Very Scared Persian Kitten

I just got a little beautiful persian boy who is 14 weeks old, from a breeder. I don't know what conditions are always like at a cattery, but it was disturbing to me. Anyway, it turns out he probably has not had much socialization with humans, and so he is VERY frightened of us. I'd like any tips people have on "bonding techniques" for kittens who haven't been exposed to people. Thank you!

being so young he should be easy to domesticate.

he needs loving and gentle petting and scritching when things are calm and there are no distractions to confuse him.

cats in general take some time to get used to a new place, to get a feel for the routines, and what is and isn't acceptable are.

cooing when he's close but won't come and letting him know that you're there to cuddle instead of to scare is good too, some cats need to be talked to.

one of mine is very skittish still... until you start to talk to her and tell her she's pretty. then she comes right up for loving.

playtime with him can be fun for both of you!

It is not unusual for kittens or cats to be frightened when they are in a new home. Try being a in room with the kitten and just going about your normal routine and ignore the kitten unless it comes up to you and wants to be touched.

I had the same problem when I got my Bengel (a month ago)..he was never handled or stimulated with anything.

I went to the petshop and bought a ferret harness and leash...I sat on the couch with him for a few hours a day...and boy did he bond with me...

The harness is easy on the kitten and the leash helps for when he gets scared and tries to run...

Very good idea... my kitten seems to be OK with me, except if I move. And especially when he sees my hands. I don't think its normal new kitten timidness. But I'm going to work with him. He likes to be brushed so that is good. Purr purr purr

Originally Posted by 1000Sparks

I had the same problem when I got my Bengel (a month ago)..he was never handled or stimulated with anything.

I went to the petshop and bought a ferret harness and leash...I sat on the couch with him for a few hours a day...and boy did he bond with me...

The harness is easy on the kitten and the leash helps for when he gets scared and tries to run...

Click to expand...

That doesn't sound very nice for the poor kitten - if hes scared its probably better for him to be able to run away when he feels threatened - he will learn that you are friendly in his own time...

Had I let mine run free he'd of crawled up in the couch springs or somewhere else in the house where I couldn't find him.

It only took a few days and he turned out to be terrific.. he's not afraid of anything in the house or other people's dogs.

If the kitten isn't pet and doesn't feel secure with that person why would they come out for something that they don't know what it is???

I've had cats all my life and never experienced this fear...like the poster said she doesn't think this is the norm.

I'm having the same problem with my 13 week old kittens, They are slowly getting better, but it's been taking alot of time. I have had them for a week, and they are very skittish still.

The only thing that seems to be working is I spend alot of time holding them, talking to them, etc. The girl (Ghillie) was biting, hissing, etc if you tried picking her up, she was absolutely terrified. She's doing so much better now. I did have to pick her up even if she was lashing out, and after a few minutes of talking and cuddling, she would calm down.

When she would want to get down, I'd let her, but it usually took a while. I've just been trying to do that every day, pick them up, talk to them, pet them. When I feed them, I'm right there petting them for a few minutes.

Good luck! Let us know how things are going!!!!!

-Saiyge