10 Orphan Kitten Behaviors Every Owner Must Know

Kittens are bundles of joy, but they can also be a lot of work. If you’re thinking of adopting an orphan kitten, there are some things you should know.

Orphan kittens are kittens who have been separated from their mother at an early age.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of caring for an orphan kitten, you know that they can be a handful. From non-stop crying to midnight zoomies, these little ones can keep you on your toes.

But while their behaviors may be quirky, they’re actually perfectly normal.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the most common orphan kitten behaviors and what they mean. We’ll also give you some tips on how to care for your kitten and help them adjust to their new home.

Introduction

If you’re considering adopting an orphan kitten, you should know that they can be very different from a house cat. Even though they’re both types of felines, they have different needs and behaviors.

Individuals who work from home and have lots of room to dedicate to their kitten may be a better match for a young kitten. If you have a full-time job and an apartment with lots of restrictions, an older kitten may be a better option.

Those who adopt a young kitten should be prepared to spend extra time and energy on socialization and training. This can help your kitten grow into a confident and well-adjusted adult.

But don’t worry—there’s always room for improvement!

Orphan Kitten Behavior #1: Non-Stop Crying

If you hear your kitten crying non-stop, don’t worry. This is fairly normal behavior for a young kitten who has been separated from its mother.

At a very young age, kittens learn to interact with their mother by crying. They learn to nurse by hearing her footsteps. This is why kittens cry when they’re hungry.

Their mother will come over, smell and lick them, and eventually nurse them. This is also why kittens tend to cry when you pick them up.

While this may be frustrating for a new owner, it’s a good sign. It means that your kitten is healthy and able to nurse from you, which is essential for their survival.

If your kitten has stopped crying, they’re either getting milk or they’re unhealthy and not able to nurse.

When you notice your kitten has stopped crying and isn’t getting milk, it’s important to see a vet immediately.

How can I calm my kitten?

If your kitten is crying, one of the best ways to calm them down is to pick them up and hold them close to your chest.

This is reminiscent of how they would nurse with their mother, and it will soothe them.

Orphan Kitten Behavior #2: Midnight Zoomies

There are a few reasons why your kitten may be getting the “Zoomies” at night. One possibility is that they are simply more active at night and have more energy to burn off.

Kittens are also known to be more playful and active at night, so this may be another reason why your kitten is zooming around at night.

Another possibility is that your kitten is bored and is looking for something to do. If they don’t have any toys or other stimulating activities to keep them occupied, they may start to get the Zoomies as a way to relieve their boredom.

Finally, it’s also possible that your kitten is just feeling frisky and wants to run around and have some fun. After all, kittens are known for being very playful creatures!

If this is the case, then you might want to consider getting your kitten some toys or providing them with some more stimulating activities to keep them occupied.

Orphan Kitten Behavior #3: Knocking Things Over

If your kitten is knocking things over, it’s likely that they’re exploring their surroundings and getting used to their new home.

Kittens are naturally curious, so it’s important to create an environment that allows them to explore and play safely.

One way to do this is to place a kitten playpen in your living room. This will give your kitten a safe space to play and explore without damaging your stuff.

When your kitten is knocking things over, it’s best to let them continue to explore. This will help them learn about their environment and feel more secure.

If you feel it’s necessary, you can try gently scolding them. But remember that kittens can be sensitive, so it’s important to be gentle.

Orphan Kitten Behavior #4: Chewing on Everything

If your kitten is chewing on everything, it’s likely that they’re teething. All kittens go through a teething phase where they’ll chew on anything they can get their paws on.

Teething is a normal process, and it’s a way for your kitten to relieve some of the pain they’re experiencing.

During this period, it’s important to exercise patience with your kitten and their chewing. This is how they learn and explore their environment, so it’s important to allow them to do this without getting in trouble.

If you try to take away everything your kitten has in their mouth, you’ll only make things worse. This is because kittens need to chew to relieve some of their pain and pressure.

If you notice your kitten is chewing on something that you don’t want them to, it’s best to gently take it away and replace it with a toy.

5: Hiding All the Time

If your kitten is hiding all the time, it’s likely that they’re stressed or anxious. Your kitten may be feeling anxious if they’re hiding and refusing to eat or drink.

If you notice your kitten hiding in a corner or behind furniture, it’s important to intervene.

To help your kitten feel more comfortable, place them in a smaller, confined space like a cat carrier. This will give them a place to hide if they want, while also helping them feel less anxious.

If your kitten is hiding because they’re stressed, you may want to consider bringing them to a vet. This is because stress or anxiety can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition.

It’s also important to think about what you’re doing to make your kitten feel stressed. If you have a dog, it’s possible that your kitten is stressed from the presence of the dog.

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