What’s in a meow? Vets in East Molesey share kitten behaviour tips
July 21, 2022
Understanding your kitten’s behaviour is extremely important so that you can help them feel happy and safe in your home, and help them grow into a healthy adult cat. Our veterinary team have pulled together their top tips on how to do this below.
Before we dig in, if you haven’t booked your kitten’s first appointment for a health check and lots of cuddles yet, call our East Molesey surgery on 0208 979 1384.
Getting to know your kitten
Our East Molesey veterinary team are highly experienced when it comes to kitten care. Read their advice below to discover how to interpret your kitten’s behaviour.
Listening to your kitten
Kittens, like babies, will tell you what they want from you through the sounds they make or their body language. Listen out for the pitch of their meows:
- Low-pitched meows are cause for concern as they indicate dissatisfaction
- High-pitched meows indicate happiness
- Repetition of meows means that they are looking to be fed or cuddled
Connecting with your kitten
The Vets at our East Molesey surgery can recommend a great way to connect with your kitten – allow them to rub their face against yours. This releases feel-good pheromones through their cheeks and reinforces the comfort and love you share with your pet. A kitten will also ‘knead’ you, or an object like a cushion. This shows contentment and reminds them of suckling from their mother.
Interpreting your kitten’s needs
Purring can be seen as a kitten’s way of showing their happiness and affection for their owner. However, if your kitten is unwell or anxious, they will sometimes purr to attract attention. Hissing and growling indicate that your kitten is afraid; it’s important here to remove them from the threat (real or perceived).
Reading your kitten’s body language
Your kitten will show you how they are feeling through their body language:
- Tail held up = happy
- Tail between legs = scared
- Twitching tail = excited
- Pricked ears = curious
- Rolling over = wants attention
- Settles on your lap = comfortable
- Blinking or half-closed eyes = relaxed
If you need any help deciphering your kitten’s body language and understanding their behaviour, bring them in for a visit at our East Molesey veterinary practice on Park Road.
You can also ask our team questions about common kitten behaviours on our Facebook page.
