Rescued Kitten Does Not Want To Be Picked Up

I volunteer for a no-kill shelter (Furkids).  There was an eviction of hoarder with 22 cats.  The cats went to animal control who called Furkids and the cats ended up at the shelter.  I ended up with 2,  4 m/o kittens.  They are currently in my large bathroom.  When I open the door one of them runs to me to be petted and picked up.  The other one runs from me and hides.  He will come out and play but as soon as I put my hand out he runs.  If he cannot be picked up he will not be adopted. 

i have only had them for 2 days.  I am going to get some treats and see if the scared one will come.  Any other suggestions?  I have been able to pick him up a couple times and he does not try to get down, but he does not purr. 

I will probably have them for about a month.  They will get booster shots in 3 weeks and get neutered soon, then go to an adoption center.  So I need to get him to come to people soon.

He may never be comfortable being picked up. I have a former feral from a hoarder situation. I got her at 4 months and the only human contact she had had was seeing them from a distance. It took her about 2 months to decide that being pet is the best thing in the world. You put down a hand or give her a lap and she is right there arching her back and purring up a storm.

Try to pick her up? She will be right out of reach every single time. The harder you try the more she runs. If you do happen to pick her up the ears go back and she screams bloody murder. She will squirm and fight (without claws) until put back down.

It sucks but the loss of control and vulnerablity of being picked up is not something she was conditioned too young enough and not something she tolerates. It doesn't mean she is a bad cat she just needs a little more coaxing to be comfortable and space to be her.

In your case, he is young enough that if you continue to desensitize him to it he may adapt. You could try a purrito and see if that gives him a comfort when being held so that he starts to see it isn't so bad. . I'd focus more on getting him comfortable around you and less skittish. A comfort with being picked up may come as he gets more comfortable in general or it may not.

Hi rgwanner   Welcome to the site 

Your're OK  all the back up you need is right here. (you can also type in the search bar to view

previous threats on any subject  

Will you be considering keeping these little ones yourself ?

There's a saying Foster Failure      Treats yes just like what you 're planning to do one sounds skiddish

a little work with hugs, plus it takes a few days to settle in they love schedules, more security, they aren't 

tiny so if you could share your den office or bedroom giving them more room they would appreciate it. 

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/bringing-home-a-new-cat-the-complete-guide

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-help-a-new-cat-adjust-to-your-home

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/cats-and-hidden-dangers-in-the-home

I've had that many before some are distant take their time to come around. If something has 

happened it takes work to repair. 

I cannot keep the little ones  - i am a failed foster 5 times plus I have Tuly that I brought in from outside and our oldest guy who we brought home after our 21 yo died   We have a 1100 sq. ft condo so 7 is more than enough! (Room wise and money wise!)

 In a few days i will let them out in the bedroom where there is a window.  I just wanted them to be in a smaller space to get acclimated - the floor space  in the bath  is about 15 x 6 so it is plenty big for them to run around.

I am going to get treats today - I got the kittens on a rush basis and I do not give the resident cats treats so I don't have any on hand.

I will try to just sit on the floor, give treats and see if that works.

What is a purrito?   Thanks to everyone. 

Purrito is a kitty burrito where you wrap a kitten up in a towel or blanket so they are fully supported and secure. It is the preferred method of socialization in situations where the kitten might not be comfortable with humans. The rescuer/foster parents that I have seen use it say that it can help get a kitten comfortable within a week or two. It also is a method used to restrain cats for medications or in other situations. 


http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/form-recipe-kitty-burrito-restraint

Thanks - i have been doing that for years - i just did not know there was an actual technical term for it.

Hands can be scary things! Getting a cat used to hands requires showing them that hands are safe and a good thing. Treats are good, I like meat baby food even better. You can put some on the end of your finger and the cat has to stay put and gently lick your finger in order to eat it, instead of being able to grab it and retreat. This creates a stronger positive association with hands.

Also try approaching her for petting differently. Offer your hand to her in a fist shape that she can inspect without fear of grabbing fingers. She may choose to rub her head against it, as a fist is the perfect size and shape for that. Always offer your hand for inspection before petting her so she can have the option to accept or refuse. This will gain her trust when she knows you will listen to what she wants. Another tip is to start petting her with one or two fingers making little strokes from her nose back, as if you were a mother cat licking a kitten.

Getting comfortable with being picked up will take more time. Rushing it will not help, and she may not be there yet by the time she goes up for adoption. Just make sure the family she goes to knows to be patient and gentle with her.

This web page has some other steps that might be useful as well:
http://bestfriends.org/resources/socializing-cats-how-socialize-very-shy-or-fearful-cat

Thank you - the baby food idea I had not thought of.  I use baby food for cats that are not eating, but haven't used it as treats.  Hopefully I can make some progress before turning him over to an adoption center. I might be able to postpone it - the staff respect me. I will keep you posted on progress.

Molly92

I have been putting chicken baby food on my finger and petting him with the other hand It is working great!Sometimes I am able to pet him without the treat. I am going to continue doing this. Thanks for the suggestion I don't know why I did not think of that Hopefully I can get him to at least tolerate petting so he can get adopted. There is a lot of competition. There are over 600 cats in the shelter counting fosters , adoption centers and the main shelter. I get very protective about my fosters and advocate for them.

Great news! It sounds like you are an excellent foster parent!