9 week old kittens that are very scared and wont let you touch them. Were found outside and hide under sofa .

Question

Everytime we touch them or pick them up they scratch and bite. We have had them for 4 weeks any ideas to make them cuddle kittens.

Answer 1

Keep them confined to one room in the house with everything they need (water, food, toys, warm blankets). It should be quiet in that room. Several times a day, go into the room and sit on the floor and gently interact with them. Play with them and talk to them in a soothing voice. They will emerge from under the bed/sofa if you tempt them with a fun toy that provokes their inner cat instincts such as a feather wand or even just a straw that you run up and down the floor for them to chase. If they scratch or bite or act mean, put your entire hand over their head, push down gently but firmly and say "no" in a firm tone (but not too loudly). Then when you release your hand, start playing with them or petting them again. Let them know that the behavior is not acceptable, but keep playing with them and being nice. Within a week, they will begin to understand and trust you. This worked on a kitten we had who was mean as can be when we got him but turned into the most gentle and loving adult cat you could imagine. Also, when they are 6 months old, get them spayed/neutered and declawed (using the laser declaw method). This also helps kitty's temperament. Good luck!

Answer 2

I got my cat, Fireball Jenkins, 10 years ago as a feral kitten 8 weeks old. It takes alot of patience. Be very slow and gentle with them. They will need human contact at a young age to make them more forgiving as they grow older.

Answer 3

Sounds like they were wild to begin with. If they had very little to no contact with humans they will be scared. my suggestion is wear longs leaves and gloves every time you grab one. Eventually they will get use to you and start to lay on your lap. Just keep giving them attention and they will come around . I have managed to get several bites and scratches taming kittens that were born outside.

Answer 4

dont force them. just put out food and sit a little distance a way from the food so when they do come out to eat they will be a little scared but will get used to seeing u sit there then every few days sit closer to the food until u can sit next to them while they eat. also start the petting slowly. try the food thing first then try one day before feeding them to sit holding out a little food they will come to get it but u might be sitting there a little while when they come to eat it slowly outstrecth ur hand and stroke them they will get used to this and become friendly.

Answer 5

Let them hide under the sofa. Dont force them to come out until they are ready. Show them that you aren't going to hurt them. Show them that you are going to give them food and love. eventually they will warm up to you.

Hope i helped.

Answer 6

Sounds like you have scared, wild kittens. I had one once who never really tamed, I guess the wild was em-breded. If you know someone who has a farm they would probably make good mousers someday.

Answer 7

unfortunately once they are ferral it is very hard to turn them into good housepets - you may think smothering them with affection will work but it's best to let them acclimate to the indoor environment - if they get used to the idea of having humans around they may settle down - you might also try spaying/neutering, the sooner the better

Answer 8

go to your vet and ask for a Feliway diffuser. it a device that u plug in, it releases a hormone , the cats will smell it but u wont, it makes them feel happy and more relaxed.

Answer 9

Give them some more time, they'll get used to you. That's happened to me alot.

Answer 10

just keep trying give them as much attent5ion as possible pet them as much as able to