My new kitten is scared of me (Photos added as asked)

butler_helen

So, after my baby died last month I decided to rehome two kittens from a rescue centre. They are 9wks and 11wks.

One is really out going- gives hugs and eats from my hands. The other one runs away whenever someone is near it - is this normal? We have had them for 24hrs so not long, they've been in a quiet dining room with toys, food, two beds litter tray etc.

So I suppose I'm asking - what's normal behaviour for kittens?

Photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/65848642@N08/5987976553/

LilacPixie

Yeah sounds pretty typical for any cat being introduced to a new enviroment. Some adapt v quickly others are a bit scared. Just be patient.

I have had lots of kittens over the years as we used to foster new mums and i have came to the conclusion there is no such thing as normal kitten or cat behaviour

bacardi66

I think some kittens/cats are just more nervous than others but Im sure your kitten will settle down. I had 3 kittens from the same litter, one was incredibly friendly and outgoing from Day 1, one was quite friendly and the third spent the whole of his 14 years living on his nerves! Even after years and years he would still jump out of his skin every time the postman put the post through the letterbox and would be out of the cat flap like a shot if the doorbell went!

They do change a lot in the first few weeks so Im sure your kitten will settle down, at the beginning my very nervy kitten would run away from people and hide under the bed and it took a few weeks for him to become more friendly. You need to give them time and also make sure they do have somewhere to hide where they feel "safe".

Apricot

Sounds pretty normal tbh. When I got my cat as a kitten, she went underneath the tv stand and stayed there for four days only coming out to eat and go to the toilet. She gradually became more trusting of us and now doesn't blooming leave us alone - which can be annoying as Im typing here and she's pushing her head into the laptop screen hoping for a smooth!

If we have visitors to the house though, she stays in the bedroom out of the way, she's an odd thing and only likes who she knows whereas my other cat is a complete tart and anyone who comes into the house gets the pleasure of having his fat bum parked on their lap whether they like it or not!

Amber_Babies

24 hours is not long at all. Let the kitten get used to its surroundings & become slightly more confident. Its all new,been taken away from mum / familiar surroundings. Dont chase it or try to pick it up, let him come to you. It wont be long & he'll be up the curtains & you'll be wishing it was quieter!!!!!!!

Kate

scaredy_cat

my Sugar (in pic) was very timid as a kitten and used to hiss a lot. it took about 2 weeks of sitting on the floor with toys and soem tuna to get her near me and eventually she did and fell asleep in the crook of my neck!

Patience and gentleness is needed. try playing with her and a bit of srting or ribbon to start with. Kittens can't resist string!!

spike7451

Don't forget that your new Furry Owners have to train you to be an obedient cat slave..they're sounding you out at the moment to see how gullible you are going to be...Give in now! It'll be easier in the end.....

butler_helen

spike7451 wrote: »

Don't forget that your new Furry Owners have to train you to be an obedient cat slave..they're sounding you out at the moment to see how gullible you are going to be...Give in now! It'll be easier in the end.....

yup I've given in... well to one. He spent the day on my lap whilst I worked - not very comfy! I hope the really out going one gets the less out going one to trust us.

lots of tuna and toys have been duly bought, I've put blankets everywhere they seem to want to sleep (bottom of the shoe rack!) and I've taken away things I didn't think they'd reach, so if we never see them again then we at least know they're safe :rotfl:

rising_from_the_ashes

Congratulations on your new arrivals!

I'm sure the timid one will be looking for cuddles soon - especially if he/she sees his/her playmate getting loads of attention.


We'd love a pic .......

bluebeary

congrats on your new fur babies !

every cat/ kitten is different, im glad you found your new kittens at a centre, did the staff give you any background info on the kittens ?

when we got our kitten at nine weeks, we knew he was semi feral and we knew he was shy but were still suprised he hid in the bottom of the sofa bed for two days, although we notice he responded better to my female voice than my male partners, and still does funnily enough

after two weeks, we were able to pick him up and now two and half years down the line, hes a very vocal cat who bullies me

he still very wary of other people but if i put a foot wrong, boy do i hear about it !

you have to give your kitten plenty of time to get accustomed to not only you but his new surroundings too

UnluckyT

congrats on the fur babies.
id echo what others have said,given time puss will come round im sure, also some cats are just more nervy than others.
i know someone whos got 5 cats and one is incredibly nervouse, she doesnt like people walking past her on the stairs, dissopears if someone she doesnt know is about/comes in the house and is increadibly wary with most people she knows and sees even frequently enough. it just part of her personality and i find if im patient with her plus respectfull of her nature then shes more than happy for a cuddle as well as a fuss.
plenty of treats they like too seem to help, especially chicken and tuna.