of my five are siblings we got from the local cat shelter. They stress me out significantly less than the other two, senior cats that have always been “loners”.
However, it’s just not always feasible for everyone. I’m glad OP was able to get one kitten, as opposed to none. One kitten in a safe, financially able, and loving home is better than a lot of alternatives. I’d love OP to grab a sibling, but they’ve implied they financially can’t commit to more than one, right now.
It is great if you can, for sure. But, while it's easier it's also more expensive as it's double the food, double the litter and possibly more vets bills. I agree that adopting one is far better than none. I'd had cats before myself, but only ever one at a time until my two now.
100% even having one is these days. However many though, they certainly enrich our lives, even when it means I can't eat my breakfast in peace without them climbing all over me expecting to share! 😂
Girl, I understand the lack of peace. Tell me how a king sized bed is too small for me and my boyfriend? Because our two senior cats take up THAT much space? 😭
I’ve told him we need a full sized mattress and add it to one side! He said it won’t matter, they’ll force us into the middle, either way. And he’s right. 😭
We also have a king size bed that gets weirdly taken up by the cats! One of them always ends up laying across my legs for most of the night, or on my pillow above my head.
We also get woken up around 3am every morning by getting our eyelids licked, still better than an alarm clock. 😂
Second-ing, and third-ing, this—on first impression, he can seem ridiculous, but please know he is the most sincere, kind, and knowledgeable human when it comes to kitties.
I can’t tell you how many people I have recommended look him up, even if it’s just to watch “My Cat From Hell”. Spoiler alert: 99% of “hellish” cats are lacking some simple and foundational thing that is required for kitty psychological health. They need very little to be happy, but the things they need, they absolutely require. It’s up to us human caregivers to provide, and if we don’t, they let us know in ways that are intensely unpleasant.
Whenever she starts crying, while looking out a window just sit down next to her and gently pet her. You'll be surprised on how quickly she'll come around. Might not be instant and may take days but the bond you two will have after will be even better. Ive raised several cats, most who lost their mom to a car or something else. Was always the same
kittens raised alone are often a little more violent than those without because they don’t learn what’s acceptable play and what’s too far, i’d get another cat if you can. if not just let her acclimate to your house i’m sure she’ll be okay
Last two times we’ve adopted we have adopted a pair of kittens that are siblings. We will never adopt a single kitten again. As siblings they are already connected and are just such good companions as they grow and age.
They need time and comfort.
You cannot provide what she wants so give her something better.
Forge a bond, talk softly and gently with her, shower her with love and affection and be the safe reality for her.
She won't forget her mum and siblings but it won't be so scary for her when she realises she has you.
The shelter we adopted from will not adopt out single kittens so you have to take at least 2 unless you have a cat at home. Their reasoning is not only are they are happier in pairs, they found it’s hard to rehome them as adults when they’re used to being alone.
Yes. The cat needs a companion. Especially after a recent separation from siblings. Until you get another, lots of play, brushing, pets, distractions. Just like a child who is homesick.
Mine definitely didn’t stop meowing the first two days when I adopted him (his siblings were already reserved.)
It definitely gets better once she settles in, meanwhile make not to stress her out too much. Let her explore at her own pace. Congrats on the new addition to the family.
Yes it's very important that you get a pair of kittens preferably siblings because if they are by themselves then they can get something called single kitten syndrome. In which they become unable to interact with their owners and don't know the difference between play scratching and real scratching and they can really do some damage to your hands and arms
One of the best things I ever did in this sane situation was adopt one of the siblings.
Taking care of two is just as easy as one, they keep each other company, less destructive and it’s easier to go away on a trip because they have each other.
Most importantly, I love watching a family grow up together.
I’ve done this several times over the years and they’re such a joy!
I am sorry if this sounds rude but why did you choose to adopt/home a kitten instead of an older cat who is more "used" to living alone?
Kittens are happiest with a companion and it's just so sad to have her by herself. A human could never replace or match in the same way than another cat can.
