Brother Cats Raised in a Shelter

So, I have a post started under the behavior category, but I thought I'd start one here, as it may be more appropriate for my issue.

I am looking at adopting two 3 year old cats that are brothers.  They have been in the shelter since they were 3 months old.  They tolerate people in the room (the shelter has them wandering loose during the day), but they will not let you pet them or anything.  They are in need of socializing, and, to add to it, Wade (the pretty cream colored one) basically has 3 legs and a stump, which he had when he got to the shelter as a kitten.  Their other brother (there's 3 total) actually lets people pet him, although he is skittish, and there is someone that might adopt him.  The gray one, Stormy, is next closest to being "tamed" down.

I am getting my house ready, and I will have them in my office (soon to be called the "cat room") while I work with them.  There will be 2 litter boxes, 2 sets of food and water dishes, a large cat tree with 2 hiding places in it, and a couple toys.  I have read about keeping them in there alone for the first 24 hours and then working with them slowly and not petting them until they allow you to.  I also have read about playing music for them as well.

I guess I am just looking for further hints and/or tricks that may be out there.  How long before I let them venture out of their room?  Do I wait until they let me pet them or is that way too long of a wait to allow them out of one room?  Can I move the litter boxes later without too much of an issue?  What if they don't want to play with me and the fishing pole toy, then how do I interact?

These are 2 beautiful cats that deserve a great home, and, more importantly, they deserve to be able to feel and give love.  I want to provide them with that opportunity, but I am looking for advise.  Also, should I worry about the computer cords?  If so, what do I do with them to attempt to cat-proof them (yes, I know nothing is truly cat-proof)?

Thanks!

Roxanne

Wade & Stormy  (ps - Stormy actually meows for treats with people, and I believe that his interacting will help him to socialize more quickly.  I am afraid that Wade may be more difficult, as he is probably rather defensive from missing the one leg)

That you are doing this for them is so terrific! They are so lucky you found them. Thank you so much.

I would allow them to remain in "their" room for as long as it takes for them to learn to trust you. They will in fact learn that the room means safe feelings. Sounds like you have done a lot of research already getting ready for them to arrive. I'd also get a feliway diffuser for the room.

The music you'd want will be something soothing, such as soft classical or harp. When in the room with them, sit quietly, do a lot of talking to them, or just read a book out loud. They will get accustomed to your voice.

Keep treats near and offer them with a low open hand. If they won't come to your hand, place the treats on the floor and step away. Keep doing this until they eventually eat them from your hand or at the very least, right next to you. Try to always keep yourself in a non threatening position, low to the floor.

Teaser wand toys are a good choice, as it allows you to interact with them, yet they can keep their distance if they choose. That is about all I can think of right now.

Cats do adjust and with time and patience they will learn they are safe and loved.  Do keep us posted when they arrive and how they progress. Sounds like this will grow into a great story!

I agree with Katluver, and with your own findings.

One extra tip is you lay down now and then.  Or best of all, you have a matterace there, and take a nap now and then.  Lying down, sleeping humans are completely non threatening.  There are quite a few examples such cats do lay down into the bed together with the humans.  Even laying down on their legs...

Another tip to try a little later on, is to wrap them in a towel, all legs in, and carry them at your chest.  Talking sweetly, making friendly noises "crooning", singing softly if you can... A couple of sessions of up to one  hour...

This works nicely with older semiferal kittens, could work here too.

One extra reason not to let them out from this room too early is also, having access to the whole flat, they can go and hide. And in other ways avoid interaction with you. Thus there will be a risk they will be tame semiferales inside your home. They will be tame, meaning they will be OK living inside and not panicked by you, but avoiding any close contact...   In some cases this is OK and enough, and dedicated people do accept that.

But here you want more, and should want more. They have every chance to become your friends.  Probably a little shy to visitors, but with you they should be friends yes.

Good luck!

Those were my thoughts about keeping them in their room, so thank you for verifying that.  I guess I am a bit worried about whether or not they will come around.  While I truly believe that they can (at least Stormy), there's still that nagging feeling of "what if" I bring them here and after several months they are still just cats that can't stand me??  Then what?  I am sure that everyone has felt that when they get an unsocialized cat in there home.  I just hope that I can work with them every day and that I don't give up too soon.  I have Aspergers syndrome (autism) and dyspraxia, which, the basic short version is when your body hates you and refuses to cooperate and you have muscle weakness a lot.  Between that and my insomnia, my headache, and about 8 to 10 other issues, I'm always so tired that I never know if I can keep going with such a long project.  I just know that I need a pet.  Also, I have a 16 year old autistic son, and even though he has no desire for cats, they will be around him at some point.  He can move rather quickly and makes loud laughing noises a lot, so I hope that they can get use to that and not be terrified every time that my son runs down the hallway.

My family members are wanting me to get a cat (or two) that is already socialized and cuddly, since that is what I would need.  While I understand their concern and reasoning (as I have the same thoughts myself), I am just drawn to these 2 cats.  There is something about them that makes me want them....partially their coloring (I mean seriously, they are gorgeous), partially their story, and, maybe, some small part of me wants to see if I can complete such a great mission.  I just want cats that will curl up on the couch with me and let me cuddle with them....even if they don't like to be held, that would be ok.  What if these cats never get there?  What if they become the best cats ever????   The fact that there is no way of knowing is what scares me the most I guess.

I am sure I will be getting them (once the house is ready), as I am so completely drawn to them, but the possibilities frighten me.  I am still looking at other cats, but these two are constantly in my mind.....I would hate to be all "gung ho" for a couple weeks or so and then just stop trying.  However, I think having them in my computer room (where I spend most of my evenings) will help keep me going.....as I will be in here anyway, and they would have to deal with me.

I guess I am just nervous, and, as I am autistic, I like things all planned out and knowing exactly what is happening, so the "unknown" of how they will be here is what stresses me the most.  I just don't want to try to save them and fail by having them never like me.  On the plus side, since I do have issues, animals are usually more drawn to me too.

Ok, sorry for the ranting.....just needed to get that out there!   Thanks for listening!

What a brave person you are!  I am familiar with autism and know how hard this new adventure will be for you.  But remember a couple of things.  Life is about challenges, so look at this as a really good one.  Having said that, please do not set yourself up by having expectations of these cats that they may not be able to fulfill.  They've lived in a shelter all their lives.  You already know they don't tolerate petting well and they most likely won't  jump in your lap right away.  This may not change.



BUT THAT does not mean you will be a failure if they do not become lap cats.  They may never become lap cats.  Please do not expect or force them into that role if it isn't natural to them.  You know what it's like when people do that to you, right?



These cats would be a challenge to even the most experienced cat lover.  Try not to put too much pressure on yourself (I know, I know, almost impossible, huh?)  But seriously, allow them to be who they are, accept them for what they are and you will all be much happier.



If you decide to adopt them, let the office be their own area, especially at first.  Remember for the first few weeks, that means you will be moving around in their territory, not your office.  You sound like you have things set up perfectly for them, by the way.  Change is very difficult for cats, so don't be surprised if they hardly show themselves for awhile.  This is absolutely normal and OK.



The key will be patience - on your part.  Take your time about everything.  Talk to them when you are in their room, move slowly so as not to startle them, always treat them kindly.  Sooner or later, they will feel genuinely at home and gain more confidence.



And down the line, when they are settled, it won't hurt to move a litterbox so they can expand their territory.  Oh - and just watch them with the cords at first.  They may not need cat proofing - some cats could care less about cords; other want to chew them.  If the cords become an issue, there are plastic tubes you can buy to protect them.



Good luck and thank you for accepting this challenge!