Need support

I took in three kittens as fosters for a local rescue.  They were on the euth list at a shelter.  The smallest black and white ones were about 6 weeks, maybe younger.  One didn't make it.  I syringe fed him and kept him warm, but he never thrived.  His brother got bigger and became a sweet, lovable kitty.  The older orange one, 8-10 weeks had an infected eye but was otherwise healthy.  I kept them in a bathroom so I could catch the orange one to put ointment in his eye.  He never warmed up to me like the other one.  When his eye had healed, I put them in a bedroom where they have plenty of room to play.  The orange one hid and continued to hiss and spit when I would enter.  Then the little one got ringworm.  He lets me put cream on him, but makes it clear he doesn't like it.  Then the orange one got it on his face.  I ended up catching him with a net and putting them both in a bathroom (they hate to be separated) so I could put the medicine on them.  He hisses and spits, but goes limp when I pick him up to put the medicine on. My problem is that I feel horrible.  The kittens are miserable in the bathroom.  They cry all the time.  Especially the little friendly one, who is getting bigger and stronger.  He wants love so badly.  I used to sleep in their room some nights and he would cuddle with me.  But he is covered in ringworm and I'm afraid of getting spores in the carpet and furniture in the bedroom.  I'm heartbroken that they are miserable, but I don't see any other choice.  How do I deal with the guilt?

I am really really sorry you are going through this.  You really just have to believe/accept you are doing it for their own good.

To be honest, I'd be keeping the less friendly one confined in a really small space no matter what so you can socialize him better.  From what you describe of his behavior currently, it would be impossible to find him a home.

The ringworm sounds just awful and i am so sorry you are dealing with this.  Yet, you need to keep the socialization going.  Here is a great series of videos on socializing feral kittens.  It is full of great ideas.

http://www.urbancatleague.org/TamingVideo

Oh, poo.  Ringworm!  What a pain in the butt.  But that's all it is really.  Their immune systems aren't yet up to keeping that nasty bug at bay, so they'll need a little help.  Work tirelessly to get it under control and pretty soon, it will be gone.

Right now, if you think of it as an emergency, you will be able to handle their stress (and crying) better.  It's short term but necessary.

I agree tulosai - confine the less friendly kitten, if possible.  If you are the only contact he has, he will come around a little faster.

Awwww, RW just sucks for everyone. Bless you for doing this. Everyone has great suggestions. The only thing I would add is to handle the hissy one as much as you can. They're hissy because they're scared. Once they decide you're not the enemy, things will look up. Interaction is the key.

Please be careful for yourself and hang in there. As was mentioned, just try to look at it as a short term thing and concentrate on that hissy little thing. He'll come around w/some loving.