So I'm back with yet another Diego tribulation- I swear every time I think I've got it figured out with him he develops some new bizarre behavior that I can't grasp. Lately, It's been his constant crying. And I literally mean constant. I timed him last night- three full hours without letting up! And this isn't just him "meowing" or "chattering" away to himself- they are full blown howls.
It seems to happen most frequently after I get in bed. He will sit next to the bed on the floor and start up. I'll invite him up onto the bed and that might stop him for a minute or two but them he gets going again. I'll bend down and pick him up with the same effect. I give him pets and same thing.
My first instinct was that his cries were a way to try and get my attention. But, now it's become so excessive I worry that my calling him up or giving him pets is just reinforcing the crying. Lately I've been trying to wait until he stops crying to call him up but it seems he never takes a break!
Looking back, I thought maybe one factor that brought it on is the new, extensive presence of my boyfriend (who went from being here once or twice a week to staying here almost full time). But, that doesn't fully make sense because Diego LOVES him. The boyfriend has worked extensively to win over his and Ella's affections, and has spent many hours down on their level playing with them, giving them treats, and offering pets as they got more comfortable. And now it's to the point that they both sleep on him more than they do on me (Diego even likes to snuggle in and lick his armpit- don't even ask me what that is about). Other than that there have been no significant changes here that I can see that would bring this on, and we were just at the vet less than a month ago and Diego checked out perfectly healthy (if not a little neurotic).
I know he's always going to be a "special needs" kitty and I'm fine with that, but the yowling for hours on end is really starting to wear on my nerves. Any suggestions from anyone on how to stop it? My other big concern is that he's unhappy and stressed out and this is his way of expressing it. Which, of course I don't want. How can I mellow him out and make his life (and mine by extension) a little easier?
Other things I can think of that might help: He still does suckle and has his blanket on the bed. When he cries I've green trying to call him up onto his blanket but he just won't settle in. He also has two new "Diego specific" spots in the apartment. One is in a cabinet that he utilizes frequently when he's scared or stressed and I don't disturb him when he's in there. The other is a little donut bed set up in the corner of the bedroom right near the bed. He seems to love it and spends a lot of time in there with his stuffed monkey who he loves to snuggle with. So, he has three major comfort places to utilize in addition to all the others here and yet he won't stop crying!
I appreciate any and all advice any of you may have! TIA!
It seems to happen most frequently after I get in bed. He will sit next to the bed on the floor and start up. I'll invite him up onto the bed and that might stop him for a minute or two but them he gets going again. I'll bend down and pick him up with the same effect. I give him pets and same thing.
My first instinct was that his cries were a way to try and get my attention. But, now it's become so excessive I worry that my calling him up or giving him pets is just reinforcing the crying. Lately I've been trying to wait until he stops crying to call him up but it seems he never takes a break!
Looking back, I thought maybe one factor that brought it on is the new, extensive presence of my boyfriend (who went from being here once or twice a week to staying here almost full time). But, that doesn't fully make sense because Diego LOVES him. The boyfriend has worked extensively to win over his and Ella's affections, and has spent many hours down on their level playing with them, giving them treats, and offering pets as they got more comfortable. And now it's to the point that they both sleep on him more than they do on me (Diego even likes to snuggle in and lick his armpit- don't even ask me what that is about). Other than that there have been no significant changes here that I can see that would bring this on, and we were just at the vet less than a month ago and Diego checked out perfectly healthy (if not a little neurotic).
I know he's always going to be a "special needs" kitty and I'm fine with that, but the yowling for hours on end is really starting to wear on my nerves. Any suggestions from anyone on how to stop it? My other big concern is that he's unhappy and stressed out and this is his way of expressing it. Which, of course I don't want. How can I mellow him out and make his life (and mine by extension) a little easier?
Other things I can think of that might help: He still does suckle and has his blanket on the bed. When he cries I've green trying to call him up onto his blanket but he just won't settle in. He also has two new "Diego specific" spots in the apartment. One is in a cabinet that he utilizes frequently when he's scared or stressed and I don't disturb him when he's in there. The other is a little donut bed set up in the corner of the bedroom right near the bed. He seems to love it and spends a lot of time in there with his stuffed monkey who he loves to snuggle with. So, he has three major comfort places to utilize in addition to all the others here and yet he won't stop crying!
I appreciate any and all advice any of you may have! TIA!