New New New

well i just got a 9 week old kitten,and although it's not my first to have my dad and i had two cats and i had cats before it's the first cats i'v had that i actually own. Just talk quietly and just be very soothing,put out some food and water and just let them know you're not gonna hurt them. Maybe get down to there level so there not so scared,don't worry you'll do great.

Congratulations on your 2 new cats!!

Just going to ask some questions so we can get you what you need for them:

1. Do you have any other animals or children in the house?

2. Do you already have litter boxes out for them that they have seen?

3. Have they seen where their water and food is? (Might put some just outside the bed in case it takes them a bit longer to come out, and a litter box there, too - I had a cat that took 2 months, but now sleeps with me and purrs all the time)

4. Are these cats spayed/neutered? If not, this needs to be done, STAT.

5. Sounds like they've been with this guy a long time and were attached to him, they will definitely need the time for you to earn their trust, it's normal. Just always speak in low, loving tones, let them know how glad you are that they are here and how you will always take care of them. With my Marilia, I would be sure to lay down and stick my head just so they could see it at the end of the bed and talk to them a few times a day to let them know my face-with-voice better.

I never talked loud, never punished. The ONLY thing I've ever done (and not even at first with her) is, if they are on places where they could get hurt, I would use the Cesar Milan "Tschhhhh!!!" thing - all my cats are trained to that. There is never a reason to punish by hand, article or yelling.

6. Did the guy give you their medical records? If not, I'd try hard to get those to make sure they are up to date on shots. If not, I'd get them a vet visit to get them updated on everything and start fresh.

Sorry for all the questions, just wanting to help. I'm pretty good with frightened cats since my girl, even though she sleeps right next to me and purrs, still jumps at noises and has PTSD (like her mommy), needs special care.

I'm staying connected to this thread, so I'll check back, and I'm sure others will chime in as well.

WELCOME TO THE CAT SITE! :-D

Warmly,

Julie O'

Hi there. The cats will ignore you for as long as they ignore you! If they're eating before too long, you're golden. All time issues are relative to cats! Relax and they will. Bribery after a few hours never hurts, either.
I understand how tough it can be to adopt from a loving owner-at least he knows his cats are together and safe. His energy will probably influence the cats as much as it influences you right now. This too shall pass.
So, I'd say give the boys some space, but keep your eyes and ears open. Good luck.

Ah!

This is all great news!!!

I think they'll be ready to come completely out very soon (w/in days), so I'd go ahead and set up their feeding station(s), maybe put water in a couple extra places (Sorry, this is me and my 10 cats speaking), and the litterboxes, maybe 2 - one close to where they sleep so they can "sleep-paw" to it as some of mine do, and another for general ("Oh, there's one in this room and I just happen to have to go - how convenient" box.

If they looooove affection, they'll be out in no time!!

Please keep us updated!! :-D

Again, super congratulations and you'll be soooo happy and realize you are a cat person (which, mark my words, you will be; especially with those 2 cuddlers), your life will change forever for the better....... ahhhhhhh.

Me 'n da pudstah's at my place are so happy and joyous for you and the puddies! We can't wait to hear stories of funny things, questions if you need help with health or behavior or any big or little thing, and especially we can't wait to see picturrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrres!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We always be thinkin' of you and the fluffy ones and be waiting furrr your questions 'n stories... n pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!

Warmly,

Julie O' and da puddy-tats