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Cats/Getting closer to my 2 new kittens
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Question
Karen, I adopted 2 sisters 3 1/2 months ago (they were about 6 months old at that time). They were dumped at my vets so we don't have any past history on them. They are still very skiddish when I get to close to them. They'll play with me as long as I don't get to close. I'm not able to pet them, if I get to close they run away. Can you give me some suggestions on what I can do to get physically closer to them? I would really love a good relationship with them (I have had cats before, my 1st cat was with me for almost 20 yrs)
Hi Linda,
This is going to take a little concentrated effort on your part. They are now used to you. They just need to trust you. You need to get them to come to you, not the other way around. Get some deli chicken or some other treat that they can't resist. Begin to feed them treats when they are in the room with you. Drop the food near you, sit and talk to them quietly. Move the treats closer to you as time goes by. Get them to associate the food with you. You want to finally have them take the food from your lap and hand. When they do that you talk to them and stroke them gently. The first time you touch them they will jump. Don't worry, as long as you remain quiet they will lose their fear of you.
It will take a little time but you will win them over. I have one that took me a year to gain it's trust but now that little one sleeps with me and sits on my lap. Time and patience are all you need. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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