New kittens - our first cats, any basic tips?

New kittens - our first cats, any basic tips?

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Blakeatron

Original Poster:

2,514 posts

172 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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We lost our Labrador in March, the house hasn't been the same without a pet but we decided we were not ready for another dog.

The local cat shelter had an open day on Saturday so we went for a look and Sunday we were bringing back 2 kittens!

They are 10 weeks old and were abandoned at the shelter approx 3 weeks ago, they have no details but were in litter of 6.

They had paired themselves up so we have got a brother (plain grey) and sister (dilute grey tortie), Brian and Audrey.

They are toilet trained to a litter tray and eating well.

During the day they roam around, disappearing under the sideboard with any big noises or quick movement. When our girls (5 and 3) are around they hide, but come out again when they are in bed.
Now we are sat on the sofa and they are playing on the rug.

We can pick them up, but they won't come to us, and they won't sit on your lap.

Assuming they are still quite shy and will get bolder/cuddlier as they settle?

Sorry no pics yet as they run off as soon as I go near them with the the camera!

Blakeatron

Original Poster:

2,514 posts

172 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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Terrible pic, zoomed in iPad shot!

steve2

1,771 posts

217 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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Well done for re homing them, we have two adult cats who get on our laps even at the most I opportune time but our really cute ginger kitten who is around 15 months old has just started climbing onto our laps this weekend so let the kittens tell you when they are ready

moorx

3,480 posts

113 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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Sorry, no experience of cats, so can't offer any advice, but just wanted to congratulate you on your new additions and say well done for going down the rescue route smile

PS - love the names!

Edited by moorx on Monday 28th September 21:18

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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Gorgeous, I echo above , well done for getting rescues, they will be lap cats and barging in and out of the cat flap in no time thumbup

ali_kat

31,988 posts

220 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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Congratulations

Yes, they'll come to you once they're settled

Simpo Two

85,147 posts

264 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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If they've only been with you for a day they're doing very well. They have been through an upheaval and have no idea what's going on. It's normal for cats, even adult, not to enjoy the comnpany of children. The sudden noises and movements and risk of being manhandled is too much for many.

Your kittens will become bolder, but at their own pace as they settle in. I've had my rescue cat for 11 years; she still hates being picked up and runs away from children.

citizensm1th

8,371 posts

136 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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All I can do is echo that they will come to you in their own time (I bet the come to the one who feeds them first)

one thing cats are great for teaching kids the value of being able to keep still and calm. maybe introduce the kids to the new game of who can sit still long enough to get the cats out of hiding

rehab71

3,362 posts

189 months

Monday 28th September 2015
quotequote all
Handle them as much as possible! It makes your life so my easier if you need to look at something/take them to the vets.

My cat will happily be held upside down, have his paws messed about with and his tummy tickled.

Mobile Chicane

20,735 posts

211 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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rehab71 said:
Handle them as much as possible! It makes your life so my easier if you need to look at something/take them to the vets.

My cat will happily be held upside down, have his paws messed about with and his tummy tickled.
I couldn't agree more.

There is a 'window of opportunity' with kittens, within which they're bold and up for anything. After around about 12 weeks, if they're not exposed to a variety of stimuli, they become timid and much less sociable.

I'd handle them, but let go the moment they start to struggle. Lots of play (initiated by you), and treaty rewards.

Build it up, very gradually, but stop play the moment either of them breaks off and starts grooming. That's Cat Language for 'had enough'.

Simpo Two

85,147 posts

264 months

Monday 28th September 2015
quotequote all
Mobile Chicane said:
stop play the moment either of them slices you with a right hook. That's Cat Language for 'had enough'.
EFA!

Djtemeka

1,802 posts

191 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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Hit takes a couple weeks to settle in. Don't let them out for that time or they might go missing as they haven't established "home" yet. Have fun and handle them on and off a lot but not enough to overstimulate them.

Blakeatron

Original Poster:

2,514 posts

172 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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Just heard from the wife and they are going crazy, charging around and climbing all over - but only her at home today!

When i left this morning they were both having breakfast in the kitchen with all of us pottering about.

The vet has said to pet them when possible but not to force it, brian is definately more outgoing.

Our girls are very good, our dog was quite ill towards the end so they are used to being quiet and leaving alone when told.

Just looking forward to a cuddle!

citizensm1th

8,371 posts

136 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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sounds like you and they will do just fine


this thread is rubbish without more pics though

Blakeatron

Original Poster:

2,514 posts

172 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
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Brian is making himself at home on the bench in the lounge, still not coming up to us but happy to be stroked!

Audrey is still hiding most of the time, will come out to attack Brian and then shoot back under the sideboard. Hoping now he is out she will follow eventually


DSLiverpool

14,670 posts

201 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
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Were in exactly the same boat and it seems like the same type of kitty's , we have had them nearly 3 weeks and they tear about play fighting, they love bottle tops on the laminate!
It took a week but they come for a stroke if your in the couch and mew if they want attention - we love them to death.

Monaro5.7

7,333 posts

178 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
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I have recently got a kitten which is so full of energy and fun but iam not new to kittens as he is number 5 in the house.

Make sure u have plenty of toys so they dont get board and also handle them as much as you can so they are use to there slaves wink

DKL

4,480 posts

221 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
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rehab71 said:
Handle them as much as possible! It makes your life so my easier if you need to look at something/take them to the vets.

My cat will happily be held upside down, have his paws messed about with and his tummy tickled.
This, most definitely. Ours are 5 months now and we have always been very hands on. They are both very cuddly and actively seek a lap.
We have a fairly integrated 5 cat house now despite their age differences.

rxtx

6,016 posts

209 months

Thursday 1st October 2015
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Cats of all ages can take some time getting used to their environment, I'd say yours are doing well. They look great too smile

rxtx

6,016 posts

209 months

Thursday 1st October 2015
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ali_kat said:
Congratulations

Yes, they'll come to you once they're settled
And I'll echo that too.