Merlin

Hi there!

I adopted a eight-week Boots back in August (also black ) And he had been feral, only in contact with humans for maybe 2 weeks, so he was TERRIFIED of me. I also kept him in the bathroom with food and water and his litterbox (which, thank god, he already knew how to use).

It sounds like Merlin is doing fine -- trust me, compared to how Boots was, he's not shy at all. If he climbs up onto you and purrs, you're fine. Just let him get used to all the new sounds, smells, and creatures in his new home, and he should be snuggling you or playing 24/7 in no time.

My advice to you would be to keep his carrier, if he has one, in the bathroom. Put some clothes you've worn this week but not washed yet in it for bedding so he can get used to your smell. Some cats like the "cave" feel of it (Boots did) and it helps them feel more secure. If he's in the carrier, don't mess with him unless you HAVE to -- the carrier should be his safe place, where he can go and no one will bother him. (This also makes vet trips easier later. LOL) This will help him be more comfortable with you by de-stressing him.

And remember, it's only day one. You're doing fine. Boots took two weeks before he would stop hissing at me whenever I came near him, now he snuggles me, sleeps with and on me, plays with me, everything. And it might be a while before Merlin stops backing away from you, especially if you're bending over to touch him; kittens can be really intimidated by The Big Unfurry Cats, especially ones they've barely met, towering over them.

In regards to him getting nervous when you look at him, cats regard prolonged eye contact from cats they don't know well as a sign of aggression, so avert your eyes for a while when you go in the bathroom. Watch him with your head slightly turned, or watch him directly when he can't see you're looking at him.

First, congratulations on your new kitten. Merlin sounds precious and I can't wait to see photos of him as he grows up and thrives in his new home.

As for your concerns, please take a deep breath. You, your son, and Merlin are all doing wonderfully considering he has been home not even 24 hours. While kittens are often more easy going and precocious, being in a new environment is enough to cause them confusion and stress. But, that, in and of itself, is nothing to worry about -- especially in the beginning. Most animals being brought into a new environment will be shy and unsure of their surroundings. Having Merlin in his own, safe space is excellent. That way, he can begin to acclimate to all of the new sights, smells, and sounds in his new home. The fact that he is willing to cuddle some and has been playing, albeit just for a few moments, are signs that he is already feeling more comfortable. It will take him some time (and you and your son as well), but I don't doubt he will figure things out and become more confident in just a short while. Many cats and kittens will not be interested in food, water, and their litter box when first brought home. It is terrific that you were able to get him to take some canned food, but I wouldn't be worried overall if he is not eating a tremendous amount these first couple of days. That will come, I'm sure, in time. I would continue to leave his dry food out along with fresh water. And, if he seems to like the wet food, I would offer that throughout the day (in the morning and in the evening would be fine). Once he is eating and drinking, he should begin using the litter pan. I would encourage him by setting him in the pan after meals the first couple of times, but he should catch on quickly. It is an instinctual behavior and as soon as he becomes more confident in his surroundings, using the cat box will become second nature. "Normal" for kittens is very variable. In the next 24-48 hours, you should see him begin to acclimate and then it will be time for you to figure out his cues. I don't think it will take long for you to get an idea of what is normal for him -- eating-wise, drinking-wise, eliminating-wise, and play-wise. In the meantime, I would try not to worry -- your being stressed will only cause his anxiety to increase. In truth, it sounds like you're doing everything right. Take comfort in that and enjoy these early days. In no time, you'll likely have a rambunctious, silly, and absolutely precious kitty on your hands. And, from there, the rest will be history!

Congratulations again on your new baby. You and your son sound as though you already adore Merlin. Good luck with everything. And, remember to relax. You're all doing well. I promise.

Congrats on finally getting Merlin home! It sounds like things are going really well so far, too! Can't wait to see some pics.

So, is Merlin finally convinced he hasn't been captured by a big predator that's going to eat him, and instead been adopted by a second mother who may well treat him better than his original mom?

Thank you for adopting a black cat. They are WAY over-represented in our euthanasia statistics. They are the hardest cats to get adopted.

He's a cutie! So glad he's settling in well. It sounds like your son and Merlin will become fast friends!

That's so strange that people don't like to adopt black cats... they're so beautiful! Is the old "bad luck" superstition really still that big an issue?

A black cat was my second choice. But I found Boots, my little ex-feral tuxedo, first Any interesting stats on getting tuxies adopted?