Young Feral Brothers - one is friendly, the other shy.

daniika

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I've watched these two kittens grow up in our apartment complex, Ive been feeding them regularly since they separated from their mom. They're probably about 6 months old.

One is very friendly. Comes up for pets, loves his chin scratched, and lets me pick him up. The other will hide when I try to pet him. I feed them wet food every morning.

I don't know what to do with them. We live in Arizona, and the weather is okay now, but in the summer it's much too hot for them to live outside.

I have 3 cats and 2 dogs in my apartment now. The cats are friendly. However I'm already like 4 animals over my apartment lease limit.

I'm willing to bring these kittens in, at least until I can find them a permanent home. I can catch the friendly one, but I don't know what to do about his brother. I feel bad separating them, but I'm not sure his brother will be able to adapt to an indoor, domesticated life.

Should I leave them be and keep feeding them? Bring in the friendly one? Or bring in both? Their mom still roams the complex too, she's friendly and is probably a stray, but the kittens are feral.
 

shadowsrescue

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The first step is to get them neutered.  If you are feeding and caring for them, then you must neuter them as well.  You are making them strong and healthy and soon they will begin to roam and look high and low for a mate.  They will yowl, howl and get into fights as they cannot control their hormones.  You can look to rent or borrow a humane trap for the skittish kitten.  If you plan to bring them into your home, they will need a safe room of their own away from your other pets.  First they must be seen by a vet as you do not want them bringing disease or illness into your home.

It is wonderful that you are feeding them, but please try to get them neutered ASAP.  They will want to start wandering soon.

As for socializing, since one is very friendly, you could really use him to your advantage.  If you bring them both inside and allow them time with humans, the more shy kitty might open up when he watches his brother.  This is not always the case, but it's worth a shot.  You will need to work with both cats daily and keep them separated from you crew for awhile.  It does take patience and time.  The more shy kitty, may decide to always be shy and skittish, but that is ok to.  Living inside is so much better and safer for these too.
 

kittymomma1122

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I have feral siblings. One of my boys was also more timid than his siblings. He is 2 years and 7 months now. He is my biggest cuddle bug. He still does not like strangers and no one believes me when I say what a good boy he is. My daughter calls him "devil" Dante. The neutering will make a big difference. With out being neutered soon I am afraid they will not be around long. They will wander to find females, get it fights with bigger more powerful Tom's and only the strongest will survive long term. It will take time and patience to convert them. My indoor cats that were born feral are not the same as my older cat that was raised by people, but the way they look at me makes my heart melt. They have a look in their eyes that is truely greatful and they know I saved them.
 

wingwalker

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http://www.alleycat.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=1452

Here is a link to the "Feral Friends Network" from Alley Cat Allies. You can put in your ZIP code and they´ll email you a list of organisations and individuals in your area, that you can ask for assistance.

I am in that list and I ecourage all who are able to assist locally in one way or the other to join. Very good resource!
 
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daniika

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Sorry for the late reply back, but thank you for the responses!we went on vacation for a few days and had a neighbor feed them while we were gone.

I'm working on finding a rescue or organization in my area that rents out the traps so I can catch the skiddish one and bring them in to get fixed.
 
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