Rogue the 4 week old Feral

I had started another thread under kitten care about Rogue before. She has a boat load of health problems. However, I wanted to start a thread on this forum because it is about trying to get her comfortable with her new home.

I keep her in a large crate currently because she is anemic and sick. It makes sure she has a quiet place to recover and has all the comforts she needs; bed, litter box, etc.

I don't really like the crate though because while it makes her feel safe, it corners her too and so she lays flat and hisses at me when I reach in to scoop her out for feedings, meds and cleaning her crate.

I want to make her feel more comfortable around people, but I have no idea where to start. When I do have her out, she buries her face in my hand or crook of my arm. Granted, she has had at least threes trips to the vet and two baths (trying to get rid of fleas) already. Is it better to leave her in the crate for a while? I feel bad for freaking her out every time I come near her crate. At least she has stopped trying to scratch me.

Scratch that. Literally. She got me good when I was changing her water dish. At least it's shallow for now, and it's good to see she is getting better, but I can only imagine how much more damage she will do to me as she gets older.

Is the crate in a room where there isn't a lot of activity?  If there is a way for you to keep the crate open and allow her to roam the rest of the room, use that.  The crate can become her safe place.  Make sure there are no hiding places in the rest of the room.

You can also sit in the room, reading out loud. It will get her used to your presence and voice.

I agree that having to reach in to tend to her needs will stress her out enough for her to lash out at you.  Maybe allowing her access to the room will help avoid that.  If that isn't possible, sounds like you'll have to make sure she isn't within paw distance whenever you have to feed her or change the litter box.

Unfortunately, I need to keep her crate in the living room of my apartment since it is the coolest room in the place and since I share a place with three other people, it can become very active.

I put her within distance of the tv so she can hear human voices as well. I need to find a way to kitten proof the living room so that she has no other hiding places except her crate. Though maybe I should wait until she is all better first. She is still anemic though I do notice that she is much more alert and stronger than she has ever been.

I have held her close to my chest and have gotten her to relax and purr a couple of times petting her gently. Should I continue to do that?

Yes, I would wait until she's better.  If she's going to stay in your house, this is probably the best way to get her acclimated to the activity level, then.  I would just take it easy when you have to tend to here - no sudden moves - and see if that helps lessen the tension some.

If I take it slow when I reach into the crate all I get are a couple of hisses and no scratches so that's nice. She is starting to regain the curiosity streak that all kittens and cats have too. I hope the doctor gives me the all clear next week. She is beginning to shoot out of my hands and dive behind the couch ha ha. I need to fix that. 

Just thought I'd update on Rogue's progress. She is doing VERY well! I got her out of the crate and she picked a corner of my room that she now owns. I no longer have her in the crate at all though I still keep the door closed to my room. She likes to find new places to squeeze herself into so I put a kitten collar with a bell on her so I know where she is at least. I'm trying to play with her and pet her every day so she gets used to people. It still scares her when people enter the room and approach her on two legs. I'm working on getting her a cat tree next with no hidey holes. See if getting her off the ground helps with the giant people issues.

Cool!  Sounds like she's making the adjustment.  Thanks for the update!