Help with Niblet!

Happy New Year---

I was hoping for some advice and support in helping to socialize a feral kitten; our story sounds similar to others.  We have two indoor/outdoor cats, and back in August, a very small kitten showed up in our yard; I would say she was about six weeks old at the time.  We have been feeding the kitten ever since (named Niblet), and my older daughter, Lilly (age 18), has very much wanted to socialize her.  Over these months she got used to eating by us, and would even eat sitting in my lap.  We taught her to come into the house for food, and about a week and a half ago, gently closed the door behind her, and corralled her into one of the bedrooms.  She has been there ever since, and we are seeing some of the behaviors listed by others: where we could pet her the first few days, she is now hissing and swatting, and tried to bite me, once.  After doing some reading, it looks like it is normal to have some behavior changes, but advice would be great.  I also am wondering if it is OK to take her to the vet, given she isn't socialized yet?  My biggest concern is that she get checked out and spayed (don't want her to get pregnant at such a young age).  I am also concerned that she has been in contact with our two cats all these months--how worried should I be? (They are current on vaccinations).  Overall, she is eating and drinking fine, using the litter box, and doesn't seem to be frantically looking to get out of the room--just runs from one spot to another when we come in.

Thanks for any help or advice--this is new territory for us!

Welcome to TCS That is ONE lucky Niblet (love the name) to have found her way into your lives . Just be very, very, very patient with her. Her behavior has changed because she is frightened and scared of WHERE am I now and WHAT is going to happen to me. Make sure you get a Feliway plug-in for that room right away. Put your slept in T-shirt's in that room in her bed or hiding cubby. Make sure you have a hiding place for her but a place where you can reach and still pet her and comfort her. IF she was sitting in your lap outside, then she WILL come around quickly inside. This could take a few day's or a couple of week's. Just spend as much time in there as you can and she will soon settle into a routine and start to trust you again.

I would keep your other two cat's separate for now until you have taken Niblet to the vet. YES - get her spayed right away too. It is best to just get all of her test's done, FeLK/FIV, deworming's, vaccinations and spay very soon. I am sure she has some parasite's as most kittens DO. So don't let your other cat's near her litter box either. Best to keep them separate until you have a "negative" stool sample. Which would be a couple of week's AFTER the two doses of dewormer's (two week's apart). Niblet will be just fine in her "safe" room. Believe me, the kitties LOVE their room's. This is the best for her right now anyway, since she need's more socialization. OH and usually, taking her to the vet won't be an issue. Most of them are just so scared that they freeze (poor darling's) which makes it easy for the vet to handle them before surgery. Keep us posted!!! Glad you found us :bigwink:

Welcome to the TCS site and our Forums!

I see you had already read some in the treads. Good!  

Yes, you can and should take her to the vet for check up, deworming, etc... Spaying may wait a little if you want, as long as you are keeping her indoors.

Tell the vet she is your fosterling, so they are prepared. Most vets are used, although they prefer to be forewarned..

Besides, it may be so you can get even some reduction in payment bill, as you adopt a homeless. Many vets do so.

As your cats are healthy, fully vaccinated and used to be outside, they are probably not very sensitive.

Nay, it shouldnt be great dangers, especielly as she seems to be healthy?

Although dont let them meet officially as yet.

Did they were pals when they met outside?  If so, the introduction after the quarantine period should be easy.  

She is in the bedroom now. Does she have somewhere to hide a little? A cat igloo, or a side turned cardboard box, or even under the bed?

Im thinking about this running from spot to spot as she sees you entering.  Dont she have any safe "hide"?  If yes,  it may even be some sort of play!?

Good luck!   *vibes*

btw, about this tried to bite you.  Cats are quick, and when they do bite, the make deep holes. You have two small but deep punctures all in a sudden, and the hand severely aching from the sheer force of the bite...

So Im almost sure she didnt tried, but  she did warned pretending she was going to bite.