worried kitten....?

My four month old ragdoll kitten came to live with us at Christmas, in a house of two nine month old ragdoll boys and my ten year old tabby. She's a timid character, although very loving and she and the boys adore each other, but the boys being teenagers are so boisterous that we had litter box trouble and she's needed to sleep on her own in her own room at night to give her a bit of peace and tranquility from them. The two questions I have are- she's TERRIFIED of the garden, which is where I want her litter box to move to eventually, does anyone have any ideas about how to teach her it's a nice place instead of the outer limits of hell?

And is it 'ok' for her to LOVE washing my face and sucking my fingers when she cuddles? (Which is a lot!) I'm delighted if that's just her, but I worry that's another sign of stress!

I'd welcome any input! Thanks

Ranger

Your kitty has only been with you for a month. Since she is so timid, just let her settle in before moving her out to the garden. Give her love like you're already doing, and gradually she'll gain confidence.

The suckling can be a sign of stress, or it could just be that she was taken from her mom too quickly. She may outgrow it. We have a number of cats here who still suckle on their meowmy's as they go to sleep.

Thankyou! I'd read that suckling was a comfort/pleasure thing in little kittens, I'm just nervous because adding a fourth cat to the house is such a risk! She's gorgeous.

My motto for the next three months must be 'Chill out!'. Maybe I need feliway

Ranger