petting adopted feral cats

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nickigreg53114

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About two months ago, we adopted two approximately 8 month old feral kittens from the same litter. Since we've taken them in they've made huge strides - they went from hiding behind the toilet or under our bed to sleeping on the couch belly up, playing with toys with us, and eating treats within fingers reach of us. However, we still have not been able to touch them without them being startled and pulling back. They don't seem to know what petting is or what we're trying to do when we try. We've tried putting our hand out for them to sniff first or petting with a fist instead of an open hand but they'll either playfully bat at us or trot away. Any suggestions on how to ease them into this? Thanks so much, all suggestions are welcome!
 
ondine

ondine

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We have two former ferals, a brother and a sister, who we got at 6 months of age almost eight years ago.  The girl has just discovered she likes to be brushed.  Before that, we could barely touch her.  The boy will tolerate a head scratch that lasts no more than 15-20 seconds.

Even though he will come sit down in front of my husband or me and look at us until we get the message to give him a scratch, he has a very short length of time where he can tolerate it.

We have started gently brushing him and that seems to be less worrisome to him, although he'll only allow us to brush him for a minute or two at present.

Maybe you can offer a soft brush for them to rub themselves against.  That way, they are being petted but they will think they are in control.

Interestingly, I found last winter that he tolerated my petting when I had knitted gloves on.  I even found him sleeping with them.

Perhaps you could try that ...
 
ritz

ritz

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You could also try 'petting' him with a really soft feather that is at the end of a wand. Usually this is a toy, but in this case, you can just gentle touch him with the feather. Maybe caress their cheeks with the feather. If they lean into it, it means they like it; then try seeing if they will tolerate rubbing the blunt end of the stick around the neck area (am I making sense?)
 
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