My new kittens are freaking out!?

Question

Ok, I adopted two kittens today. They are sisters and are 9 weeks old. We have a pretty large house and everyone I had talked to said to confine them to one room with their bed, litter box and food and water. My son and I had been going in there all day with them to interact and even brought them out to the living room with us. They are VERY curious. It kind of scares me! I feel like they are going to get hurt! Anyways....when I go in there, they are cuddled up together in their litter box of all places. NOT THEIR BED! Also....when I go in there, they attack me, trying to climb up me and won't stop meowing. I don't want there first few days to traumatize them. Do I let them out to roam the house? Or what do I do? Please help!!

My other question would be....if I am supposed to confine them for the first couple days, how do I wean them out of the room? And how long do I need to confine them? Is it normal for them to go crazy when they get out?

About the litter box.....that's the wierd thing, they ARE using it to go potty! Why on earth would they want to sleep in it? EW! I have them in a laundry room, is that big enough or should I keep them in my room? I can't put them in the spare room or my son's room, spare room because the box spring on the bed in there is ripped at the bottom, I KNOW they will climb in there (only because I had a cat that did that before-no longer have that cat)

Answer 1

my rabbits do that sometime with the litter box just let them do it it might not be sanitary but it is more comfortable for them and thats all that mattwers about the claingy thing they are just scared and probably want a motherlyfigure??????????

Answer 2

Not uncommon for kittens to sleep in litter box. I worked in a vert clinic for a while and saw it all the time. The litter is soft and apparently comfortable.

Kittens are also very curious. It's normal. They will, most likely, calm down as they get older. Just interact with them frequently. I would move them to a bedroom or someplace with more space. I honestly have never heard anyone being advised to keep kittens confined though and don't see anything wrong with letting them roam the house.

Answer 3

Ok, I just HAVE to answer this question!

Confining kittens in an indoor environment is completely ridiculous! Kittens need space to roam and explore. They HAVE to learn the environment that they are going to be spending the next 15 years of their lives in! As long as everyone in the house is careful and aware of their presence, there's no reason for them to get hurt. Yes, they will chew on things and yes, they will get into cabinets and other mischeif! However, as their new "Mommy," it is your responsbility to let them grow and develop into smart and curious cats! Cats are curious by nature, that's never going to change. If you place a brown paper bag on the floor, they are still going to go charging into it at top speed, no matter their age! The reason they attack you when you walk in the room, is because they desperately want to get OUT! They're tryin to tell you something. :) Let them out and let them play. Don't be afraid to give them free range to do whatever, they will be ok. As to them sleeping in their litter box, that should clear up when you start letting them roam the house. They will find other, more comfortable places to sleep. Your babies will be perfectly fine when they are let loose, just make sure that you kitten proof your home. Pick up any coins, tacks, nails, poisons, sharp objects, or anything else that might present a hazard to a curious kitten. Also, if you have any aquariums in your house, make sure the lid stays on the tank!! Our cats constantly tried to get into the aquarium when the lid was up! :) I hope that this helps you out a little! Good luck with your kitties!

Answer 4

When you are home and able to WATCH them, it is absolutely fine to let them out to be with you. When you aren't home or are too busy to supervise them, then for their safety, confine them to their room. In a couple of weeks when you feel they are safe you can let them roam freely.

Their behavior sounds totally normal to me. Kittens are NOTORIOUSLY curious, playful and energetic. They LOVE to climb anything -- including your legs. And the drapes -- they will climb the drapes. You might want to check your house out for potential diasters... For example, put away the priceless Ming vase -- no matter HOW HIGH you put it, they will get up there and knock it off. Also look around for things that could be dangerous to them -- anything sharp, for example. And some kittens will chew on wires...

Once they start using the litter box, they will stop sleeping in it. In fact, they should ALREADY by using the box... You can't control where a cat sleeps so just go with it. They might not pick what YOU'D pick, but you're not a cat!

I also want to warn you that they WILL claw your furniture. You can try all sorts of things to stop this and maybe something will even work -- but if it doesn't, please, please try not to let it bother you too much. They CAN'T help it. And after all, what is worth more? That sofa? Or the living, breathing, loving animals who warm your lap and purr for you?

I must say CONGRATULATIONS on getting TWO. It is SO much kinder for the animals to have companions and so much more FUN for you! I am SOOOOOO happy for you and the kittens!

Have fun!

Answer 5

I've had lots of cats and kittens. I always let them roam the house. Remember, they are very young and scared to death. They are gona hide for the first few days but just give them time. They will come out. Just let them do what they want to do and DONT bother them for the first few days until they start coming out of hiding. Just let them be and let them come to you. THEY WILL. Make sure that the litter box is near the food source, so they can get to it easily (although u may be doing some cleanup). And what ever u do DON'T GIVE THEM MILK. Kittens can't digest cows milk good. I had one kitten that constantly had the runs, found out it was milk. give them water and kitten food. Milk is for later. If u find that they are using the floor instead of the litter box, u can get a repellent but try moving the litter box to the spot where they are going.
REMEMBER LEAVE THEM ALONE FOR A FEW DAYS. I know that u want to play with them but you've got to realize they are scared to death. Pleese LET THEM BE!!
Believe me, it will all work out!!!!
If u have any questions you can e-mail me.
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Answer 6

baby kittens are just scared and curious so they don't really know what to do. my kittens did the same thing going in the litter box and acting crazy...they used to suck on my finger and want to sit on my neck. i wouldn't let them roam the house if i were you just because they are so small and get get into very small places and then either a) its hard to get them out or b.) you can't find them and you freak outttt. just keep them in one room and play with them with string and balls and stuff. enjoy them while they're small because all of a sudden they'll be biggggg and you'll be saddd :'(

you don't need to wean them from a room, they will be fine on their own.
and of course it's normal for them to go crazy...there is the saying "curious as a cat" for a reason...being curious is THEIR JOB

Answer 7

If they are using the box they could be out and explore when you are home , I always let them roam. they will be scared as they were probably in a small area and they have to get used to you and your environment. See if they will play, take a string and tie a Kleenex on one end .slowly pull it cross the room where they can see and jump on it. that may break the ice as kittens will go after something moving in front of them.

Answer 8

Sounds to me like they think you are their new mom. The "attacks" are letting you know that they are either afraid or lonesome. They want to feel safe. Hold them for a while, let them sleep on your lap till they get used to you. As for the litter box, I wouldn't worry about that. Most kittens willingly use the litterbox.....You might try getting them a snuggle bed. It's a round bed that is enclosed, except for a round entry in the side. That way they'll feel safe cause they think they're "hidden". It worked for one of my cats.

Answer 9

Hi,
I'm new at this so if it looks bad I'm sorry. I can't help it but hope I can help with the kittens. yes you should keep them to one room or small area,to help them get use to their new situation.but the reason they are all over you is because mommy is gone and their scared,they will look to you for comfort and mothering so please don't leave them to long alone. It's easy to figure them out ther just baby's with fur spend time with them,talk to them just as you would your own baby.give them love and understanding,show them and tell them it's OK you know there scared,but your there and you will take care of them now and love them,that you are now their family "mommy" so to speak

Answer 10

Your kittens are new to your home so obviously they are going to be curious. Just let them sniff around the area a bit and get used to it to settle in. My kitten was like that when I got him & he couldn't stop meaowing. If you feel comfortable in handling the kittens yet then slowly put your hand near their noses so they can smell you and recognise you that way.