I I would really appreciate some advice and encouragement. I am caring for two feral babies one 4 months and one 5 months. These little kitties had been coming to my yard for a couple weeks for feedings when I started to research what I could do for them and wound up trapping, neutering and getting them distemper and rabies shots. My plan has been to tame them and keep them but so far this has seem like an impossible task.
They are currently staying in a kitty proof basement where I have made them a comfy den out of a cardboard box with a hole and soft bedding inside. I have provided a litter box ( that they are awesome at using) a cat tree, talk radio playing and toys. I feed them regularly and have actually pet them both. They jump up to the basement window where they are sort of trapped. It is there I have fed them treats and chicken flavored baby food and snuck a few ear and chin scratches without then bolting. I also use this as a time to interact with them from the other side of the basement window through the screen. I let my kids play outside at this time and have the kids ignore the kitties and go about their business so the kitties can get used to them as well.
My problem is that they seem really miserable and almost depressed. They won't play with lasers or mouse on the rod toys with me at all. They won't come out of hiding to eat when I bring them their meals. Today will be one week and they still hide from me. My basement is safe but has many hidey places and I often have to use a flashlight to seek them out behind things.
I am feeling like I am making little progress and wonder if I would do better by them to just release them where I trapped them. I am reading conflicting things about the feasibility of taming kittens that are a little on the older side. Forgot to mention I have had them in my house for exactly one week now.
Sorry to ramble but I really need some advice. Thanks!
They are currently staying in a kitty proof basement where I have made them a comfy den out of a cardboard box with a hole and soft bedding inside. I have provided a litter box ( that they are awesome at using) a cat tree, talk radio playing and toys. I feed them regularly and have actually pet them both. They jump up to the basement window where they are sort of trapped. It is there I have fed them treats and chicken flavored baby food and snuck a few ear and chin scratches without then bolting. I also use this as a time to interact with them from the other side of the basement window through the screen. I let my kids play outside at this time and have the kids ignore the kitties and go about their business so the kitties can get used to them as well.
My problem is that they seem really miserable and almost depressed. They won't play with lasers or mouse on the rod toys with me at all. They won't come out of hiding to eat when I bring them their meals. Today will be one week and they still hide from me. My basement is safe but has many hidey places and I often have to use a flashlight to seek them out behind things.
I am feeling like I am making little progress and wonder if I would do better by them to just release them where I trapped them. I am reading conflicting things about the feasibility of taming kittens that are a little on the older side. Forgot to mention I have had them in my house for exactly one week now.
Sorry to ramble but I really need some advice. Thanks!