feral kittens, need help!

tarralb

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I got two feral kittens, possibly 5 months old trapped and spayed. Brought them back yesteday. They are in a large cat playpen outside my kitchen door in a strairwell- closed off from the inside of the apartment. As of this morning, they were freaking out and jumping around trying to get out and wouldn't eat. I have the cage covered with a sheet. I really want to work with them but I am torn bc I don't have the space inside for them. Some people told me to wait till they seem more calm, then move the cage into my living room where they will hear us and see the other cats and get used to us. I suggested the bathroom and was told they are too scared right now. What are everyone's suggestion on helping to assess them to see if they can be socialized? Keep in the cage away from people? Move cage into dining room? Put them in bathroom?
 

allenkm

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I think you need to let them out of the cage, let them have free range of 1 room of the house, maybe a bedroom where there will be more interaction with people....
 

ritz

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Thank you so much for taking care of these kittens, especially getting them s/n.
I agree with allenkm: I would move the kittens into a bathroom or other small, little used room. They need to heal and adjust to being inside.
I would get them use to humans before introducing them to your other cats. (And, not at all until they've been tested for FIV/FeLK.)
You can play the radio, sit in the room reading, working on your computer, etc. Feed them only when you are in the room.
 

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A space of their own would be best.  Just make sure you block off all spaces where they could hide and get stuck.  Yet at the same time provide them with a safe hiding spot.  You can use old boxes with a towel/blanket.  Playing soft calming music helps too.  You might also want to get a feliway plug in to help them feel calm.  I have also used Composure calming aid in both the liquid and treat formula.  Flower essences are also helpful.  You can try Rescue Remedy or Jackson Galaxy's Spirit Essences.  There is one called Feral Cat Rehab.  I have used it with good success. 

Remember to take it slow with them.  Talk quietly and soothing to them.  Make sure they have access to a litter box as well as fresh water and food.  It may take awhile for them to eat, but rest assured they will not starve themselves.  As for the litter, if they are not using the litter box you might need to mix in some outside soil if they are used to being outside.  You can also get Dr. Elsey's Litter Attract.  It worked well for a few ferals I have brought inside.

Thank you for rescuing these two.  It will be hard work, but so very rewarding at the same time.
 
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tarralb

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Thanks everyone. The shelter I got them fixed at did not test them, so now I don't know what to do. I can't bring them in my apartment till they get tested. Getting them to a vet will be really difficult also bc I will have to somehow get them in carriers. I could kick myself for not making sure that was done when they got fixed. I don't know how long I can work with them bc I'm only supposed to have 3 cats in my apartment which I do and I don't have a spare room other than my bathroom.
 
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tarralb

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what is the success rate with 5 month old feral kittens in terms of socializing them?
 

shadowsrescue

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I have a feral who still lives outside that came to me when he was between 5-7 months old.  He was completely wild.  I had him neutered at around 9 months.  He is now 4 years old.  I can pick him up, he sits in my lap, I can pet him all over, brush him and he comes into the house for visits.  During really bad weather he will even stay the night inside.  He also will use a litter box.  I worked very very hard with him and it took daily interactions and dedication.  I have a great heated shelter he lives in on my deck with another feral and sometimes 2 ferals.  He prefers outside to inside.  It can be done.  If you go on youtube you will find some great videos on socializing feral kittens/cats.  I found lots and lots of great ideas there.  Also ask here for suggestions.  Many of us have socialized quite a few ferals.
 
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tarralb

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One of these little buggers peed in the litterbox last night so that's good. They ate the food I left in there when I went to work but still haven't eaten their food I put in there at 5. They caved in the little cat tent I have in there and are laying on top of it. I need to get a box in there or something. I put a bird video on my ipad and they watched that with interest. I feel so bad because they just look petrified. I had an adult from their colony in there the last two weeks and she never looked scared but hissed a lot. Maybe it's bc they are kittens.
 

ondine

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Oh, poor boo-boos.  They are scared, of course, but you are doing the right thing.  If the crate is all you have, it is all you have.  Keep three sides and the top covered.  It will give the cats a feeling of security.

If you can, sit out there with them - read out loud or just talk quietly to them.  As they get used to your presence and your voice, they will calm down.  Keep their day as routine as possible.

If you can get a hard sided carrier into the crate, it will give them a hidey hole.  Plus, they will bolt into it when you open the crate door and that will give you the opportunity to take them for testing.  Good luck - remember whatever you do for them is more than they would have had otherwise.
 
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tarralb

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One of the kitties, Sabrina, is not nearly as scared now as the other. She eats treats and food in front o me and I pet her back a few times. I put my hand right in front of her to hand food or treats. No growling, hissing, or swatting. The other, Salem, won't eat in front of me and looks very scared. Both squint and blink when I talk to them. Is that a good sign? Sabrina sits on a shelf and walks around when she doesn't see me looking. My last feral here never even moved when I was around and hissed when I got too close. Does Sabrina sound like she may be able to come around?
 

ondine

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They may still come around.  It will take a lot of time and patience but keep working with them.  Definitely blink back - it tells them they can relax.
 
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tarralb

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I do the slow blink with them,meows anyone here know how long they can be away from their colony and still be accepted back? Indcase I have to let them back out.
 

ondine

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When feral cats are moved, it is recommended that they be confined in the new area for two weeks to get the used to their new area.   I wouldn't leave it longer than that, especially in this weather.
 
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tarralb

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Well right now they are inside with me but their colony is on my road. I am debating on what to do in terms of socializing bc I can't keep them with me for an extended period of time. I'm wondering how much time I have to kick things around. I don't want to keep them three weeks and have their colony not.take them back. I'm sure the longer they are with me, the harder it will be for them to go back out..
 
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tarralb

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These cats have to be able to be tamed. The one plays and comes out when I go over and takes food from me. The other hisses when I put my hand up to her to hand her food but she doesn't swat or growl.
 

ondine

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When you extend your hand to them, make a fist.  It will look like a cat's head, looking for a head bump.  Open hands look like you might be trying to grab them.

Let them brush against your fist.  They will "mark" you with their cheeks.
 
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tarralb

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I do the fist thing. The tamer one will sniff it and she always thinks I have food so she will come out to me:) I'mo expert but it seems like these two are not feral like some are and may have a chance
 
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