Why is my kitten purring and crying at the same time?

Hi,

I work with the Irish SPCA

Don't be worried, your not doing anything wrong. Feral cats often have a tendency to meow when enjoying something. If the kitten seems to be enjoying it (rolling onto it's side is a good sign) then you have nothing to be concerned about... your kitten is just expressing itself and showing it's enjoyment!!! If you would prefer the kitten to be quiet, it's easy to do if he's still young. Stroke him gently until he's comfortable and if he starts meowing just leave your hand still on the top of his head. He'll soon realize that being loud doesn't get him more rubs!!! But I quite like vocal cats who show their love loudly, it's entirely your choice! Well done for adopting an abandoned animal :-)

Your kitten is asking its mommy to come and let her nurse and nestle against her tummy. (These are little kitten signals for attention from her mommy.) She is not freaked. She feels insecure, and she is not 100% sure about you yet. If you can swing it, you should lay hands on a sheepskin fleece. IKEA has them for about $19 here in NYC, maybe cheaper where you live. Or go to a furrier and get a small scrap of fur, or go to a thrift store and buy a cheap, ratty used fur coat. Then put her on it, very tenderly. If you are the agent of her feeling secure, she will grow in trust, so be sure your scent is all over the fur (rub it against your bare tummy to transfer scent).

If you can, keep your little kitty in a cage. maybe even with a sheet draped over the three sides where there is no door. Feral cats tend to feel more secure in a cage, when they know where all the action will come from. When you talk to your kitten, talk very, very gently and reassuringly. She is a frightened baby. Treat her that way. And when you pick her up, don't do a grab-and-snatch; pick her up with the same gentleness that you speak to her.

Feral cats are unsocialized cats. Some few can never be socialized, but never kittens, because they are needy, and when you meet their needs with tenderness, you gain their trust. And once you gain their trust, you have a friend for ever and ever.

It is true that cats remain capable of survival in the wild, but they are loyal to the source of love and nurturing and tenderness in their lives. Once you provide the sense of security and peace this kitten needs, you will supplant her mommy in that role and the loyalty will amaze you.

Enjoy your journey into companionship.

he is probably a little mixed up as he was a feral cat and god knows what he went thru outside,,, I take care of the ferals in our area and they get rocks threw at them for trying to rest in front of the store...I am happy that you adopted one of these sweet cats that don;t have many happy and good days,,,,your cat will be fine ; in a week he;ll be talking to you and will be your best ever,,,,good luck and god bless you for helping abused and throw away cats,,,his meowing and purring is telling you how much he thinks of you and he;s thanking you again and again...

She seems to be alright my kittens did that for a while. I would give it a week or two of her getting used to you and if she keeps doing it I would take her to a vet.Alot of kittens or animals you adopt from shelters are like tlhat for a while and it takes a while for tlhem to get used to you.

Who knows? Just talk to him, pet him, comfort him. He may be a bit scared but liking it too! The more you can pet & play with him with toys, the more social he will become. Just be gentle & not too loud or jumpy. Make sure he seems well & that nothing is hurting him - check inside ears & all.

Let him come to you more often than you come to him.That might help also was it abused that might cause a trust issue.If you want reward him for coming to you with a treat from time to time not all the time he'll think that's how he gets treats.

you will never get the feral out of the cat or kittens .. it wants to be left alone out side and be wild.... it is already born for the farm or alley i feed several but they don't like contact they are WILD