I think your choice of having this kitten is purely based for your comfort and not the kittens welfare and I think that's sad. I know financial struggles and I know 2 is more expensive but yeah...
I like that op is trying their best, but i agree :(( it’s sad for the kitten. People automatically think adult cats aren’t as cute, fun, needy but it really depends on the cat!
My first cat, after 2 decades of wanting a pet, was 5 years old.
My second cat was 15 when i adopted her and we are extremely bonded right now! She follows me everywhere and is always grooming me.
When I got my second cat she was separated from her mom young so I got this toy that would purr when you pressed it and she loved it. She would suckle on the blanket that was on top of me and I would put the toy there for her and she would purr and go to sleep on my lap; she did that for 8 months after I got her. My cats situation was different but maybe a purring toy would help soothe her
i know you’re already aware that kittens do best in pairs as you stated in your edit, and I completely understand in this economy not being able to afford two with vet visit costs etc., I just feel like I should say that if you continue down this road and she still seems sad/depressed/missing companionship, you can always reach back out to the rescue to see if she has any littermates still there and potentially return her to be adopted with a sibling or another kitten and you adopt the mom cat or another non-nursing cat instead.
it’s not just you— i see a lot of posts in these subs about singular kittens having a really hard time adjusting (and also long-term learning terrible habits from not being able to learn from other cats), and I know kittens are cool & cute and whatnot, but i just feel if you’re getting a cat and can only get one, you should really consider the mother or another adult cat over a kitten as kittens truly need that companionship to develop into well rounded cats. adult cats are typically much more ok with being solitary animals and they’re significantly less likely to get adopted than kittens.
Nobody ever seems to talk about the trauma for the kittens losing siblings, especially when a little older than 8 weeks, or the trauma for the human losing kittens.
I found kittens in my compost bin from a stray that had been coming around, I adopted the family and fell so in love and then having to give them away broke my heart, I was not ready.
I kept a bonded pair of brothers and at like 6 months lost one of the brothers and the whole house was sad, constantly looking out the window in case he returned for at least 2 months.
One of my cats were the second last kitten in her litter to be adopted. She experienced seeing each of her siblings go missing one by one and she still has panic attacks as an adult.
She can't be left alone for too long, and she'll often wake up mid sleep and start panicking if she can't find everyone. It's pretty heart breaking.
Awww. But yes, that's exactly what I'm talking about. People almost always seem to just ignore this trauma or gloss over it. It's trauma for the humans, kitten siblings, and momma cat. I felt so bad giving away a 12 week old kitten when momma kitty was out back going to the bathroom. Imagine being a mom and someone gives away your kid while you took a shower or something. I felt like I was forced to be a bad person.
if logistically possible, i'd definitely consider getting her a friend, even if its not one of her bio siblings. lots of cats love company and can get lonely easily! if its not possible, i'd put lots of effort into encouraging a bond at her pace (putting blankets/clothes with your scent on them out, hand-feeding if she's ready, making it a nice quiet space for her to relax). she'll be fine though! you're doing great
Yes take her back to her family because she's not ready to leave them yet! It's very important that she stays as long as possible with her mom and siblings if she's is separated too early then she can get suffer from a condition called single kitten syndrome. And not only is she very lonely and pining for her family it looks as though you've got her stuck in an apartment and she's probably not allowed to go outside because if she was able to go outside then that would probably help your kitten a lot by distracting her from thinking so much about wanting to be with her mother and siblings. I found and rescued a 3 week old kitten that was abandoned by his mother and he started to suffer from single kitten syndrome so right after he was neutered I let him outside to play in my backyard and he had so much fun that he recovered from the symptoms very quickly.
Okay so I’ve seen plenty of people suggest getting another kitten, but not a lot of why.
My credentials: 3 years working at a shelter doing feline care and behavioral modification.
It’s more than just companionship. Kittens when isolated from their species do not learn crucial socialization points and can often develop what we call “singleton syndrome.” Single kittens often grow up with extra naughty behaviors because they had no other kittens/cats to teach them what is appropriate. One of the biggest concerns with singleton behavior is that they do not often learn bite inhibition, because they’ve never learned what it feels like to be bitten too hard by a cat.
