Conference misery::feline_v1

    Panther and Eirene were born under similar circumstances, but I
    think that they were a bit younger when I captured them and their
    brother and sister. First of all, take them out of the cage and
    give them free run of at least a room for a day. Go about your business
    but leave the room door cracked open. Before long, their curiosity
    will get to them and they will come out and investigate. Be nice,
    but don't make the first move. And if when they come out to examine
    you, make slow movements so as not to frighten them.
    
    In my case, the two boys of the litter took about 3 days before
    they decided that they were going to live on my lap. The girls took
    about 5 days before they got real friendly. Of course, since I had
    to bottle feed them there might have been some form of bonding that
    made them real friendly. Also, I was real fortunate as Argus decided
    that he was going to play Daddy to these little ones (and I might
    add that he was a role-model father!!!) As for adapting to a
    new way of life, well, let's just say that Panther's actions are
    visable proof that he loves living the life of luxury (It is so
    neat to see him sprawled out on the bed, head on the pillow, streched
    out with his little paws curled up, and his purring motor running
    near its red line). Eirene is also a nice loveable pet, as are the
    other two which a friend took.

    Enough rambling; I think that it is wonderful that you are taking
    in these little tykes. Believe me, you wont be disappointed. Be
    sure to get them to a vet very soon. Chances are good that they
    may have worms and may be undernourshied.
    
    Deb

    Lucky babies, to have a new Mom and Dad!  My first cat was basically
    feral.  I think you have to play it by ear, geting as close to them
    as they're comfortable with, and no closer.  Gradually they will
    get more comfortable with you nearby, and let you get closer.  They
    soon earn that the hand that wields the can opener is a friendly
    hand.  Try to avoid doing things that might frighten them, like
    coming up behind them when they don't know you're there.
    
    It took my first cat, who was several years old, a few omnths to
    totally relax with me.  I expect kittens will adapt more quickly.
    
    If you do let them have the run of the house, be careful they don't
    scoot out the door when you come in and out.
    

    Hi, and congratulations!  I got my Billie as a "street cat" several
    years ago, and I think they are the best companions.
    
    You might try this in addition to everything else--leave an article
    of your clothing in the room with them.  That way they get more
    used to your smell.  
    
    Don't worry--they've had a tough beginning, but your love and care
    will reassure them.
    
    Best of luck, and please keep us posted on your new babies!
    
    Jane

    I agree with .3 about the article of [ready for the laundry pile]
    clothing -- in the cage if possible, if not, up against the outside.
    In the cage, you know you are getting close when a kitten sleeps on the
    article. 
    
    Kittens instinctively associate food with mother love, so your best
    tactic is to hang around and 'relate' to the kittens whenever you
    introduce food.  Food => love is how the professional trainers do
    it.

    
    You might also try to get them to take something they really like
    (steak, fish, Pounce-type cat treats) out of your hand.  If it is
    interesting enough to them, they will overcome their fears.  I've
    never tamed a feral cat before, but this works well with the (wild)
    parrots I've trained.
    
    Rita
    

As an aside, do you know whether or not they brought fleas in with them?

Since the kitties haven't been anywhere outside that room yet, you may want to 
leave them isolated there until you're able to pick them up and expect them.

This will make the elimination problem *much* easier.  The alternative will be 
bombing the house!  Don't waste your time or money an store bought products.  
Use the supplies your vet has.


We took in 2 strays almost 2 months ago.  They were 3.5 to 4 months old when we 
snatched them from the cruel outdoors.

They will tame themselves with much patience from you.

Correction to -.1

>Since the kitties haven't been anywhere outside that room yet, you may want to 
>leave them isolated there until you're able to pick them up and expect them.
                                                                 ^^^^^^
                                                                 inspect

Mondays ... bleech.

    Thanks for the suggestions everybody! Not having a terminal at home,
    I kinda played it by ear over the w/e. The cats are still wary,
    but at least they are not threatening to shred me anymore. ;-)
    
    On Saturday, I was able to handle each kitten, determine their sex,
    check them for fleas and ear mites and give them a generous dose
    of petting till their little motors got going and they decided to
    investigate their new environment. They walked very low to the ground
    in a crouched position. If they became separated, the male would
    cry and the female would go to him.
    
    The food dish has been kept full, their little bellies must be real
    happy for a steady supply of fresh food and water. I also give them
    special treats of cooked beef heart, baked chicken and canned slamon
    and tuna. They don't care for milk for some odd reson. They largly
    ignore it at this point.
    
    They now have their own room, with access to the entire house after
    my husband wakes up. He's a day-sleeper. They don't like the dog.
    ;-) The dog has posed no threat actually, just displayed a normal
    curiosity and a cursory sniff. The dog is more *interested* in the
    new food dish. ;-)
    
    They have a vet appointment next week for first shots and physical.
     Their names? I thought you'd never ask...
    
    Our female is named Mercedes and the male is Delorian, courtesy
    of my 17 year old.
    
    I handle both kittens each morning before getting into my uniform
    and I talk to them while they wander in the house. They are hiding
    alot less already and my 17 year old has gotton some really neat
    photos of their antics.
                                    -sunny-

    Re .8:
    
    > .......They don't care for milk for some odd reson. They largly
    >ignore it at this point. ...
    
    Good!  Giving kittens (or cats) milk after they're weaned, especially
    cow's milk, sometimes causes "lower tract distress."  Water's healthy
    for them, so I wouldn't tempt fate.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr. 

    Thanks Steve!
    
    I never knew that before...the kittens shunned it anyhow so actually
    they probably know what is and what isn't good for them in the long
    run.
    
                     -sunny-
    
    PS  Mercedes and Delorian are learning how to play out in full view
    of everybody.

    I'm glad to hear everything is going fine. Now that they have let
    you pat them and have astarted exploring, it will be all up hill
    from here!
    
    Deb

    The saga continues....
    
    Did I say these kittens were wild? ;-) Here it is, three and a half
    weeks later and those two clowns are a couple of the sweetest tempered
    darlings that I have ever had the pleasure of getting to love.
    
    For those of you who are fortunate enough to adopt a kitten from
    the wild, believe me, the patience and love you share will be worth
    every moment you invest.
    
    These babies don't seem to have a wild, or bad-mannered bone in
    their bodies.
                                       -sunny-

>   Giving kittens (or cats) milk after they're weaned, especially
>       cow's milk, sometimes causes "lower tract distress." 
    
    If they were human (like me (reputedly)), this would be called
    "lactose intolerance": they've stopped producing the enzyme necessary
    to digest lactose (lactase), and the lactose passes on into the
    intestines, where there are a few things that don't mind burning
    milk.

Having two ex-ferel cats in my house has taught me some interesting
differences in the behavior....my "tame-from-birth" siamese is really
people friendly but my two wild guys, although adopted and loved
for 6 years now, still don't take to strangers at all well...but they
love me and my roommate.  Also, to keep em happy, I had to get a
kitty tree...these guys need to get in high places when they rest...
the other cats (2) are strictly water-bed babies.  My wild boys
only do a waterbed when mom is in the bed...also, these guys are
seriously nocturnal and always will be...the tame babies are night
sleepers.  	BUT I LOVE EM ALL!

	D (mom of "wild boys" Sam and Nick and Tabby and Hannah)