moosmom
05-23-2006, 03:30 PM
FIRST WORD OF ADVICE: PATIENCE!! It's not gonna happen overnight.
As requested, here are some guidelines for socializing feral kittens.
STEP ONE: Keep them isolated in a crate large enough for a litterbox, food, water and a hammock that they can lay in (it hangs on the bars of the crate with clips) in a quiet room. Be consistent. By that I mean, everyday, go in there, sit on the floor while they're staring at you from the crate and talk softly to them, blinking your eyes slowly. That will let them know you're not a threat.
STEP TWO: Do that for a couple of days. Then, if you feel brave enough, try to pet them. Do everything SLOWLY. You don't want to startle them. Keep in mind, there WILL be hissing and spitting and maybe even a little growling. Do NOT pull back. Their actions are simply trying to startle you so you'll leave them alone and go away. Keep it up. They may also try and back themselves into a corner to get away from you. Keep petting them.
STEP THREE: Once they've calmed down (and they will eventually because they'll be used to you by then and know you're not going to hurt them) take a kitty out by the nap of his neck (it doesn't hurt them as that's how their mama carries them) and pappoose him/her in a towel. By that I mean wrap him/her up in a towel with only his/her head exposed. Pet them, kiss them, love them, keep talking softly to them and blinking your eyes. The more they are handled, the quicker they'll come around. Repeat with the other ones too.
Eventually, you'll start seeing them relax more and actually look forward to seeing you. Then, you'll be able to pick them up and just hold them without the towel and you'll find them laying on your chest purring away, wanting headbumpies and belly scratches. THAT is the most rewarding experience and believe me, you'll know when it happens.
Pay attention to their body language too. Airplane ears (when they lay them flat), stiff body and puffed out tail are signs of stress. It's best to let him be for a while and work on one of the other ones.
I do hope this helps. If there is anyone else here (YOU GUYS KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!) that can offer anything I might've left out, PLEASE feel free to correct me, or add to what I've said.
As requested, here are some guidelines for socializing feral kittens.
STEP ONE: Keep them isolated in a crate large enough for a litterbox, food, water and a hammock that they can lay in (it hangs on the bars of the crate with clips) in a quiet room. Be consistent. By that I mean, everyday, go in there, sit on the floor while they're staring at you from the crate and talk softly to them, blinking your eyes slowly. That will let them know you're not a threat.
STEP TWO: Do that for a couple of days. Then, if you feel brave enough, try to pet them. Do everything SLOWLY. You don't want to startle them. Keep in mind, there WILL be hissing and spitting and maybe even a little growling. Do NOT pull back. Their actions are simply trying to startle you so you'll leave them alone and go away. Keep it up. They may also try and back themselves into a corner to get away from you. Keep petting them.
STEP THREE: Once they've calmed down (and they will eventually because they'll be used to you by then and know you're not going to hurt them) take a kitty out by the nap of his neck (it doesn't hurt them as that's how their mama carries them) and pappoose him/her in a towel. By that I mean wrap him/her up in a towel with only his/her head exposed. Pet them, kiss them, love them, keep talking softly to them and blinking your eyes. The more they are handled, the quicker they'll come around. Repeat with the other ones too.
Eventually, you'll start seeing them relax more and actually look forward to seeing you. Then, you'll be able to pick them up and just hold them without the towel and you'll find them laying on your chest purring away, wanting headbumpies and belly scratches. THAT is the most rewarding experience and believe me, you'll know when it happens.
Pay attention to their body language too. Airplane ears (when they lay them flat), stiff body and puffed out tail are signs of stress. It's best to let him be for a while and work on one of the other ones.
I do hope this helps. If there is anyone else here (YOU GUYS KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!) that can offer anything I might've left out, PLEASE feel free to correct me, or add to what I've said.