Cats are still scared of us

[ERyan17]

Hi, I am new to this forum and a new cat owner.
Almost 4 weeks ago we adopted two 6 months old male kittens from a local Cat shelter. They are brothers and have been in the shelter since they were a month old.
They are gorgeous and have made a lot of progress since we brought them home as it is such a massive change from where they were. However they are still scared of us and are very timid. Is this likely to improve or is this how they will continue to be?

They both come out for a play in the afternoon and again late evening, we play with them using toys and ribbons and a lazer pen, and they race around the house and play lovely together. One of them, when out, will come and join us in whichever room we are in, and will follow us around, but he will not come to us and will run away if we get too close and is quite nervous around us. He enjoys playing with our eldest child (7), though again won't let her smooth him. They still hide in the day time, one under our bed and the under perched up high in the cloakroom. Our second cat will not come out if our children are around, he will only make an appearance when they are in school or in bed! He will come into the living room in the evening and will, but again he gives us a wide birth and will run away if we get too close. They both at night time will wait for me and follow me into my bedroom. They both walk around with their tails down.

We do give them space and we don't attempt to smooth them yet as they are too scared. We give them treats and play when they come out. Our children ages 7&5 adore them, and it would be lovely if they could see more of them!

We purchased a Feliway plug in diffuser, which I think helped a little.
If you have any tips on ways to help us to get them to trust us more that would be great.

Also how many times a day should we be feeding them as they are hungry kittens, and we are currently feeding them 4 times a day!

Thank you xx

[Lilith]

Hi there and welcome

Congrats on your new arrivals. I'd say that with their background, they're doing very well already, and just to go on as you are doing, as time is always the remedy in cases like these. I've had experience of rescues myself and it's amazing (and heartwarming!) when your wildie suddenly becomes affectionate and cheeky. At first it can be a case of 'love them and leave them alone' and just leave it up to them; they're babies as yet and have all the time in the world to make friends. Which in their own way they're starting to do by the sound even if one boy is more timid. I find talking to them in a low voice helps, and ALWAYS praising them, even if they don't want to be stroked. Give them loads of approval (which I'm sure you're doing already.)

Also I'm sure you're doing this already too, but it will help for the children to be very calm and gentle around them - difficult when a child wants to play and get excited I know (can remember being one myself lol.)

Also feeding - what guidance did the rescue give you? At 6 months I'd (personally) leave a bowl of biscuits down to be grazed on, and feed a wet meal morning and night, but there are different views on this, and other members may have more advice, and also more tips on socialisation.

All the very best with them and please let us know how you go on

[ERyan17]

Thank you for your lovely reply Lilith. It was very reassuring. Yesterday they slept and hid under my bed until evening time, and this afternoon they have been playing beautifully and coming in regularly to keep me company as I work, and in fact on a few occasions came up quite close to me, but scarpered when I move quickly or get up. They are beautiful boys and I can't wait until we can smooth them and hopefully they will learn to trust us soon. Thanks again. x