Hi everyone!

We've had Nala for 2 days now. She cries a lot (like A LOT). Every time she doesn't see us or if we don't give her attention, she cries. Sometimes, the cries are deeper, just like the ones she would do in the car when we brought her home.

Also, she poops in her litter box but peed on our bed and on our couch. Is this normal?

One last thing... She always seems to be gagging on something and tilting her head bewards in a spasm as if she's trying to get something out of her mouth. I try to open her mouth to see but nothing seems to be stuck there. I'm thinking a hairball... is there anything I can do to help her spit it out?

Thank you!!!

If she has only been with you for two days then the poor little one is going through a huge and stressful change. Is she eating? With the gagging I would take her to the vet if it continues. Sometimes kittens cannot make it to the litter box in time. Make sure she has a litter box near her so she can learn to go in the right place.

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Melissa

UK
Oscar - Rescue (Rascal!!!) Bengal

People bring kittens home, and imagine a really wonderful, glorious occasion. It is a day that has often been long anticipated and circled on the calendar and all that. But then what often becomes apparent is that when you actually bring the kitten home... it is the worst day of the kitten's young life, and amounts to an absolute tragedy from their point of view. Loss of their siblings and mother, loss of their human family, the home they knew, their sleeping places, their toys, and the routine that they had become accustomed to (which is very important to cats). I swear, when I heard Gaga and Serafina screaming in heartfelt wailing (calling for their mom) the first couple of days at my home, or when Neytiri arrived and only wanted to cower under the bed, shivering, and in the fetal position, there were times when things like "what have I done to them? Should I just call this off and take them back to their family?" crossed my mind.

So your task now is to recognize your kitten's pain, and help them through it, convincing them to give their new home a chance, but not minimizing their loss and huge upheaval in his life.

As far as the gagging thing... yea, I wouldn't mess around with that. I'd get him to a vet. You should do that anyway, even if there wasn't a concern, just to get that initial checkup and get him on a regular schedule with shots and such.

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The little monsters 3

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The little monsters 3

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your kitty! You've been offered some excellent advice so far. Absolutely, take your kitten to the vet! Most breeders require a vet visit within 72 hours. This allows you to get medical records going on your new baby and get a full check up from your vet. The gagging has me concerned.

The meowing -- bengals are very vocal to begin with and your little one is really missing her mom and siblings and she is now surrounded by new things, new smells, new people, new voices. It can be terrifying for a little kitten. Not that the meowing may stop! You've got a cat who likes to vocalize.

The litter box issue -- always use the same type of litter box and cat litter as the breeder! Kittens cannot adapt to change as easily. She obviously knows where her litter box is, however, her little bladder may not be able to hold the pee until she can get to the box, so you can always add a litter box closer to your bedroom. There may always be accidents (bengals are just like children).

The one word of advice I can offer you is PATIENCE! It's exciting to have a little bundle of joy that you want to handle all the time and spend all your time with, but it's a huge adjustment for your little girl! It may take her a couple of weeks to get used to things. Make sure she has a cat tree or some way of climbing. Engage her in play with toys. Soon you will have a cat who will not leave you alone! Bengals are very social and very loving.

Let us know what you find out! It could help another member with a cat having the same issue. When I read that bengals are very vocal, I never imagined just HOW vocal that would be. Mine cried 24/7 when I first took him in (he was 6 years old at the time) and made him stay indoors. No sleep for weeks!!! I'm hoping things settle down for you a little bit. Bengals are so different from your regular cat! They can be challenging, but they can also be the greatest bundle of joy! Raiden right now is crying and I need to see why. Well, he wanted treats, then went to the door to let me know he wants to go on a walk (sorry, we already took our morning walk) and then into the bathroom to drink some water. Be prepared for the great adventure!

I do hope Nala gets a good report from the vet.

She's fine... the vet said her throat is probably irritated since she cried really hard when we picked her from her initial house.

And she's been adorable for the last 3 days :)

Thanks for the help!

Sometimes it is just the adjustment period -- which can be short or very long. Happy to hear there is nothing wrong with her. I guess if we cried constantly for a couple of days, our throat would be irritated a little bit too. Glad that she has settled in now. We are here again if you need us.