New kittens - our first cats, any basic tips?
Discussion
We lost our Labrador in March, the house hasn't been the same without a pet but we decided we were not ready for another dog.
The local cat shelter had an open day on Saturday so we went for a look and Sunday we were bringing back 2 kittens!
They are 10 weeks old and were abandoned at the shelter approx 3 weeks ago, they have no details but were in litter of 6.
They had paired themselves up so we have got a brother (plain grey) and sister (dilute grey tortie), Brian and Audrey.
They are toilet trained to a litter tray and eating well.
During the day they roam around, disappearing under the sideboard with any big noises or quick movement. When our girls (5 and 3) are around they hide, but come out again when they are in bed.
Now we are sat on the sofa and they are playing on the rug.
We can pick them up, but they won't come to us, and they won't sit on your lap.
Assuming they are still quite shy and will get bolder/cuddlier as they settle?
Sorry no pics yet as they run off as soon as I go near them with the the camera!
The local cat shelter had an open day on Saturday so we went for a look and Sunday we were bringing back 2 kittens!
They are 10 weeks old and were abandoned at the shelter approx 3 weeks ago, they have no details but were in litter of 6.
They had paired themselves up so we have got a brother (plain grey) and sister (dilute grey tortie), Brian and Audrey.
They are toilet trained to a litter tray and eating well.
During the day they roam around, disappearing under the sideboard with any big noises or quick movement. When our girls (5 and 3) are around they hide, but come out again when they are in bed.
Now we are sat on the sofa and they are playing on the rug.
We can pick them up, but they won't come to us, and they won't sit on your lap.
Assuming they are still quite shy and will get bolder/cuddlier as they settle?
Sorry no pics yet as they run off as soon as I go near them with the the camera!
If they've only been with you for a day they're doing very well. They have been through an upheaval and have no idea what's going on. It's normal for cats, even adult, not to enjoy the comnpany of children. The sudden noises and movements and risk of being manhandled is too much for many.
Your kittens will become bolder, but at their own pace as they settle in. I've had my rescue cat for 11 years; she still hates being picked up and runs away from children.
Your kittens will become bolder, but at their own pace as they settle in. I've had my rescue cat for 11 years; she still hates being picked up and runs away from children.
All I can do is echo that they will come to you in their own time (I bet the come to the one who feeds them first)
one thing cats are great for teaching kids the value of being able to keep still and calm. maybe introduce the kids to the new game of who can sit still long enough to get the cats out of hiding
one thing cats are great for teaching kids the value of being able to keep still and calm. maybe introduce the kids to the new game of who can sit still long enough to get the cats out of hiding
rehab71 said:
Handle them as much as possible! It makes your life so my easier if you need to look at something/take them to the vets.
My cat will happily be held upside down, have his paws messed about with and his tummy tickled.
I couldn't agree more.My cat will happily be held upside down, have his paws messed about with and his tummy tickled.
There is a 'window of opportunity' with kittens, within which they're bold and up for anything. After around about 12 weeks, if they're not exposed to a variety of stimuli, they become timid and much less sociable.
I'd handle them, but let go the moment they start to struggle. Lots of play (initiated by you), and treaty rewards.
Build it up, very gradually, but stop play the moment either of them breaks off and starts grooming. That's Cat Language for 'had enough'.
Just heard from the wife and they are going crazy, charging around and climbing all over - but only her at home today!
When i left this morning they were both having breakfast in the kitchen with all of us pottering about.
The vet has said to pet them when possible but not to force it, brian is definately more outgoing.
Our girls are very good, our dog was quite ill towards the end so they are used to being quiet and leaving alone when told.
Just looking forward to a cuddle!
When i left this morning they were both having breakfast in the kitchen with all of us pottering about.
The vet has said to pet them when possible but not to force it, brian is definately more outgoing.
Our girls are very good, our dog was quite ill towards the end so they are used to being quiet and leaving alone when told.
Just looking forward to a cuddle!
Were in exactly the same boat and it seems like the same type of kitty's , we have had them nearly 3 weeks and they tear about play fighting, they love bottle tops on the laminate!
It took a week but they come for a stroke if your in the couch and mew if they want attention - we love them to death.
It took a week but they come for a stroke if your in the couch and mew if they want attention - we love them to death.
rehab71 said:
Handle them as much as possible! It makes your life so my easier if you need to look at something/take them to the vets.
My cat will happily be held upside down, have his paws messed about with and his tummy tickled.
This, most definitely. Ours are 5 months now and we have always been very hands on. They are both very cuddly and actively seek a lap.My cat will happily be held upside down, have his paws messed about with and his tummy tickled.
We have a fairly integrated 5 cat house now despite their age differences.
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