Hello everyone!
about a week ago I got a kitten from one of my coworkers, she was born to his "mostly outdoor cat." I didn't have too much information until I actually got her and took her to the vet. Come to find, she'd had basically no socialization until about 8 weeks of age, when I got her. I quickly realized I had no knowledge about feral kittens, but my vet said with lots of attention she will come around but warned me that the next month is crucial to her progress. The first few days were emotionally exhausting, I've always been a dog person, but had a cat growing up. I named my kitten Suki and began my research.
The first few days I let her roam around my room, but blocked off inaccessible hiding spots. She wouldn't eat the first two days but slowly began coming out. She used the litter box immediately. A lot of rescues recommend confining the kitten to a big cage or kennel with their food, water, litter box, and some blankets, so I got her a spacious pin. Upon further digging, I've found mixed reviews on this method. we are now a week in, and Suki will eat out of my hands and allow me to pet her while she eats. I try to pick her up about 4 times a day with a towel, while hand feeding her. She almost always hisses once, but as soon as she's in my arms: she's purring. I do not want to push her, but I do want her to progress. On the 4th, she unzipped her pin (she's proving to be VERY intelligent!) and got out, but I wanted to see what she would do. She explored around my room while I sat in my bed and watched netflix. I pretended she wasn't there, I didn't look at her. She jumped up onto my bed and laid down about a foot away from me. Eventually I put her back in her pin for the night. I spend a lot of time around her pin, laying on the ground next to her pin and talking to her. Some days are better than others. I had guests come see her yesterday, we let her roam around my room and she approached everyone, giving them a sniff, and retreating.
I guess I'm looking for some guidance from anyone who has experience with special kittens like Suki. Any advice? I want the best for her and I've seen her take huge steps in the mere week I've had her. Even though I didn't realize the journey ahead of me when I picked her up, I'm so thankful for her. Even when we have our hard times. I'd love for some feedback, if I'm approaching something wrong, please reach out, I'd love to be pointed in the right direction. I've watched many videos and read a lot of things, but I'd love for some experiences to be shared. I appreciate you for reading all of this, and hope to hear back soon!
about a week ago I got a kitten from one of my coworkers, she was born to his "mostly outdoor cat." I didn't have too much information until I actually got her and took her to the vet. Come to find, she'd had basically no socialization until about 8 weeks of age, when I got her. I quickly realized I had no knowledge about feral kittens, but my vet said with lots of attention she will come around but warned me that the next month is crucial to her progress. The first few days were emotionally exhausting, I've always been a dog person, but had a cat growing up. I named my kitten Suki and began my research.
The first few days I let her roam around my room, but blocked off inaccessible hiding spots. She wouldn't eat the first two days but slowly began coming out. She used the litter box immediately. A lot of rescues recommend confining the kitten to a big cage or kennel with their food, water, litter box, and some blankets, so I got her a spacious pin. Upon further digging, I've found mixed reviews on this method. we are now a week in, and Suki will eat out of my hands and allow me to pet her while she eats. I try to pick her up about 4 times a day with a towel, while hand feeding her. She almost always hisses once, but as soon as she's in my arms: she's purring. I do not want to push her, but I do want her to progress. On the 4th, she unzipped her pin (she's proving to be VERY intelligent!) and got out, but I wanted to see what she would do. She explored around my room while I sat in my bed and watched netflix. I pretended she wasn't there, I didn't look at her. She jumped up onto my bed and laid down about a foot away from me. Eventually I put her back in her pin for the night. I spend a lot of time around her pin, laying on the ground next to her pin and talking to her. Some days are better than others. I had guests come see her yesterday, we let her roam around my room and she approached everyone, giving them a sniff, and retreating.
I guess I'm looking for some guidance from anyone who has experience with special kittens like Suki. Any advice? I want the best for her and I've seen her take huge steps in the mere week I've had her. Even though I didn't realize the journey ahead of me when I picked her up, I'm so thankful for her. Even when we have our hard times. I'd love for some feedback, if I'm approaching something wrong, please reach out, I'd love to be pointed in the right direction. I've watched many videos and read a lot of things, but I'd love for some experiences to be shared. I appreciate you for reading all of this, and hope to hear back soon!