Feral kittens nine months old

nightowl007

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I trapped four very feral kittens all from the same litter. Three were caught together at three months old.The last one was caught a month later. I have them in a room to there self with many toys,scratching post, and a window seat eight feet long atop of two book shelf's.When i am on the floor...One male is very friendly and can be held.One female sometimes allows me to pet her. Another female stays about a foot way. The last one caught will come out to eat when I am in the room. The first three all love to play with lazer pointer and wand toys. I spend an hour everyday after breakfast playing with them. If I miss a day or when I clean their room, it takes a couple day to get back to normal.

I have two other female cats about four years old.The oldest one insist on coming in the room with feral kittens when I am in there, just because she wants to be with me. she has no real interest in the kittens.My other tame cat comes to the door and at night when I am at work she must be playing with the kittens under the door because I find toys they have been passing  back and fourth. 

The kittens are doing well in their room and have learned not to knock my things off the desk and book shelves.There are really wanting out of that room.I am afraid to let them since two of the kittens can not be handled. One of them I think is just being a sassy teen. But I want to intro grade them into my cat family while they are still kittens. I think the last kitten I trapped is going to take a long time to tame.Turning them loose out side is not an option. When they were outside everyone in the neighborhood was chasing them trying to catch them because they are so beautiful.  

I don't want the feral kittens to fight with my tame cats. But after living in my house for six months I think they have had enough introductions. Has anyone experienced this problem before?

Thanks
 

StefanZ

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I understand you are willing to adopt them all yourself?   As you tell, the neigbours werent chasing them to be mean to them- as it happens here and there -, but because they are so beautiful.

So you dont need to seek after adoptions homes who may or may not accept a shy cat.

If so, it is no big problem with the number 4 remaining more shy than the others.   You dont need to foster him 100% so he become adoptable   As long as he can coexist with all the others, he will be OK, being a tame semiferale living indoors.  And you have other cats to snuggle with and pet on... Your two friendly residents, and these kittens coming on...

Also, you being friendly with your residents will be a positive example.

Do I understand you right, you do work at nights?   So you cant foster them a session in the night?    Nights or late evening session may sometimes make a breakthrough, as cats are by themselves nocturnal...

Otherwise, I think you can begin to plan to let them out somewhat, and stepwise - more and more.  They wont fight with your friendly residents, as they apparently they are well accepting each other.   Dont forget to spay / neuter them, to be on the safe side.

The exact first official meeting we can describe later on, but the time is nearing.

It is often easier to foster them one and one.   So the number 4 perhaps.... 

There is also this trick learned us by Catwoman707 of wrapping a kitten like in a burrito, and carrying at your chest for one hour.  singing softly, crooning, making friendly noises...    This works best with smaller kittens max 6 weeks, but I do firmly believe it can be tried with older too - if they dont wriggle out too desperately.

If they wriggle vigorously - it cant be helped, back to your plan B.    But if they accept the situation - whoa, you are more than halfways there...

Welcome to our Forums!
 
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nightowl007

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Thanks.

All the kittens were spayed/neutered and received all shots were  wormed and treated for flees and nails trimmed when I first captured them.We have a great service here from the county , a mobile bus, the vet done everything for $30.

The kittens  Mamma, I was unable to capture ,had another litter. The kittens are three weeks old. She is still keeping them out of sight. I ordered a special drop box to capture all of them together. I want to catch this litter while they are between five to eight weeks old. I have a cat rescue group going to take the kittens and socialize them this time. If I keep them... I will not want to let them go. I have six already! Can't wait to see what they look like. I have five people wanting Siamese if she has them again. Two of the ones I have are Chocolate point mitted Siamese, although many people say one of the twins looks more like a Rag doll with the mane and big fluffy tail.They are Samantha and Sabrina. They both have blue eyes.One other kitten (Echo)is a mask and mantel black and white with a black mustache.The last one a solid black male..Midnight.

Their mother is a long haired tuxedo. And the male that meets her for breakfast is a short haired tuxedo. He comes and goes. And runs off any other males that comes around. We call him the "neighborhood catch cat".He helps keep our feral cat population in check. At the other end of our short street is a male I had fixed in the fall. He was clearly Echo's dad. Several of the neighbors during the day let him in,and  give him a treat. He stays a while then goes onto the next house. One elderly lady says he's out visiting the neighbors!
 
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