How long will it take a kitten to stop crying when alone?

We just got a cute little 8-week-old kitten yesterday. We've spent a lot of time with her, and will continue to do so, as I work from home and my fiancee doesn't work--so she's also home throughout the day. Tonight we attempted to step out of the home for a little bit but the kitten's crying could be heard outside... how long will it usually take to get a kitten accustomed to being alone and to stop crying when we leave? Is there anything we should be doing to help facilitate her independence?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Several posters recommend buying a snugglekitty to help young kittens feel more at ease. I'm not sure where you buy one, but I'm sure another poster will have that info.

My 2 are just over a year old, and whenever I walk out the door they both cry. My hubby tells me that they don`t do it but for a minute or so though, and then they stop....so it`s probably just like a kid-thing...you know when kids cry for thier parents sake when left with someone else....only to stop immeadiatly when they are gone?
(It makes me feel loved and missed ....and maybe they know that!)
Linda

you could adopt a 2nd cat. It's usually recommended to have pairs instead of singles, since cats do better with other cats. Plus there's the company factor which means less crying... lol

My Buffy was a cryer when she was a kitten, though I think that's partly from her first 4 weeks as a stray. She was terrified when she was left alone in a room and would start crying and looking for you. After a while, though, she realized someone was always in the house with her and she calmed down. Also helps that we had/have another cat who was Buffy's little punching bag, lol (and vise versa: Willow used to be a demon but now she's such a mellow little thing)

Originally Posted by stampit3d

My 2 are just over a year old, and whenever I walk out the door they both cry. My hubby tells me that they don`t do it but for a minute or so though, and then they stop....so it`s probably just like a kid-thing...you know when kids cry for thier parents sake when left with someone else....only to stop immeadiatly when they are gone?
(It makes me feel loved and missed ....and maybe they know that!)
Linda

Click to expand...

Yeah, I have a feeling she'll stop after a bit... but I feel bad enough leaving her alone as it is, without her crying so loud after us If I leave her alone a couple times, should she start getting used to it?

I`d always get my kittens in pairs now....2 is easier than 1 cause they have each other. (I`m pretty sure this is probably easier to get them young)
You could also leave a ticking clock with the kitten or play soft music too, to soothe it while you are gone.
Linda

i agree, pairs defintely help! sorry thats as much as i could do, everyone else said good ideas though!

aussie-i just loved your signature! i cracked up laughing

I'd be at home working on the computer and, as a little kitten, meowser would stare at me and meow insistently cuz he would want me to play with him. I'm on the computer now, and meowser and (the 2nd kitty I got as a playmate), munch, are jumping around and terrorizing each other. Definitely get another cat, they will be much happier jumping around with another furry playmate.

Snugglekitty will help- the kitten is confused, missing mom and the siblings- offering a warm (heated bed) will help. Getting a ticking alarm clock and covering it with a towel will help. But a snugglekittie offers both

http://www.snuggleme.com/kitties.html

8 week old kittens just aren't meant to be alone - they need company. I would highly, highly recommend adopting another kitten or cat. Wondering why an 8 week old kitten cries when alone is sort of like wondering why a toddler cries when left alone. It's just not natural or healthy for them to be by themselves.

Other than that, the advice re: Snugglekitty is excellent.

Understood. I'll look into snugglekitties. I guess essentially what I'm asking is how old the kitten will need to be before leaving the house is an option for us... her meowing is sure to drive the neighbors nuts, and I can't worry about them complaining to our landlord if we just need to step out to get groceries

My Cat Sibohan (3 years old) cries when I leave the house in the morning to go to work... I don't know why I feel the need to explain to her that my going to work keeps her in kitty kibble, but I contunually do. She only cries for about 5 minutes gets bored and goes and plays with Duke. Duke Dosn't seem to care that I leave in the morning as long as I come home later to feed him, I think he is more trusting since we got him as a kitten, Sibohan we rescued as an adult cat.

Like everyone has already said, I would get another kitten. She needs a playmate for when you are out! If she doesn't have some kind of social stimulation while you're away, she may turn into a cat with bad habits. I have a friend who refused to get another cat (not for financial reasons, just didn't want to), and her kitten grew up to be really destructive because she didn't have a buddy to play with to get her energy out.