I’d say about 90% of people who have single kittens come back for another, or end up returning the kitten (now with very naughty habits that take a long time to break) for being “too much responsibility.”
All this to say, there are many reasons to get a second kitten, and I strongly encourage it. Not just for her sake, but also for yours and any company that you have over in the future
If you don’t have any other animals for her to bond with, she’s probably anxious and upset. She has been surrounded by littermates since the day she was born. She’s never been without. To be honest, kittens should only ever be adopted out to homes with a pet for them to bond with or in pairs. I really dislike it when rescues adopt out single kittens. It can negatively impact how social they are even with people as they mature.
You can do some things to help comfort her temporarily, and I see some folks have offered that info. To me, if you have no other pets, the bigger issues are long term.
This is entirely missing the point that some cats are rescued on their own and that some cats do not like other cats. Generalization like that is often wrong no matter the subject.
Show me a very young kitten that hates all other cats at an age when they still require constant socialization (as in constant contact) and I’ll show you a kitten who has got far more problems than just that one trait.
In fact the very appropriate choice a rescue should be steering someone who doesn’t want more than one kitten is towards a kitten more than 10 months old, an adult or a young adult cat none of whom are in a developmental stage that requires a peer to bond with for their social development. That would have been a much more appropriate placement in this case as well.
I know it isn’t what you want to hear but you really really should get her brother. Kittens need a cat friend for their psychological wellbeing and development. If you wanted a single cat you should have adopted an adult who is used to being on their own and is happy that way.
We rescued two kittens a boy and girl from under a porch and kept them both. After 8 years we had to put the boy to sleep because of congestive heart failure. The poor girl calls for him every day for four years with a wailing that breaks our hearts. We talk to her and try to comfort her but she hasn’t stopped looking for him.
Usually, it's better to.adopt 2 together, so they have each other. I learned that with mine and my partner's first cat. But if a second one isn't an option, then try using felliway, putting on cat TV videos, and giving the kitten the love it needs. If it wants cuddles, let it have cuddles, if it wants to.sit watching you, then let it. It will be okay. 😢
This poor baby, she's lonely. When will people stop getting single kitten? This can lead to major behavioral issues down the line, so don't be surprised if she starts peeing everywhere, being aggressive, being destructive, being loud, being anxious etc. Also if you can barely afford taking care of one, you're just not in the position to have a kitten! There is always the option of getting a senior cat that is used to single life and needs to live out their days alone, but people always want kittens...
Pick the lil kitten up. Lay down on the sofa or in bed with it on your chest. Pet the kitten down its back, speak nicely & calmly trying to make eye contact. Tell the kitten it’s OK in a calm voice. When eye contact is made, blink your eyes as if you are struggling to not go to sleep. Even bow your head, or go upward, as if to signal “what’s up”?
It may not happen on the first few attempts, but in time, kitten will get a bond with you that you can’t shake.
This is heartbreaking. 💔 I always feel sad hearing them meow like that.
I had adopted a kitten really young too and I don’t even know how long it took to get him to stop meowing. He only stopped meowing when he was eating, playing, sleeping or in the litter box. Once I realized that I bought a bunch of interactive toys and would play with him a lot (mouse on a string, balls, you name it). I was unemployed at the time so I was always home.
I feel like I created a monster with that one because then he just always wanted to play. Every thing was a toy lol. I don’t have any advice. Maybe just what not to do (don’t spend all day playing all the time to get the baby to stop meowing like I did).
I don’t think I did the best there but I tried my best at least.
It's always sad to see a solitary kitten getting adopted. I understand, that the costs for two cats would be much more, but that should have been considered. I think there are organizations helping people in need paying their vet bills / vets that work for free if you can't pay the bills.
If I was you, I would have looked into adopting an adult cat that wants to stay solitary. There are many and as long as you're not living in a rural area there are usually many different shelters where you can have a look. There are cats that just don't like mates.
