Help!!! My kittens are scared!!!

United States
July 25, 2007 1:49pm CST
Alright, here's the story: I was supposed to get a kitten from a friend, but the kittens needed special care because they were so young so they were given to another friend to care for. Two ended up not making it, so there was only one left and that one was given to another woman. :( So, the kitty I was originally going to get I did not get. I went to the shelter today and adopted two little kitty sisters, who I named Jack(ie)Nine and River. I brought them home and let them out of their carrier, and I sat on the floor with them. Well, they ran into the corner and hid! I'm not quiet sure how to deal with this, since it's been a while since I've had a kitten. I have a little dog, as well, but he's been in his crate as to not scare the poor little darlings even more (I want to introduce them slowly) Does anyone have any advice on how to get them to warm up to me? They were ultra sweet at the shelter, and on the way home. Now, I'm not sure what to do! I read and rate all responses, so please...anyone with answers out there?!?!?
2 people like this
8 responses
• Philippines
26 Jul 07
i had experience that also, i have a kittens (4 kittens ) adopted. they are all scared when i brought them home, i remember i do care to them by, hugging them, and i always put them with me in bed. They are always beside me especially at night. they says that the kittens will know that your their mother if you are hands-on on them. Always put them a blanket.and if you want to introduce them with your dog, do it slowly. Is your dog nice to other animals?if it does, then do it slowly, so that your dog will make known that little kittens of you. Hope you will do a great job, goodluck!
• United States
26 Jul 07
Thank you for your reply! I will definitely be slow when introducing them.
@riri0322 (34)
• United States
25 Jul 07
Place them in your bathroom for the first week. Cats are used and feel safest in small spaces. A house is too big for them to "handle " after being in a cage. Make sure there is food, water, litter and toys in there. Sit down on the floor with a book and simply read for a little bit every day and let them get used to you. Pick them up and cuddle them. Often times people make the mistake of overwhelming kitties and that sets the tone. Start small and then increase the amount of space they have in increments.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Jul 07
Thank you very much!!! They're in the bathroom right now. They are actually comming out of hiding when I go in there and sit on the floor, and one of them purrs at me now! Thank you for you input. I realize now that it's going to be a process getting them used to the house, but I'm willing to do that for my fur kids!
@magikrose (5429)
• United States
25 Jul 07
We just rescued an abandoned kitten from a litter of 4. My neighbor adopted his brother. All you can do is give them time and support. I had 2 other cats brfore the kitten and it took them about a week to adjust to the kitten being here. The best thing you can do is make shure they know where there food is and where the litter is. In time they will gain some courage and decide to come out of hiding.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Jul 07
Thank you for your response! It's hard when they're just so darn cute and all you want to do is give them tons of love!!! But, I know that doing things at their pace is what is best for them.
@rosie_123 (6113)
25 Jul 07
Well - I got two kittens from a shelter once, and for the first 3 months they only ever came out at night! In the day time, they just hid in a corner, and would only play and look around their new home, when it was very qiet and no one else was home. So the best advice I can give you, is just put plenty of food and water down, give them a convenient litter tray, and leave them alone to find their way around and get used to their new surroundings in their own time. I have 5 cats now, and have always kept cats. They are very independant creatures - they generally like to come to you, they hate being picked up, and they need plenty of time to get used to new territories. Over time, when they come to trust you, and associate you with food and warmth, they will start to be friendly, - but it will take time because they are young, plunged into a completely new environment, and terribly scared. If you can, - put them in a room of their own for a while (a spare bedroom perhaps), so they can get used to one room a a time. Because there are two of them, they will have company and be able to cuddle up together, and that will help them. Good luck.
• United States
25 Jul 07
They are tending to stay together, and exploring a little more now. The shelter I got them from was AWESOME, but you are right. It's a lot for a little guy to take in!!!
• United States
25 Jul 07
put the babies in a bathroom with thier food, water and litter pan go in every 20 - 30 min's, close the door behind you and just sit there on the floor - take a book for about 10- 15 minutes per sit down and just let them come to you - they will - might take a few trips or even a day or two - cats are most curious lil things - but very smart - once the figure out your not going to hurt them, food comes from you, and your hands are not objects to be frightened of - they have been in a shelter - can you imagine the noise levels to a kitten's sensative ears??? They've been removed from what they determined a safe space - and transported and now just need to learn that this space is safe and you love them - by the way LOVE LOVE the names
• United States
25 Jul 07
Thank you very much!!! They're warming up to me a little more now...still hiding but hiding in site. Hehe...I love poker, so it seemed fitting!
• United States
25 Jul 07
Let them walk around your home quite a bit. As they notice that you are always around they wont mind your presence. Some cats are just like that. Some will literally jump at you the second they meet you but in your case you really will just need to give them time. You can check how warm the are to you by simply sitting from them at a distance they are comfortable at and holding your hand to the floor.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Jul 07
Thank you for your response!!! They're roaming around a little bit more...checking things out. I'm positive that by next week, you'll see me posting about how to get my cats from giving me so much affection! LOL
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
26 Jul 07
They are obviously petrified, everything is so new to them..Maybe just leave them alone, just make sure that they have water and food..They will soon know that you will not hurt them..It may take a day or so, or just a few hours, Good Luck with them and congratulations for saving two lives...
1 person likes this
@dbhattji (2506)
• India
26 Jul 07
The kittens will respond to soft voice and contact so try talking to them and when they gain confidence hold them in your lap, I did that with my pup when he was scared the first day he came to my house.
1 person likes this