Not sure what to do

So I discovered that I had a feral kitten in my back yard. It is too close to Halloween (its a black kitten) and its getting cold out so I set out to trap the kitten. It would meow with me but if I got close it took off. Also my neighbor owns pits who would kill it. (Nothing against pitts its the way his dogs are)

So I captured the kitten in a live trap and brought it in and placed it in a pet kennel and placed a small litter box in it with food and water. However I have other pets and they have been walking by the kennel and sniffing. I have only had this kitten for two days now.

Also I have young children here ( i am a foster mom)

So kitty eats and even poops and pees in the litter box and will meow with me in the kennel. I have not tried to pet the kitty due to it hissing.

So my question is how soon should I try to touch the kitten and how soon should I let it out of the kennel and into a room? We are not sure if we are keeping the kitten because I have 3 pets now but I want to make sure it is calm before taking it to a shelter or is this a bad idea?

Its a very cute kitten I love long hair kittens!!!

So suggestions anyone?

Have it isolated till you are sure he is deparasited.  You dont want to risk to get fleas over the whole flat.  If you let him out, do it somewhere it is easy to clean.  Also, you must be sure he is healthy, not to harm your other cats.

You can touch him very soon now. as he has probably landed somewhat, and surely recognizes you are giving him food, and are a friendly human.  Some hissing is what they do, just to be on the safe side.

There is a nice trick with a wrapping him up and carrying, singing softly and crooning, makes wonders to a quick fostering. 

I will write more later, Im in hurry now.

Tx for caring!

Agree with Stephan. Until you know the kitten doesn't have fleas, etc., keep him as isolated from your pets as possible. It is probably too late, now but no sense in tempting fate. He may also have germs your pets haven't met yet, and vice versa, so one or more of them may get sick (usually colds).

I also agree that you can probably start petting him now. He's gotten used to the new routine, sights, smells, sounds. If you can get Gerber chicken baby food (no onions), it is irrisistable to cats. Give it to him as a treat when you visit for socializing and don't be surprised if he becomes your new best friend.

So happy you took him in. At this time of year, black cats can be in danger, so you have saved a little life, for sure. Thank you!

I went out and bought treats for little one and one of my foster children has declared he is keeping this kitty since we both are working on this little kitty. The kitten slapped at me while I tried handing a treat but figured out this was some yummy food. I been playing classical music any chance I get. Right now I am sitting in front of the kennel meowing with her (?) and talking softly.

I had a cat stolen out of my house before around Halloween (yup a black one) so I was really worried about this kitten. I cannot believe how messed up some people are.

Fleas I am not too concerned about because we just bought this house and discovered it was filled with fleas. Just ask my Dane. However we been battling them and winning!  I have him out in my living room so everyone can talk to the kitty. My cats have ignored it. Now my dane on the other hand keeps sniffing.

Now would it be wrong of me to get some heavy duty (scratch proof) gloves and then pick him up or would this scare lil one even worse?

StefanZ said:

 
There is a nice trick with a wrapping him up and carrying, singing softly and crooning, makes wonders to a quick fostering. 

Click to expand...

I think it is time for this trick, Catwoman707 gave the tip.   You wrap up such a kitten like a burrito in a towel. Wrapped up they cease resistance and get passive.  You carry it around at your chest. You sing softly, you are  crooning, talking pleasantly, mewoing...  It hears your heart beating.  Half one hour, a whole hour.  A couple of such sessions, and its done. You do have a home cat.

Use these heavy duty gloves and googles on if you want, while you are wrapping in this kitty.

Good luck!

One trick you can also use is Gerber chicken baby food.  Get the one without the onions.  Kitties love it, so don't be surprised if you cats (and probably your dog) ask for some, too.

Put it on the end of a spoon and offer it to the kitten.  Pretty soon you will be putting it on the end of your finger and he'll be licking if off!

You can also use a backscratcher to pet him at first - anything that puts a little distance between you and the kitty will help calm him and get him used to your presence.  Reading out loud to him also helps.  Whatever you do, go slowly.  He's already in such new surroundings, sudden or quick movements may freak him out.

BTW - don't go too heavy on the treats - he needs good nutrition right now and treats usually aren't too nutritious.  Use the baby food as a treat.