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Cats/Timid Kitten

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Expert: - 1/19/2008


Question
We recently adopted two kittens in our family.  One is 8 mos old approx (female) the other is approx. 4mos old (male).  The female has come along wonderfully she will interact with our family, allows us to pet her and occasionally pick her up.  The male, is so very timid still. We have had them in our bedroom (the safe room) for approximately two weeks now and the male will not allow anyone near enough to pet him.  They were both rescue kittens and part feral. The woman that we adopted them from is really wonderful and always available however, I thought perhaps you might be able to give some insight and/or other techniques that would help us teach him how to trust us.  My main concern is that when it comes time to visit the vet, we will end up having to trap him, and I don't want to have to put the little guy through that.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Karyn

Answer
Hi Karyn,

Some cats take longer to tame than others. They need a little more effort. I would use some deli chicken to tempt him to you. Try to feed him this stuff on your lap or right by you. He needs to associate you with good things. And it should be only one person to attempt this. Too many people may be part of the problem. If he doesn't like chicken find something else that he goes nuts over and use it. It is going to take time. I had one cat that took almost a year but now is a love around me. Just be patient. He will come around. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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