<p>I adopted 12 week old sisters yesterday. At the shelter one was shy but the other was outgoing and playful. One cried all the way home with the other joining in occasionally. I have a safe room for them with everything they need and I can peek in through a glass door. Both my son and I have spent time in there, separately, sitting on the floor and reading, saying things in soothing tones, not getting in their faces, just letting them get used to us.</p>
<p>After sleeping most of the afternoon they found a corner and they won’t come out. Well I know they came out in the middle of the night because they used the litter box, spilled the water and ate a little kibble. They also apparently moved a toy around, so that’s good.</p>
<p>This isn’t what I expected. The last time I had kittens (20 years ago) they were into everything immediately and wanted to be held all the time. </p>
<p>What should I do now? Should I attempt to get them out with treats? Is there a reasonable hope that they will become members of the household? How long might it take? Does anyone have experience or words of wisdom? There are no other animals in the house, just three adults.</p>
<p>Cats typically do not like car rides. Mine always cried, a screeching “meow”, for the first 30 miles ~ so no issue there. I’m guessing the plan is you are going to let them roam the house soon. They would want that. If they are let outdoors, you will find out if they are happy or not. Cats choose their owners, as they say. If a cat is not happy, they will not return. And not much you can do about it.</p>
<p>Sorry–hyperbole. I can barely see them in the place they have chosen to hide. They are perfectly safe, just not entirely visible. I haven’t seen them the way I thought I’d see them.</p>
<p>I think this is very common. It happened with our cat when he was a kitten many years ago. Just give them some time. They are eating, drinking, and using the box so I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. They will come out when they are ready.</p>
<p>When we adopted our now 17 year old kitty, she hid under DS’s bed a good chunk of time for a couple of weeks. We knew she was OK because her litter box was used, and her food bowl emptied. Eventually she ventured out…on her own terms.</p>
<p>As long as you know the kitties are safe, don’t worry. They will join the family at some point.</p>
<p>I am going through this right now. Two weeks ago, I trapped two neighborhood kitties, brothers, about 4 months old, and got them fixed, tested, vaccinated. Next week, I have to bring them in for a booster, and I will probably have to set a trap up in their safe room, as they still won’t let me touch them. They come out to eat, drink, use the litter box, and after a week, I was able to catch a glimpse of them. My husband thinks they’ll never tame, but I know better. It sometimes even takes a couple of years for a feral to tame down. But, they will become part of my cat household once they’re fully vaccinated, and it will be better than reproducing out on the street. I go up to their room daily to do paperwork, chores, and lay on the floor before I go to bed, just to get them used to me and my smell. They will sometimes run out and attack my feet and hands, and I just bite my tongue, so as not to scare them. But I have actually run the vacuum cleaner in their room, as they sometimes attempt to make sand castles in the litter box. I’ve let one of the cats in to meet them from a distance, and one of them has actually gone into Mexican standoff mode, so I don’t doubt he’ll have any trouble fitting in with the rest of the cats. His brother is an already big Maine Coon mix, so he’ll be fine. I am glad you have two. They will keep each other company, but they will come around to be with you when they want to. Good luck and thank you for providing these sweet kitties with a home!</p>
<p>First, I’d be overjoyed they’re using the litter box. Other issues notwithstanding, that’s something to celebrate!</p>
<p>Second, I’d take away the bowl(s) of kibble, and feed them only when you’re in the room with them. They don’t need to eat in your lap . . . you can start by putting the dishes right next to where they’re hiding, but take them with you when you leave the room. And then gradually, very gradually, move the dishes closer and closer to you.</p>
<p>Finally, reading to them is lovely, but why aren’t you playing with them? Get a toy on a string that you can dangle near their hiding place and try to entice them to come out and “hunt.” Give them a reason to come out!</p>
<p>But thumper’s right - a day isn’t much time at all. If you just keep doing exactly what you’re doing now, they’ll venture forth eventually.</p>
<p>^^^Thank you for those tips! I will use them myself, too. </p>
<p>And you are so right about the litter box. I find it a victory when I adopt a kitty that actually uses one.</p>
<p>I was afraid mine wouldn’t use the litter because in the past, the kittens have been friendly enough where I could bring them home, put them in the litter box, and make sure they see it first thing, even before food.</p>
<p>With these ferals, I had to let them out in a room that had food, water and litter, but it was up to them to figure it out. I was so lucky they did!</p>
<p>I will use dodgersmom’s advice in the coming week to see if I can make progress before the shot appointment so I don’t have to trap them again.</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing your experience and advice. I am playing with them, or trying to, but they just stare at me. I hope they acclimate soon–they don’t know it but they have landed in Cat Paradise.</p>
<p>Mom3ToGo is a bit of a cat lady so we’ve adopted a bunch of kittens. Lots of good advice so far … the main thing I’d add is I wouldn’t try to lure them out … continue making a great home for them like you have been … and they will venture out when they’re ready. When we bring cats home we already have cats so it makes another challenge … one way we know they are ready to leave the “safe room” is when they start hanging out near their door, sticking their paws under the door, and checking out whatever is on our side.</p>
<p>Congrats on the new additions!</p>
<p>It’s a bit like kids adjusting to college … almost all do … but on very different timelines.</p>
<p>This is perfectly normal. Most cats and kittens need time to adjust to a new place. When we moved to our new house, our cat hid under the bed for days, and I’d had her from a kitten.</p>
<p>Were these kittens trapped feral kittens, or were they raised by humans? Mostly the kittens at shelters were raised by humans, so they’re already socialized.</p>
<p>I suggest giving them time, and I also suggest the feather-stick toy or some other toy to entice them to come out and play in their safe room. These are cats, not dogs; you should play with them.</p>
<p>But almost certainly all you have to do is wait a few days and they’ll be wreaking havoc all over the house.</p>
<p>They were raised at the shelter. It’s very good shelter. They were spayed a month ago and have all their shots. They have been microchipped. I’m sure they have been socialized–it’s very organized at the shelter and they have lots of volunteers.</p>
<p>Even though they were socialized to play with humans, your home is a completely different environment than the shelter. It smells different, feels different under their paws, sounds different, etc. And no matter how small the room is where they are, it’s a lot bigger than a cage. You could try some string games with them (extend a string, pull it away slowly) but if they didn’t respond and I were you, I would just wait them out.</p>
<p>A lot of shelter kittens are raised in homes by volunteer kitten-fosterers. But still one home is not like another, and cats often take a while to warm up to a new home.</p>
<p>I am not a kitten expert at all - until two years ago I had never had a kitten, but then like you we adopted to 12-week old kittens from a great shelter. I think you are doing everything right and the kittens will come around. I wouldn’t take away the kibble but I might try giving them treats when you come in the room, in addition to having their food out. One of my cats loves treats, the other likes them okay.</p>
<p>I am curious, do you have the safe room because you have other animals?</p>
<p>Another vote for patience. Stay the course. The kitties will warm up to you. </p>
<p>We have an ex shelter cat now who was oh so charming when we picked her. Brought her home and she hid and had a potty accident in short order! I made her space smaller, just a bathroom instead of a room, and in a few days she was all over the house. And not having accidents.</p>