Wild Kitten

Hi guys, I am so glad I found this place!

I caught a kitten on Tuesday, she’s a bit wild. We’ve been keeping her in a room in our house until she is used to all the other animals, but judging by her size she is about six weeks old (maybe younger- she’s much smaller than my cat when I got him at 6 weeks). She is eating kitten chunks, and pooping solid poops. I am giving her a bit of milk in water- she doesn’t seem to like plain water at this stage.

My questions are just basically behaviour questions- how do we get her litter box trained? We got her a box, put some litter in and put some of her poop in. Is that the way to do it? She is still pooping outside the box, but on newspaper at least. When we got our cat he was already litter box trained.

My second question, she obviously has never been in a home. She runs away the second you walk in the room, she hisses at you when you come close but never swipes. When you do grab her, she starts purring away. Last night we put her in the lounge with us and she wondered around a bit. She also started playing for the first time. How long, more or less, would it take for her to get used to us (so that she doesn’t hiss and run away)? Once we get her, she’s quite happy to be around us.

Last question- we have other animals. We have two birds (they aren’t interested in her, she isn’t interested in them), a cat (what a baby- he’s turning three this year and he’s petrified of her) and a dog (poodle, about a year and a half. She’s dying to play with the kitten). When the kitten was meowing last night while I was preparing supper for them, our cat was very interested in her. Our dog wants to play so badly, but the kitten REALLY doesn’t like her. She’ll get all puffy, hiss, arch her back, the works, but after a while she’ll get curious and start to go close to our dog (which is when our dog gets excited, barks at the poor kitty and gets crazy and scares kitty away). How long more or less will it take for her to get used to them?

We do work long days, but in the evenings we give our animals all the attention in the world. They get spoilt, and we stay up late in the evenings. With the easter weekend coming up (nice four day weekend), I am hoping to make some progress. And get the kitten to the vet.

I know you think you're doing the right thing giving it milk... But, hopefully it is NOT cow's milk?  Never feed a kitten cow's milk or human baby formula as this causes stomach upset and severe diarrhea. If a kitten is already dehydrated, this could prove fatal. This includes condensed/evaporated canned cow's milk!

Water, she will drink it so just leave it plain and alone.  Maybe put some ice chips in to tempt her?  Mine always liked the ice!! 

On the litter box, she is not familiar with it so put her in it and maybe brush her paw over the litter?  Also, a bit of potting soil can help her realize what it is for.  But don't make it too complicated and it can take her awhile to get it, by the sounds of it, she is tiny.  Is it a regular sized litter box?  If so, maybe a smaller one designed for kittens is in order?  If she can't get in it easily, she won't use it.

As far as getting used to you, it can take time or it could be automatic.  The good news is that she is young so it should come to her easier than an older kitty.  Don't get discouraged.  She should be fine with other pets just introduce them to her slowly.  It can take a month or more for a kitty to settle in.  But she will eventually.  Take her to the vet to get her kitten shots.  There are 3 sets of them.  Then when she is about 5 or 6 months, make plans to have her spayed. 

Other than that, she should be fine and you are doing great!  Good for you for helping and homing this little sweetie. 

Some advices and remarks.

So you dont see any problems with some quarantine?  Even if she is healthy, she almost surely has some fleas and worms.  So we normally recommend some quarantine till entirely deparasited...

The dog... If she is outside born, dogs are usually a threat for her. Nothing peculiar she doenst trust him.

He gots eager, and this also makes her anxious.  The trick is, at the meeting, make the dog be still.

Dogs are usually trained, so make him lie still, perhaps even with a leash on. while she is searching him and makes some first hello.

Litter. Yes, she isnt unused.  Common cat litter of baked clay.  You can set in some leaves or dirt from outside in it.    Kitten attract litter (google) is what many recommends.  Lay just a little above.

You may consider TWO small boxes, as they wild usually dont poop and pee in the same place.

