Three kitties confined in a huge crate

[Randi]

Well, the three kitties we trapped last week has now been spayed/neutered, it went well. Two are boys, and one is a girl. The one boy is bigger (about 4 kg.) than the others, he is the one who showed up last. The two others are siblings and about 3 kg.

The Cat Rescue woman came with them yesterday and put them in a huge crate, and they’re now living in my neighbor’s corridor, which is very long. I went in to see how they were getting on, they were just sitting there in back and hissed if we got too close. They seemed to relax more after we sat next to the crate and quietly talked for an hour.

There is a wooden plank across the crate, and underneath is a cardboard box. The two small ones seem to enjoy laying at the top of that cardboard box, although there’s not much space. The plank is a lot sturdier and bigger. At one point the three of them tried to squeese in on top of the cardboard box and it collapsed. My neighbor then put a bottle under to keep it up under their weight. They sorted out where to lay at last. The girl seems to hide behind her brother most of the time.

My neighbor was a little worried what would happen during the night, and they were more active, but all was OK. They had eaten their dry food and drunk most of the water, and also used the litterbox.

Today, we sat and talked with them again for a long time, and they seemed more relaxed, two even came out to eat and drink. I had brought a few pieces of raw liver, but they didn’t eat any of that while I was there.

The fur has come off the little boy's nose - wonder what happened. Will have to ask the Cat Rescue woman!

We both think it must be awfully boring for them to be confined, not being able to run around like they’re used, and we have been talking about taking them into the living room one of the next few days, and open the door to the crate. We’re just a little worried that we won’t be able to get them back in, if neccesary. Then again, I suppose it's best they're not moving around too much, since they were spayed/neutered monday.

I haven’t taken any pics yet, but hopefully I can tomorrow, don’t want to scare them though.

[Killearn Kitties]

This all sounds very good. I'm sure the kitties will come along just fine. I'm not sure that they need too much space at first. It might be best not to freak them out with a whole new huge world.

Has your neighbour playing with them with any stick or wand-type toys yet? I'm sure she will get a few hisses, but it will be interesting to see how the kitties come on.

[catmandu]

It Will Take A While I Think Before They Come Around , As Now Tabbynacle Came On The Porch And Hes On His Way To Be Tnred.
I Know That These Three Ex Starys Will Be In Good Hands Now.
Have You Seen The Mother Cat At All?

[Randi]

I went in to see the kitties today and we sat and talked to them again, but my neighbor seems rather discouraged. She doesn't belive we can tame them in a few weeks. She has tried playing with a feather on a stick, but they're afraid of it and hiss, they also knocked over the food bowls during the night, but of course, they must be frustrated being locked in all the time, there's not much space to move around. They are used to the outdoors.

While I was there, they seemed relaxed and I could put my hand in the cage close to one, without any hisses. I think it just takes some patience and they'll be fine.

I'm not sure, but perhaps letting them out to explore a bit, would help, but she's afraid they'll try to escape, and also that it would be impossible to get them back in the cage.

[Killearn Kitties]

Taming feral kittens is not necessarily an easy job. You just have to keep at it. Our sweet and adorable baby Daisy hissed at Alec every morning for about four months. She was the more nervous, Samantha was always more confident. Sam was the first to start playing with a stick toy.

Sorry I can't come round and take a turn!

[mruffruff]

I too would be afraid to let them out in a big room. They will be really hard to catch and harder to tame if they have too much space to run from you.

I would continue as you are, trying to touch them and play with them in the cage. It will surprise you how quickly they get used to you. Maybe feed them wet food from your fingertips. Soon they will see you as the bringer of good things and you can start to handle them. When they get comfortable with being touched, you can let them into a small room with as few hiding places as possible.

They can be extremely quick and hard to catch when they are still afraid of you.

I truly wish you Good Luck in this endeavor. I have a feral that is older and has been at my house for two months. Still can't touch him, but he'll accept treats from my hand.

[Randi]

The kitties are still in the crate, I feel so ad for them. My neighbor didn't want to let them out yet, as she says if her allergy flares up, they'll have to go immediately. She is taking medicine though. I think she had expected to be able to cuddle or at least touch them after a few days. She's working during the day, and I'm not sure how much time she spends with them after she gets home.

If they're let out in the corridor, they would also have access to the kitchen, as there's no door. I think they'll be happier out though and will let people touch them sooner. Also I could get some better pictures of them. We need to get them to be exposed for as many people as possible.

Well, I think my neighbor has agreed to have them for another week, so hopefully we find a loving family for them. If not, I hope the Cat Rescue woman will take them to her house.

I took a few pictures the other day. They're so sweet!

[catlover4ever]

Oh I'm in LOVE with the last one....I just love his/her face....the nose did me in....I've melted into a pile of mush.

The other two are adorable as well.

[Lizzie]

I'm very glad you are giving these kittens a chance, and they don't look totally feral since they are looking at you and don't have "airplane ears". The loss of fur on the nose may indicate ringworm, though I hope not for all your sakes. The best way to tame feral kittens is to force them to see humans as their only companion. While they are all together, they have no good reason to cosy up to humans. It's tough, taming feral kittens, both for you and them. They do need to be kept caged, and they do need to be caged separately where they can't even see each other. You need to stop thinking about their current comfort and consider their future, I know that's the way I keep going. It's hard work. Good luck!

[Edwina's Secretary]

You should edit the title to say pictures added! I might have missed them...

Look at those adorable things....the reverse eyeliner...the cute widdle noses!

[jennielynn1970]

oh my goodness, they are adorable!!! look at those lovely markings too! I hope the cat rescue woman will be able to help them out. They don't look totally freaked out by being enclosed, so hopefully they will not be too hard to tame.

[caffeitina]

What pretty kitties, you have! And I agree with catlover...that last one is adorable!!