So I'm dealing with my first bunch of 3 'older' feral kittens. I got them about 1 1/2 weeks ago, they are about 8 weeks old and came from a colony that is all in pretty bad shape. The best looking one of the bunch won't stop hissing at me, and when not hiding they seem to want to sleep all the time and show no interest in their surroundings.
Well, tonight when I put them away in their cage I noticed the hissy one seemed particularly alert. On a whim I dragged out the feather toy, and he went for it. I was so surprised. He kept playing. I lured him and the black one out of the cage and played with them until *I* tired out. They didn't try to hide and only startled a little bit when I moved around.
So now I'm wondering, what brought this on? Is it possible/probably that they are nocturnal? I've never heard them play or move around a night before, but usually I am asleep anyway. Does someone who has worked with feral kittens before have any ideas? I suppose when I see how they are tomorrow it will help, I did try to wear them out a bit.
I imagine the fact that they are finally getting fed well and stronger can't hurt either. And they are still skittish with me of course, but I'm just so excited to see them show interest in something besides hiding and hissing.
Well, tonight when I put them away in their cage I noticed the hissy one seemed particularly alert. On a whim I dragged out the feather toy, and he went for it. I was so surprised. He kept playing. I lured him and the black one out of the cage and played with them until *I* tired out. They didn't try to hide and only startled a little bit when I moved around.
So now I'm wondering, what brought this on? Is it possible/probably that they are nocturnal? I've never heard them play or move around a night before, but usually I am asleep anyway. Does someone who has worked with feral kittens before have any ideas? I suppose when I see how they are tomorrow it will help, I did try to wear them out a bit.
I imagine the fact that they are finally getting fed well and stronger can't hurt either. And they are still skittish with me of course, but I'm just so excited to see them show interest in something besides hiding and hissing.