Your trick of setting a little of her poo for example is correct, but not necessarlily enough.

Watch on her when she is needy. Often soon after having food.  And carry her to the litter, and try to show...  Like you could do with dog puppys.

We dont recommend cow milk. Goat milk is better, if you can get it.  Goat milk contain no less lacotse than cow milk, but cats seems to accept goat milk well. Like many humans with sensitive stomach.

But as she seems to be one of those who man manage cow milk, so perhaps...  Or try low lactose milk.  Youghurt, cheese and other milk products may also be useful.

If you feel it is good with milk or milk produckts.  

Spaying. Yes, plan on spaying, 5-6 months is a good time. But it can also be done earlier, above two pounds (above 1 kg) as they say.

Good luck!

Thanks P3. It is unfortunately cows milk, I cannot find any other milk in shops that stay open late enough for me to get there. I will be going to get other milk tomorrow (seeing that it’s a public holiday where I live). I water it down quite a lot, and give her tiiiny bit. She does have plain water in a separate bowl (which she doesn’t touch). It’s getting to winter here (I’m in South Africa) and it’s pretty chilly so I don’t think that she’ll enjoy ice chips, but it’s definitely something I’ll do when it gets warm again.

When I get home I’ll put her back in the box and show her how to dig. I’ll get potting soil tomorrow. She is so very tiny. The litter box is actually (for now) just a lid of a cardboard box, so it is quite shallow and low. She can get out if it easily, and I’ve put it where I notice she does her business.

I have to take my other cat for his yearly shots, I hope that this new kitten is old enough to have hers done at the same time. Would it be a good idea to get the vet to check that she’s not carrying any diseases?

StefanZ, she only interacts with the other animals when we are at home, we unfortunately don’t have the space to quarantine. We checked for fleas and as for worms, she’ll go to the vet on Saturday. We look after our other animals very well (with regards to fleas and worms and their shots), so it should be OK (I hope, we don’t have much of a choice unless I put her back outside). I know it’s not ideal.

I think she was born outside, I’m not surprised she doesn’t like our dog but I’m hoping she’ll get used to him. My dog is such a lunatic, we try our best to keep her still when the kitten comes close. Good idea with the leash- I’ll do that (maybe I’ll take her for a walk first to get some energy out).

I’ll arrange for another box, should I put it in the opposite corner or closer to her basket? I’ll definitely show as well. I know with puppys they tend to do their business within a few minutes of eating, is it the same with kittens (we never had to do this with our other cat so I have no idea).

I’ll try get goats milk, there is a shop that sells soy milk and rice milk, so I’m sure if I search their shop hard enough I’ll find goats milk. I don’t want to damage her.

Thank you so much for your help. It was such a spur of the moment rescue (because we only discovered her in the morning, went to work, caught her in the afternoon), I wasn’t very well prepared. J

MilkyPuff said:

 It was such a spur of the moment rescue (because we only discovered her in the morning, went to work, caught her in the afternoon), I wasn’t very well prepared. J

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It was necessary to do just so.  They are helpless without mom or dad* to defend them. Kittens or freshly dumped/astray cats.   ANY predator will get them.  In such cases you must take in them immediately. It is not sufficient to just "keep eyes open".

If you think there may be an owner, you can search the owner afterwards.

Jolly well done, MilkyPuff. Exactly as the handbook recommends.

*we have noticed it is not so seldom they keep together in family group, ie the dad is toghether with mom and kittens.  Sometimes even the dad is the alone caretaker.

MilkyPuff said:

 It is unfortunately cows milk, ...I water it down quite a lot, and give her tiiiny bit. She does have plain water in a separate bowl (which she doesn’t touch).

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 if diluted, it shouldnt harm. Besides, she apparently manage this. Some do. 

Another tip often used here is to dilute a little cream with the water.

Products made of milk seems usually to be easier to digest than plain cow milk.

