rehoming two rescue cats

[jaybry]

On Friday, I picked up two 6 month old kittens up from a rescue centre. They are brothers and had to be homed together. They are still in hiding its now 3 days and I thought they would of made an apperance by now. I am worried they are not settling in. They come out and eat drink play and use litter tray when no-one is around. The one lets me put my hand in hiding place which is under a chair and stroke him, the other one moves away when i try to stroke him. Any advice you guys can give me would be appreciated.

[meriad]

Patience, patience and more patience. How much do you know about their backgrounds? When I got my rescue Monty he hid behind a wall for a good few days and it took ages for him to trust me enough that he didn't run away the moment I came hope and open the front door (his background apparently was that once he passed the cute kitten stage he was kicked out the house and not allowed back in again so it must have come as a shock to him to be allowed inside one at long last.) The more you know about the kittens the more you can help them settle.

Also, what room do you have them in? If not already, and if you can - move them into a room that you use as well (ie a lounge) so you can just sit there, read to them, watch TV and they can slowly learn that you're actually quite OK and not a bad thing. Have some treats to hand so when they do come to you they are rewarded.

Do you have toys for them, ideally something on the end of a pole so they come out but don't have to come right up to you? They're not the cheapeast, but one of the best cat toys ever is the Flying Frenzy range: http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/shop/ ... nd-Cat-Toy

Also do you have things like Feliway or Pet Remedy plugged in - that may help calm them and reassure them as well?

http://www.feliway.com/uk - cheaper to get it from an online pet shop or from Amazon, but maybe quicker from the vet?
http://www.petremedy.co.uk/ - think these are online only

Best of luck, I'm sure it won't be long before you have two mad cats bouncing about

[Kay]

good advice there from Meriad - all I would add is that the most important thing is not to do anything to frighten them, and confirm their worst fears that humans are to be frightened of - so no reaching for them, especially no trying to grab or pick them up - no loud noises, no other people in the house if you can manage that, no accidentally treading on them - lie down to talk to them but make sure you keep your distance

at their age they will soon forget their fears, and will be all over you before you can say scaredy cat - then you'll be back on here asking for advice on how to get them to calm down and leave you in peace

[lilynmitz]

Good advice so far. I rescued two (separately, three months apart), and both hid under the bed for two weeks, as they'd been through a tough time, but with gentle persuasion and giving them plenty of opportunities to realise I was safe to be around, as well as allowing them to retreat to gather themselves if they wanted, both of them are now well socialised and happy as larry. Just give it time, and take it gently. You can't force these things, but you can give them a helping hand.

[Crewella]

I can't really add to the great advice already given - just give it time, they'll be fine.

[jaybry]

Thank you all for your re-assurance. My beautiful cats are coming out of an evening and staying out longer each time. They are also getting brave and coming by us, although not near enough to be stroked. Their confidence seems to be growing each day. Patience surley was the key.

[meriad]

Fab update - given that it's not even 2 weeks that you've had them; I think they (and you) are doing really well. and what's the bet that in a few more weeks they'll be running mad around the house

fusses to them