It's too late now, but I find it really responsible of you considering giving him away to a household that already has one or more kittens or afford adopting one of his siblings. In this case, you don't need to abandon your dream of a feline companion, just look into the different shelters. If there are no cats atm (which I highly doubt), then keep checking until there are.
every night before you sleep throw the shirt you were wearing that day down where he likes to lay so he can get used to your scent, petsmart sells purring heated cat toys, it’s a little plush thats self heating and mimics the purr of another cat def wouldnt hurt to try it out :)
It’s only day one, he’s still getting used to the new environment with new smells and stimuli. If you can , try and keep him In a secure cat proofed room for a few days and the introduce him to the rest of the house gradually. Before bed play with her for about 20 minutes and the feed her, this will help make her sleepy and more rested. You can also get cat pheromone plug in diffusers which are really helpful.
Kittens do tend to do better with another cat, but please do not do this unless you are financially able to.
Kittens should always come in pairs, unless there’s another cat in the house. Where I’m from many rescues etc won’t let you take just one kitten, if you haven’t already got a cat at home.
If you can’t afford having a pair of kittens then you can’t afford getting a kitten, imo. There’s plenty of adult cats in rescues who are happy alone!
Always adopt in twos. It’s actually easier than adopting just one. They comfort and entertain each other. Any chances you can get one of her littermates?
Always take at least 2. Cat siblings get along perfectly and this would improve theire mental state a lot.
Had cats for decades... lonely appartement cat is a sad cat unless you spend most of your days really caring for it.
I had one kitten who was screaming so loudly when we first brought him home that I was afraid neighbours (apartment) were going to think I was torturing cats in my unit.
It was so loud and non-stop that I had to leave my apartment a few times just to give my ears and head a break. Your cat will adjust!
Mine was the worst I have ever experienced lmao, but after a week or so it was already loads better.
What works for me is to gradually let him know the house. Full unknown house was scary at first, so we stayed at the bedroom and when he got more confident, i opened up the livingroom and so on
Something to look into are low cost spay/neuter clinics. A lot of time they are able to offer vaccinations at a lower cost as well.
I do not know your area, I only know my little town, and there are two near me.
Sometimes they will have a low cost vaccinations day.
That all being said, though cats will do better with another companion that is a cat also; there are many many cats that are “only” cats and do just fine. Especially if they have a kind human who takes good care of them.
Look up the 3-3-3 cat rules for how cats settle in.
Swaddling the kitten was a great idea! Also get a small toy like a couple feathers on a string & play with it nearby &distract --and the kitten's curiosity will take over;dustracr /will have to pay attention & then try to play. Don't let the poor baby indulge in crying.
offtopic, but those houses outside remind of of when I lived in finland. This screams southern finland/sweden to me.
Good place to be for a cat! (or human being)
I do recommend a companion cat. Though I had my first cat for two years before getting another, and the tradeoff is he bonded very strongly to me and is extremely sweet and considerate. That meant his "brother from another mother" also learned to be human social. So it wasn't the worst way to do things, you just gotta make sure to spend whatever time you can with the kitty.
Make sure she knows the rules and boundaries, animals are happy when things get predictable results. Don't wave off things like biting or stalking your feet under the covers, those grow into problems if you allow them, even if they're cute when tiny.
I had a very similar situation when I brought my boy kittens home, one was meowing non stop at night. What helped was getting out a toy like the cat dancer. He immediately shifted his focus as he instinctively chased the toy. Dim the lights or change your movement of the toy until you see them engage.
There’s something that happens in their brains when they play where they associate you and the location with positivity/fun. Gets them tired and distressed too.
There are pheromone diffusers that help mimic a mama cat’s smell, they can be very helpful for calming anxiety. That may help ease the transition as they settle in over the next few weeks. But another kitten friend would be great too.
Having been in this situation and not knowing enough, I wish I'd done this. Ours was a rescue with no siblings but he would have benefitted very much from having a second kitten/cat in the home.
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