Help with new kitty's

Hello all,

I have two new kittens and need help socialising them.

The kittens: I have two kittens brother and sister, they are 13 weeks old and I have had them for two weeks. They are currently a little shy, they play with each other a lot, and still only hide a little bit. They don't allow us to approach them and are still quite scared of us (me and my fiancée)

To try and socialise then we are using treats, they come right up to us for treats, watch us whilst they are eating and stay put for a few seconds when they are done before running away. We are also playing with them using the fishing rod toy which again they come right up close to us and then when you stop play they stay for only a few seconds before running away from us. (This is a massive improvement to what they where first like)

I know it takes time and has only been 2 weeks but is this normal behaviour and is there anything else we can do to help. They wont allow us to try and touch them or anything yet, we just want them to be happy and comfortable with us without pushing it to far or to fast.

Thanks in advance for all the help!! It's much appreciated. [emoji]128518[/emoji]

First of all, how and where were they raised? The biggest socialization moment has already passed and happens when they are younger. If they are scared now, they weren't properly socialized when they were still with their mother.

However, I think you are doing great. It takes a little longer for them to start trusting you (again, I do not know how they were raised but it sounds like they are not used to humans). Continue to play with them, show them that you are fun and take good care of them. Don't overdo things, if you want to touch them, and they flinch back, don't move forward. Just leave your hand where it is, and let them come forward towards it. Let them get used to your scent.

Also, remember that they are still just kittens. Kittens have more important things to do that sit with their humans; think about playing and being a busy kitten. Just let them. Stay near if you can, they will get used to you soon enough.

If you see they still aren't really used in another 2 weeks, and they still seem a little tense, try using cattoys with valerian. It makes cats feel more comfortable. The same goes for Feliway. It's a special scent that makes cats feel more comfortable at their home. It might also help, but according to what I read above I don't think you'll need it. Just give it time and make sure you notice the changes. As long as they are moving forward, it should be okay

One thing you can try is isolating them in a smaller space where they have no choice but to be closer to you and can't run as far away, You could also try posting on the strays and ferals forum here- that might be the better place to get some really good tips

Karlos90 said:

Hello all,

I have two new kittens and need help socialising them.

The kittens: I have two kittens brother and sister, they are 13 weeks old and I have had them for two weeks. They are currently a little shy, they play with each other a lot, and still only hide a little bit. They don't allow us to approach them and are still quite scared of us (me and my fiancée)

To try and socialise then we are using treats, they come right up to us for treats, watch us whilst they are eating and stay put for a few seconds when they are done before running away. We are also playing with them using the fishing rod toy which again they come right up close to us and then when you stop play they stay for only a few seconds before running away from us. (This is a massive improvement to what they where first like)

I know it takes time and has only been 2 weeks but is this normal behaviour and is there anything else we can do to help. They wont allow us to try and touch them or anything yet, we just want them to be happy and comfortable with us without pushing it to far or to fast.

Thanks in advance for all the help!! It's much appreciated. [emoji]128518[/emoji]

Click to expand...

I suppose you DO talk a lot with them with soft, friendly voices?   Friendly voices and sounds are a potent language, which cats themselves use, both moms and friendly toms courting...

Another tip, is you lay down, and sleep, or pretend to sleep.   Or even read.   Laying down you are harmless.  The chance is quite big they will begin with coming close, smelling on you, making small searches...   And with a little luck, after a short while they will lie down atop of you and sleep there peacefully.  Or at least, at your feet.

I suppose they were from a homeless mom, or barn cats?   Dont worry, with time they will surely be nice home cats, loving you and your pettings.  But they will probably remain a little shy to strangers and visitors.

Good luck!

Thanks for the great replies everyone,

Well the kittens background, I got them from my sister, they are two from a litter of 6 with mom dad and also 1 older brother from a previous litter. They weren't handed or played with a great deal, they learnt everything off the other cats, you could say they were all left to do there own thing.

And a massive update last night I was playing with them with the fishing rod toy and moved on to treat training to get them used to us whilst eating and I went one step more and put a treat on my leg while sat on the couch, and lady (our female kitten) jumped right onto me whilst prince (make kitten) stood up in the edge of the couch watching!!! This is the first time they have jumped into us, even if it was for the while 2 seconds it took for her to eat her treat.

We also speak to then in a soft voice we have gotten so used to it we speak like that most time in the house now lol. You could say we baby them with the way we speak. I like that idea if laying down that sounds good I do a lot with them sat on the floor by laying down might be that little bit better.