I adopted two littermates from the humane society. When I got the little girl and boy home, they were skittish. They shrug away from our hands and hide. I'm worried that having eachother to rely on will keep them from being great lap cats/snugglers/my companions. Is there any tips/experience on this? I've had plenty of kitties, and lots of experience, but never adopted two together...
2007-08-09 07:41:09 · 28 answers · asked by BREESPREE82 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Why are people so mean/pushy/weird on here? I dont need your criticism, finger pointing or jesus wittnessing. I just want some info. Geez. Thanks for good advice to the others.
2007-08-09 08:52:56 · update #1
Separate them a few times a day and spend time with each individually. You don't have to do this for a long time when ever you separate them. It can be three minutes of petting for each once, then ten minutes of play with each, and five or ten minutes of petting or snuggle time later. You can also play with them both at the same time but use a different toy for each.
Since they are a bit nervous, it is essential that you work on this sooner rather than later. If they just glom onto each other, they will have no reason to bond with you.
2007-08-09 07:49:33 · answer #1 · answered by melissa k 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I adopted two kittens years ago. One wasn't a people cat the other was, even though they both stayed away from me when they were settling in and would hide from me when I entered the room they turned into adorable cats that loved attention from me. I used to try and bribe them with treats at first. Within no time they were attacking my feet when playful and jumping on my bed for breakfast. Don't worry am sure you two will be the same.
2007-08-09 07:54:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My own experience is that it will depend upon the individual personalities of the kittens.
Years ago I adopted two kittens from the same litter. The male was confident and settled into our home straight away. The female was quite timid and it took her around a month to feel comfortable with us. To begin with, they used to sleep cuddled up together, but when they play fought, he was always too rough for her liking and would often make her cry. As they grew older they went their separate ways around the home and had very little to do with each other. He grew up into an independent natured cat, who would sit on your lap, so long as you didn't try to pet him. The female on the other hand, grew up to be the sweetest, most affectionate cat that you could ever hope for. She continued to be shy of strangers, but developed a very strong bond with me.
I now have two young cats, both of whom I adopted as kittens. Neither of them are lap cats and again, I think this is down to their personalities. They spend more time with each other, playing and mock fighting, than they do with me, but they are not particularly affectionate towards each other and they never cuddle up together. I have noticed that since they've become adults, that they are much calmer and come to me more often looking for affection than they used to. They also sleep on the bed with me at night, which they didn't want to do as kittens.
Every cat is unique. For me, that's part of their allure.
2007-08-09 08:15:20 · answer #3 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's not true my two kittens (boy and girl) don't like my other cat but they also don't depend on each other. They will find company with you. My aunt had the same problem with her kittens and so did my gramma and grampa. They each have two kittens from the same litter that are a boy and girl. They might just be scared and shy around the new environment. Give them time to settle down and they will follow you around the house and sleep with you.
Hope i helped!
~Princess
2007-08-09 08:02:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be so egoistic about the kittens. It is great to have each other. I wish I had gotten 2 when I got my cat. It is wrong to become a substitute for a cat, although it is nice in a way when they are so attached to you. They grow much more normally when they have a cat companion. My cat was too dependent of me, I couldn't leave him alone, he kept playing rough with me, etc. Ever since we got him a new kitten, he is so much happier. He plays with it, sleeps with it, etc. Sure I liked it more when he slept with me, but it is wrong to think like that. The cat is much more normal now, and he doesn't mind if we leave for a few days. He still loves us, plays with us and cuddles too, but it's so much nicer not to separate the brother and sister! Well done for taking both! You will be compensated by the funny things they do together! And of course they will always enjoy a nice petting and purring with you, too!
2007-08-09 07:57:29 · answer #5 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well we adopted a dog and the first few days she was a little nervous. After about a week or so, she was like she had always lived here. Im sure that they will come out of their shell after a while. Just try and give them snacks from your hand and pet them, letting them know that you are not a threat and that theres nothing to be afraid of. Also thank you for adopting an animal! I wish everyone was like you, saving a life. =)
2007-08-09 07:46:16 · answer #6 · answered by Reppzin~ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Interact with them as much as you can, we had a mama cat that had 3 kittens we kept them all! Yep! and they are so relaxed and well adjusted. Most time when you go to someones house that has cats you never see them. These don't run and hide. When we walk our dogs they follow all around the neighborhood. They are such cool cats that one neighbor stole one and kept it. Still Have not got over that. They have never scratched or bitten anyone. When they want down I let them go. I let them come to us. Enjoy
2007-08-09 07:52:02 · answer #7 · answered by worknlakeside 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's actually good that you adopted them together - however, they may just be afraid of their new surroundings. It's actually a good idea to keep them in an isolated room, such as the bathroom or an extra room, for 24 hours or more in order to get used to the new place, smells and noise. Even if you haven't already done this you can still do it to help them warm up to you and get more comfortable. Just keep them locked in one room for at least 24 hours or more and visit them every once in a while. This should help them feel a lot more safe and give you time to "get to know" eachother in a seemingly safer environment then just having free-range to your place. Hope this helps! But, I'm sure they'll love you just as much as they love eachother.
2007-08-09 07:50:20 · answer #8 · answered by Kimbermai 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Kitten's usually will confide in each other,for playing,and grooming.Cats are independent creatures,and most cats are like this,when adopted in pairs.I had a boy and girl twin,and they would mostly play with each other,it made it hard for me to play with them,but soon they,one by one,would come near me and seek attention.Don't Worry,your cats will soon come to you,and seek attention,and love..
2007-08-09 07:59:56 · answer #9 · answered by sarah loves you (: 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What the heck? Do you honestly care more about them cuddling up to you than you do about their overall welfare? If they are safe, healthy and comfortable, then that should be all that matters, really. If you've had plenty of kittens before, then I kind of wonder how you treated them.
Quit treating them like they are toys for your amusement. They are living creatures.
Additional: It might have to do with the attitude you display in your question. If someone wrote a similar question asking "How do I get my three year old twins to want to be around me instead of wanting to play with each other all of the time? I didn't have kids so that they could ignore me so much, I had them so I could have something small to cuddle up to me. I don't like it that they won't and like being with each other so much.", then some people might find the fact that you even have kids unnerving.
2007-08-09 07:46:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