My 8 month old male kitten constantly cries for my attention, is that all he wants?

Question

When I get home my male kitten, will cry and talk to me all night. I never had that problem with my 3 year old female cat. I know that they both fight for mommys attention, but even after I play and entertain him for half hour, he still wants to meow. I know he is considered a "talking" cat and I can deal with that. I was just wondering if there's anything I can do to calm his crying down. I mean he'll let out and cry for like 7 or 8 seconds. I keep him fed and entertained. Cause if I ignore him then he'll make sure that I don't. I tried ignoring his cries and only giving him attention when he's quiet, but honestly he's never quiet. Then in the middle of the night I will wake up to my 3 year old female cat, to walking around the house crying. Her cries are short and sound more like a human. Is there anything I can do or do they just do that?

Answer 1

A few things to take into consideration:-  

* Make sure the cat has food, water, and a clean litter box. Your kitty could simply be communicating that she wants something to be done about one of those things.

    * Figure out when your cat is not meowing. Is it a certain time of day or during a certain activity? If you pay attention to kitty, does she continue to meow? When does she start again? Then, try to find a way to continue whatever activity stops the meowing (for example, if kitty consistently meows after you stop playtime, get some games for her to amuse herself with after you go to bed)

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    * Consider a trip to the vet. When cats are vocal, they are usually trying to communicate something to us... check with your vet to make sure your pet is healthy. There are certain times when cats are noisier, like when they are in heat or pregnant.

Many times kitties meow for attention... and many times they meow exactly when we wouldn't (or couldn't) pay attention to them. I agree with the general consensus to ignore pets when they behave in attention-seeking ways. However, the big problem with this is often the pets don't stop immediately. That can be very frustrating... and makes it hard not to pay attention. Which just continues the cycle!

You need to try to break the cycle. If pets get a response from you by doing something (meowing, barking, etc.), they are just repeating that action to get a response again. The first rule of thumb is do not respond directly to the cat’s meowing even to get up, shush, or yell – any response counts as one, even if it isn't a positive one. If your pet continues to meow, try a time out. Shut the door to the room you are in, when she stops meowing, she can come play. If she meows again, back out she goes. More than anything else, this will take time and patience. Good luck!

Answer 2

My cat used to ride on my shoulder like a parrot and just chill there - your cats might be experiencing some separate anxiety which is totally natural since he is so young - do they sleep in your room - my cat likes to sleep at the foot of my bed every night

Answer 3

All I can say is it's one of two things

1. He just wants attention and a lot of it because he's young and wants you to be home all the time.

or

2. He's sick (worms, fleas or even something more serious)

If it's really bothering you, take him to the vet to get checked out.

Answer 4

Maybe he feels that you're not giving him enough attention and all he wants is your attention.

I have four cats and when I pet one the rest give me that dirty look (jealousy) so that's probably what your cat's feeling right now (jealous).