Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/28/2009

Question
I just adopted three 5 month old kittens - 2 females and 1 male. We found them on our farm, and for the last 2 months I have been feeding them, but they were not contained like they are now.  They have their shots, and are being neutered (and spayed) next week.  I now have them all together, with their carrying cases, and towels and blankets.  They come into our bedroom periodically, to play around.  Two of them love to be pet, and are purr machines, the other one (female) is more stand-offish.  The other female tries to suckle the other two cats.  All of them seem to eat well, and have no bathroom problems, and no particular personality things that I can tell.  I am new to taking care of cats, and I have been told that wild cats will never be domesticated - what can I expect?  What is the best way to work with them?  We will keep them regardless.

Answer
Anna,

It sounds like you are progressing fine with them. Wild or feral cats CAN be domesticated, but they will retain alot of their inherited behavior and traits. Here is a link that has a GOOD 4-part article on ferals will give you some insight on their behavior.
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

http://petplacestation.com/articles/?s=jacobi%26paged=2

The kittens sound like they may have been dumped instead of being born in the wild and may have had one or both parents that were domesticated (housecat). It will take time and patience to gain their trust but it sounds like it won't take too long. Food is a great bribe! Give them kitty treats of tuna, tinned sardines in oil, etc. That is so they will associate you with something pleasant and not negative.

Also lots of toys help. Get some stuffed toy furry mice they can bat around, a pet laser light is EXCELLENT for playing interactively, which helps bonding with you besides burning up energy (you can get them at Petco, PetSmart, etc.), pulling a rope or shoestring for them to chase, and ping pong balls in the bathtub are fun for cats too. Make sure you plug the drain first or they will get stuck. Those are some ideas which help kittens become well-rounded.

Suckling on other cats or objects/fabrics is usually a sign that the kitten was weaned too early. It is harmless but a source of comfort to the cat, and usually to the cat that allows it. Most of the time they grow out of it.

I would suggest giving the kittens Kitten Chow for their first year. They need the extra protein, vitamins, etc. that are in it. I always feed free-choice too (a bowl of dry food always available). That is so they can munch when they are hungry and not drive you nuts everytime they want to eat...and I've never had an overweight cat as a result.

If you have more questions about the kittens feel free to send a followup when you think of them and I'll be glad to help you further.

Tabbi