Cat Chat Feline Forum

Hi recently rehomed a 9 month old kitten on Saturday.
He previously lived with his mother, father, sister, dogs and birds so it must be a big scary change for him of course.
I know that cats are more active in the evenings, I had anticipated this. I wouldn’t mind if he was up playing. But he constantly meows from midnight until 8 in the morning I’m on day 3 of no sleep (as well as my toddler) and I am already losing the Will to live. I can’t function at work on 2 hours sleep.
At first I set up a safe room for him but he quickly gained my trust and rubs himself on me to be stroked so I did end up opening up a second room for him to explore (my bedroom) I figured he was scared and lonely so I thought being in the same room as me at night would help but it has made no difference.
I’ve tried playing with him during the day and evening- a large variety of different toys. But he isn’t interested at all and won’t entertain anything. I’ve tried feeding him later at night, I’ve kept to the same food and litter as his previous home. I tried ignoring him too, but 8 hours of meowing is a lot to ignore. And giving him attention didn’t work either. I have a feliway plug in arriving today which I hope will help? He’s been good at gold during the day(mostly just slept) though today he’s meowed all morning too.
What am I supposed to be doing? This is my first cat after only dogs and I know it’s still early days I just need someone to tell me it will get better I’m so tired and I’m conscious my neighbours will soon hate me too.

Was he allowed outside at his previous home? If so that may help to explain the crying, along with missing his playmates. It is far too soon to let him out of the house, of course, but if it is safe it may be something to consider in due course. In the meantime I would usually recommend ear plugs for you and other disturbed adults until he settles, but that might not work for your toddler. Encouraging the cat to play hunting games (dragging a small toy across the floor, fishing rod style toys) may help, along with games that exercise his brain like puzzle toys or clicker training - anything to tire him out before bedtime. Mostly, though, I think it will take him a little time to adjust to new circumstances - it sounds as if he is bonding with you very quickly, so it should not take very long. Even a few days can seem like forever when you are not able to sleep, I know!

Thank you, he has never been outside before so I don’t think that in particular should be affecting him.
I have tried a circuit game, balls, mice, feather toys he just really isn’t interested. Because he won’t play and sleeps all day I just can’t wear him out at bed time. He also won’t eat any treats yet.
He is probably wandering round shouting out for his family right? Would you suggest continuing to ignore this or should I interact? I don’t want to teach him that’s what he should do to gain my attention and certainly can’t live like this forever

Maybe get another cat? It may sound like a lot but if they get along, they'll keep each other company. Three years ago I adopted a 7 month old kitten who is very active. I had two older kittens over 10 and they did not play or were affectionate with the kitten. The kitten loves to cry for attention. He will not stop. I made the mistake of always going to him when he was younger when he cried because I felt so bad for him. It got better when he got older and I established a routine for him. But six months ago when one of my older cats passed I adopted a 3 month old specifically for my youngest cat who is now 3 years old. This is what he needed. My 3 year old had previously had three brothers and I finally got to see him have a brother he could wrestle with and chase around and not bother my senior cat who doesn't like him. He still cries sometimes and I've learned to ignore it. If he isn't eating the food/treats you get him, buy him something different or a different brand. Buy more toys, a cat tree, give him something to watch. Cats need stimulus. My cat needs lots of stimuli and I was so happy when I adopted the kitten and was very lucky they got along and played and sleep together.

Similar to my experience viewtopic.php?f=13&t=9920

For me she stopped after 5-6 days.
2nd day meowing (crying) from 7pm to 7am, every 2-5 min. Ear plugs didn’t even help
The feliway, I had from the beginning. Not sure if it helped. My view is not (but maybe otherwise, she would still meow? No idea).
Anyways. She doesn’t cry or meow now in the night (so she just wakes me up, due to running ups and down

Give it time & good luck.

I agree that finding a little friend for her might help.
If you feed her dry food you could try interactive feeders where they have to “earn” their kibbles by figuring out how to get them out of a game. This could be a good project for her to work on when you can’t give her your undivided attention.
Best of luck!