Releasing my feral kitten into the whole apartment

Hi All,

I've had a feral kitten (found him at around 8-10 weeks old) for about 6 weeks now.  The first four weeks he was in my bathroom, and then he graduated to my bedroom, where he has been for the past 2 weeks.  He has been doing very well in my bedroom - he lets me pet him, feed him, and loves to play and sleep in between my legs.  He also loves to play with my 2 year old cat, and they are very bonded already.  I decided since he was doing so well to release him into the rest of my apartment (very small, just a living room and kitchen) today.  He is doing well so far, running around the whole space although he is clearly very cautious and easily spooked with the new surroundings (as I expected).  I wanted to post on here to see if this was an appropriate move - I am a little worried that this will set him back in his progress, especially since he will have access to my other cat at all times (it seems the more time he spends with my other cat, the less interested he is in me).  Is there anything I can do to make sure this transition goes well?  Should I just give him more time? 

Also, a major problem, he has instantly started scratching up my couches and carpet - is there anything I can do to get him to stop this?  I snap and clap my hands when he does it, which spooks him, but I don't want him to be scared.  He is not interested in using any of the scratching stuff I have bought him, which is very frustrating.  I am hoping that my other cat will teach him which things to scratch.  I have also considered buying some feliway spray.  Any suggestions on what I can do?

Thank you so much for the help. 

I think he's probably ready.  He's probably a bit overwhelmed by all the changes but he'll soon get used to the new ...

Feliway will help.  Spraying lemon scented stuff on the couch and other no-no places may help, too.  Cats don't like citrus scent.

You could also try spraying catnip on the places you want him to use for scratching.  Some cats aren't all that affected by catnip, though.  I wouldn't spray everything at once, though.

Also, try hissing at him when he's naughty.  That's what his mother and siblings would have done to tell him he's doing something wrong.  It will give him the message.

Glad you were able to rescue him.  Street life is tough!

I think it is an appropriate thing to do. Here are some thoughts:

-I agree with a gentle hiss. Use it sparingly. Think like a mother cat and reserve that vocalization for when you really want attention. Otherwise, it's just another thing you do. If you can provide physical intervention, such as picking him up and moving him away RIGHT at the same time (don't wait), then add that as well. Don't allow your hissing to become commonplace or trivial. You want the cat to take immediate notice and provide immediate response. A gentle and quiet hiss can be incredibly effective and I've seen completely distracted ferals snap back to reality with a half second hiss.

- Time is your ally. New space means new behavior / response so let your little one learn new habits. But, if your safe spot is linear (as in, the front door is three rooms away from the safe bedroom) , be sure to create safe zones or hiding spots until your little one decides that all is safe. That said, you're on his clock so have patience while adjustments take place.

-Scratching is a tough one. I have a foam padded shop floor and I think my ferals spend more time tuning up their claws there than they do sleeping and that says a lot! The trouble with scratching is that it's a tactile attraction PLUS a scent magnet. Believe it or. It, my best success has been to toss a good sized box in the corner on its side. Pin the flaps back or tuck them in. Cats love boxes. I've had cats tear up a pretty big box in ten days, leaving pretty much everything else safe. It's worth a try. Boxes are cheap!

You probably already know this but bonding with your other cat is the most valuable resource you have. To some extent, your mature cat will lead the way but don't count on everything being perfect. However, there's nothing like a bonded relationship to provide feline stability over and above your own expertise.