If she gots wet cat food, she doenst need to drink much (unless it is very hot).

Drinking much is most necessary if their main diete is dry cat food.

If you're hard core that she needs milk, which cats do not.  Water is what they need.  They actually drink lots of it so they need it to be fresh at all times.  That could be her problem, too.  She is used to drinking dirty water which also has it's problems.  It can cause worms and ghardia.  But, if you're set on giving her some milk, the best thing to do, since you suspect she is very young is it get her Kitten Replacement Formula.  You can get this at the pet section at WalMart even.  But it is better for her than milk from another animal.  I would gradually ween her off of it though as they are usually completely weened by 8 weeks.  You can give it to her in a bottle (also found at WalMart).  You can put a little in her food.  I wouldn't recommend it in her water, as it won't benefit her as much, but it's up to you. 

WELCOME!!! Thank you for rescuing and taking in this kitten I would not recommend giving milk as this could definitely cause diarrhea. I know you say you can't confine her to a separate room, then do you have a large dog crate of some sort? This might be well advised until such time as a clean vet check, and parasite free. You don't want your other cat using the same litter box until the kitten is dewormed which can take a total of four week's time. The reason I say four weeks, is because after the first deworming, you wait two week's then deworm again. Then you wait another two week's to run the fecal test and make sure all the worms are cleared. Here is an article that might be of a benefit for you to read over written by one of our expert feral cat members. http://catcentric.org/behavior-and-psychology/socializing-a-feral-cat-its-all-about-trust/ It will give you suggestions as how to socialize your new little kitten. This is a very stressful time for this little girl. BUT this is for the best and the safest that you took her in right away Try to keep the dog away until the kitten is more settled in and has a routine. When the kitten learns that no one will hurt her - she will start to trust and calm down. Much, much luck!!!!!!!!!!

I've rescued many, countless young kittens, and here is my advice.

A kitten so young is overwhelmed with the whole house, and is much more secure feeling in a small area, or a large cage. This will give you control as well, and the bonus is, she will USE THE BOX!

She will not use the box regularly when it is not right under her nose (so to speak) so confining her is ideal!

She should be fed canned food and KMR (kitten replacement milk) since if she were still with momma she would surely still nurse.

Being an outside kitten she is not going to be okay with the dog for a bit, but will learn.

If you act now, her wildness will be gone, a thing of the past if you follow a couple steps asap. Under 7-8 weeks, it's a snap, literally, at and over 8 weeks it becomes more and more difficult and lengthy.

I simply pick up kitten by the scruff, and SNUGLY wrap in a towel or other soft thing like a burrito. Be sure it's snug, especially around her neck so she can't get her arms out.

And simply hold and carry her around, keep her with you as long as it's convenient.

Ideally it's at least 20-30 minutes, 3x a day. At her age you can get her totally tame in just a couple days. I have had crazy, WILD kittens, biting, scratching maniac type ferals tame in just 2 days. Just with the towel wrapping and holding, the kitten will quickly turn to you as momma.

It's also the chance to introduce her to the dog.

Long story short, she must feel overpowered by you, this will cause her to submit, her fears will be history.

Also, the vet will give first vaccine at 6 weeks since she was born outside. She needs to be dewormed and deflead as well.

Good luck!! Hope some of this helps.

catwoman707 said:

I simply pick up kitten by the scruff, and SNUGLY wrap in a towel or other soft thing like a burrito. Be sure it's snug, especially around her neck so she can't get her arms out.

And simply hold and carry her around, keep her with you as long as it's convenient.

Ideally it's at least 20-30 minutes, 3x a day. At her age you can get her totally tame in just a couple days. I have had crazy, WILD kittens, biting, scratching maniac type ferals tame in just 2 days. Just with the towel wrapping and holding, the kitten will quickly turn to you as momma.

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Not the most common tip, but I do believe you it works!

Similiar tip can be used for adult cats who do hate nail clipping and resist violently.

