I just recently got 2 kittens who are 8 weeks old; a boy and girl from the same litter. They are very sweet and were a bit undersocialized when i got them, but now they will happily purr when given attention.... the only problem is that they always seem to be distracted by each other. When they are around each other, they seem more interested in playing and fighting and cuddling with each other rather than humans. It's cute, but i would like it if they were more eager for human attention. How can i get their attention more directed towards me? Would it work if i spend a couple days at a time seperating each other, so they can learn to depend upon human attention just as much as each other? Is this just a kitten thing and will they grow out of it, or should i start working on getting their attention more to human cuddling and petting?
Oh and things i have tried already:
interactive play with toys
bringing one into another room
plenty of time petting and loving
2007-01-24 19:07:56 · 11 answers · asked by Miso 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
you sound selfish. let the kittens enjoy their SIBLINGS & if they decide to notice you, they will eventually. you cant force a behaviour on an animal
2007-01-24 19:13:28 · answer #1 · answered by Tim 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You won't. But, don't take it personally. Kittens that come from the same litter or who haved shared a cubie in a shelter together often form very strong bonds that are a real and meaningful as the one you have with your own best friend or a close sibling. As they grow a little older they may start to focus more of their attention on you. This happened to us when we found three stay kittens. They did spend most of their time together. Consider yourself fortunate that you have two that like each other and will keep each other busy. A lonely kitten can be very naughty. Playmates are the best thing for them. Kittens have A LOT of energy and need that stimulation from each other. Just try to enjoy watching them and their wild and amusing antics while you can. It's a short phase.
2007-01-25 03:11:24 · answer #2 · answered by ineeddonothing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have an amazing thing there, because when you leave the house they will be able to entertain each other, and not run up your walls. Honestly, it is not a problem that they are distracted by each other, because they are both cats and that's what cats do. Chances are as they grow they will be come more independent, but don't try "working on getting their attention more to human cuddlign and petting". They are happy and that whould be your number one priority. When you play with them, instead of separating them, try playing with each simultaneously, like using two strings or two catnip mice instead of one. as they grow they will come to appreciate human attention as long as you have always given them love and affection, but cats are sometimes aloof, and you should not attempt to alter the behavior, as they're not doing anything wrong or detrimental to your household. Please accept their innate personalities, and continue to give them all the petting and loving. They will be much happier if they are allowed to choose you rather than you attempting to force them to choose you as a playmate. They are animals, not robots, and you should embrace their unique quirks. Oh, and dont' separate them for long periods of time, because this would be traumatic and all they have ever had as a constant in their lives has been each other. You might wind up making them LESS social toward humans, if you are not careful.
2007-01-24 20:08:19 · answer #3 · answered by lildi_32 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not seperate them ,they will each claim their own space ,they are adjusting to a totally new situation.In time they will be with you individually because they are seperate beings, do not force the issue with them ,it will only serve to confuse them ,you have chosen them together and they are family,my two kittens are the same they are like Book-ends.They do have their own interests but are never far apart ,they are very loving ,keep the cuddles going this is the best way to strengthen the bond you have with them .Do not break their bond to determine your own as they will protect each other.your part in this scenario is to bond with them,equally.They will naturally gravitate towards you and others ,they are very young,give them time.You will have to think about the girl/boy issue because they will reach the stage of intimacy and a descision is inevitable in that quarter as you cannot let them interbreed, if you want the female to carry a litter ,then I am afraid the boy will have to be treated or keep them apart when she is in season this must be carefully done ,the male cat will know before you do.happy parenting.
2007-01-24 21:48:18 · answer #4 · answered by Lindsay Jane 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's great that you have two kittens from the same litter, and I'm sure the kittens feel the same way. As they get older they will give you more attention. But they will always have each other and that's great. Try joining them both as they snuggle together.
2007-01-28 06:45:28 · answer #5 · answered by kiko 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actual with an animal that youthful. it will take purely somewhat artwork yet once you supply her a loving abode you will get there. My grandmother became constantly taking in waifs and strays (of the pussycat style!) and a large style of have been formerly domesticated creatures, yet one in my living memory and is in reality the only of her brood nevertheless alive became a youthful grownup whilst she took him in and punctiliously ferral. He could scratch in case you tried to guard him yet otherwise purely run away frightened. yet she has a large way with them and he grew to believe her at last, he became on no account the main social of cats yet now he's an 'previous guy' and he will sit down on virtually every person's lap! With a kitten that little i do no longer think of you will have any concern at last. don't get the claws bumped off as somebody above reported although. it is particularly cruel and can desire to sentence the cat to death if it ended up in a combat, purely an excuse for a lazy proprietor who isn't able to looking after a cat right. Sorry concerning the little rant, i'm beneficial you does no longer evaluate it besides! solid success!
2016-11-01 05:39:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree with everyone else..do not seperate those kittens..they need that attention..i felt the same way with my kittens..eventually they will change when their personalities kick in..cause i thought they did not like me..they played and cuddle with each other, rather then me and as soon as i thought it would never change it did..shadow constantly at my side and tiger is always grooming me..and to see them interact with each other is amazing site..just be patient..they are cats...you have to love them as is..
2007-01-25 01:34:32 · answer #7 · answered by dasu751520 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Name the boy kitten "Fsssst" and the girl kitten "Hcccch". They will immediately look at you when you call them.
2007-01-24 19:24:36 · answer #8 · answered by navig8r 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They are too young to interact with you much, give them time, they'll learn where their food comes from.
2007-01-24 19:17:13 · answer #9 · answered by Kathleen B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
separation. If they will eventually be together for the long haul, you may as well get used to the dynamic duo. :-)
2007-01-24 19:14:27 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