Foster kitten update

[jenluckenbach]

Last Sunday I accepted 2 3 to 4 month old kittens into foster. They are shy and scared. They are named Silver (was Whisper, but they changed it).

And Roxie

For several days they would not eat! How sad and stressful and scary. I was tempting them with everything I tried to tempt Sally with with little success.
On Thursday I talked with an animal communicator in hopes of getting them to come around. It was interesting and they are now eating but I don't think it really helped in the personality department.
They hide a lot. Roxie will greet you sometimes but not always. She likes to be petted, but most of the time will not come close enough. Silver practically lives under the couch. Luckily it is on tall legs and I can reach under it. She acts like she enjoys pets when you touch her under the couch but will not come out to you.
They have been exploring and playing and using the litter box and finally eating, but they can't hope to find a home if they are this standoffish.
I know they will attract attention because they are young and long haired, but will they be able to KEEP a new home if the people can't have "instant" satisfaction!??

What else should I be doing to help them?

[rg_girlca]

Oh gosh Jen they are both so beautiful. I would just keep on doing what you are doing with them, by interacting with them and giving them petties. I'm sure in due time they will come around.
I'm telling you girl, if I lived closer to you, Silver would be MINE.

Good luck with the both of them and keep us updated.

[catcrazylady]

Jen, there is nothing else you can do. Were they wild/feral? I have come to the conclusion that some cats just stay that way no matter what you do. You may eventually get them to come around to you but probably not strangers. If someone adopted them they would need tons of patience and they still may not ever be *lovable* kitties.
On the other hand!! Just about the time you give up they may just walk up to you and become loving lap babies!!!
Go figure!! A cat is a cat and does what it does for reasons unknown!!
If they end up socializing with you only then I guess you will just have to add these two beauties to your personal pride!!

[CatDad]

I wish I had an answer for you Jen.

I would keep doing what you are, you know that it does work. One more thing, I think that the reason that you can pet Silver when she is under the couch is that she feels safe there. If she likes petting when she is safe, I believe that means there is hope.

For the longest time I could only pet Joey in the closet after I let her have run of the house. That is her safe spot. They also told me at the shelter that she may never be a lap cat and may alway be mostly unapproachable and skittish. Look at her now she comes and sits on me and will let me appraoch her sometimes. I am telling you this to try and give you a little hope.

I'm agree with CCL and a cat will do what it wants for it's own reasons. Just keep at it and she may come around.

We are all pulling for you here and if anyone can do it, it is you

[moosmom]

Jen,

Try laying down on the floor at their level with kitty treats. You can also bring in a teaser wand and see if they will play. Softly talk to them, slowly blinking your eyes.

Other than that, the more exposure they have to you, the quicker they'll come around. Patience is key (but you KNOW that!! )

Keep us posted. BTW, they are ADORABLE!!!

[PayItForward]

They are so beautiful fosterlings and if anyone can thaw them you can.

Awaiting cuddling photos in the future

[Barbara]

I am afraid only time can do it.
I remember my first cat Grisette. She came from a feral litter and was about 3 months old when we caught her. She spent 3 weeks under the kitchen cupboard before she came around.

All the best for those sweeties

[catlady1945]

They are beautiful cats. Hopefully someone with cat experience will take them. Some cats never warm up and some take several years.

[jenluckenbach]

ADOPTED