Wrapped in that burrito or toga, they got submissive-

And yet, their dignity is intact.   Feeling warm and cozy too, so there is no feeling of being angry or betrayed nor punished..

Tx Catwoman for the tip!

Thanks stefanZ, it works like a charm!  A great example that, to this day, in fact as I type now, puts a big smile on my face is the memory several years back, one of my very first taming experiences of a feral kitten, I'd love to share...

So I rescue this feral kitten with a kitten trap, this baby was so young I'm suprised it even set the trap off, luckily it was really sensitive.

Let me tell you I had NEVER in my life seen such a crazy, growling, aggressive, hissy, spitting, scratching, biting, furious kitten, ever...

My daughter stopped by with her husband around the time I headed out to the cat room to deal with this kid.

Sooo, there we are, the 3 of us, big grown adults, looking in at this tiny little wildcat, lunging at us through the cage, all the sounds, etc. I stated how I was intending on pulling this baby out to "burrito" her. I casually say to my daughter, go ahead, you pull her out, she says noooo way, I'm not pulling her out, turns to her husband, Rahsaan, you pull her out....are you crazy, I'm not getting my arm ripped off, you do it! Hahaha, you had to be there I guess...!! Too funny!

Okay I have to do this, so I suit up, wishing I had a suit of armor at that moment.

I get my welding gloves on, a towel, give my daughter another towel, and in I go, for the kill. (so to speak) I finally get her cornered with her chewing wildly at my gloved hands and get a towel over her and grab her scruff, tightly.

Squirming, kicking, screaming little devil is in my hands, my daughter dives in to do a quick and very snug wrap.

There's no way I wanted to EVER let her out of that towel, dangerous as she was, so I kept her, only her hissing face was exposed. I packed this burrito baby/tazmanian devil cat around with me nearly all day long, hand feeding her every so often, etc. By the evening I knew I had made progress, as she was relaxed and the hissing and squirming, attempting to escape had quit hours before then. It was time to put her back in the cage, hoping tomorrow would be a bit easier on both of us.

The next morning I went out there, grabbed the gloves again and went over to her cage. There she was, her tiny self, was she this small yesterday I wondered?? Sitting wide-eyed at the front, giving me the sweetest, tiniest mew I had ever heard. (or at least it sounded that way coming from the little beast) She wanted me to hold her!!!!

Done deal, tame as a newborn baby.

I named this little girl Darla, she was one of the sweetest kittens I had encountered. She was spayed when she finally weighed 2 lbs, and adopted by her forever home.

It really does work! I have done this ever since, as long as the kitten is young.

Just enjoyed sharing my story!

catwoman707 said:

If you act now, her wildness will be gone, a thing of the past if you follow a couple steps asap. Under 7-8 weeks, it's a snap, literally, at and over 8 weeks it becomes more and more difficult and lengthy.

I simply pick up kitten by the scruff, and SNUGLY wrap in a towel or other soft thing like a burrito. Be sure it's snug, especially around her neck so she can't get her arms out.
And simply hold and carry her around, keep her with you as long as it's convenient.

Ideally it's at least 20-30 minutes, 3x a day. At her age you can get her totally tame in just a couple days. I have had crazy, WILD kittens, biting, scratching maniac type ferals tame in just 2 days. Just with the towel wrapping and holding, the kitten will quickly turn to you as momma.

Click to expand...

Yes, this is how I socialized my six month old feral kitten's last year. Yep, they were six month's and were still easily socialized with much time and patience. One in a matter of days, one in a matter of six week's and the other took longer - about three months. I kept them in a large cat cage in the beginning.... I would also scruff and wrap them in a towel snuggly. Sit down and snuggle and pet them for only about ten minutes to start. This is very traumatizing to them and make the sessions shorter in the beginning and after you start to get a purr (hopefully :cross then I would lengthen the sessions.

I hope you come back to update us on your new kitten soon!!!