Semi-feral kittens - help.

Kanye

Hi,

I've just adopted two semi-feral kittens who were living near my office and were coming to us for food from about 3-4 weeks old. They were quite comfortable around humans and were petted occasionally while feeding.


They were trapped yesterday and it was obviously distressing for the kittens. They aren't eating at the moment and are still very wary of me. I'm spending as much time as possible with them, trying to coax them with food.


I'm just wondering whether anyone has any tips or suggestions to ease the transition for them? Had anyone successfully socialised cats like this? (I've read a decent amount of advisory literature on this but obviously any help is greatly appreciated!)

SillyMangoX

Just sit in the room with them, still, don't interact with them at all. If they are not eating at all, use something really smelly and delicious like tuna or sardines. Leave their food near you but not right next to you. Let them come up and eat, and go away again in their own time. It might help if you read a book or magazine or something out loud so they get used to the sound of your voice, but don't give any eye contact. Then after a few days of this I would be gradually moving their food closer and closer until it is next to you, and you can gently pet them, don't go picking them up or anything. It takes time, but it definitely can be done. Well done for taking in the kittens

Pumpkinseeds

I agree with Sillymango. They're in a strange new environment, everything is bound to be a bit overwhelming for them. Time,patience and understanding and they'll be fine. Tasty treats of tuna and cooked chicken won't go amiss either. Well done for taking them in, its nice to know they won't be spending a winter in the freezing cold and rain. They'll soon have you under the paw:) Ps toys would be a good idea. Especially things on strings that they can gradually get used to getting closer to you.

meoklmrk91

Sillymangox is dead on, you have to let them come to you on their own terms, and they will, cats, especially kittens are extremely curious and nosy, once their fear dies down they won't be able to help themselves. Eventually they will be purring happily on your lap.

Best of luck with them and well done for taking them in. If mom is still around maybe get onto a Trap Neuter Release program in the area so there won't be any more kittens as the next lot might not be so lucky.

markbld65

agree give them time

we have 3 feral cats here, came about 2 months ago, half ears and tails and would hide under vehicles etc and then when you went in they took the food we left out

so now 2 months later they are near tame, i've built them a shelter and now they trust us and actually walk with us up to our dog pound yes we have 6 rescue dogs

so just give them time

Pumpkinseeds

Our feral was a kitten when he started showing up in the back yard. He wouldn't come indoors for almost a year so it took longer to gain his trust. Once they decide to trust you and come to you its a wonderful feeling. Our chap likes to wake me for breakfast by sitting on my pillow, nibbling my hair and purring in my ear. Best alarm clock ever:)

Kanye

Thanks for the replies, one of the kittens took some food this morning so I'll try again this evening with the other one. I also found their toilet! They were using a spare towel lying around so I dumped their bits into the kitty litter to encourage them to go there instead. (I also removed all of the towels.)


I'm 100% ok with being patient with them etc. I just want to make sure we're doing the right things to give them the best opportunity to become pets.