How do I make kittens less afraid of me?

Question

Hi!

So I'm fostering two 5-week-old kittens for our local shelter until they're old enough to be desexed and then adopted! One is a girl, one is boy and they are both related.

I've had them for two days now. The shelter told us they are quite timid and will hiss if you get too close to them, so I haven't been handling/touching them. I have been sitting in the room talking softly to them and the little boy starting playing with my shoelace! But when I shuffled, he got scared and took a few steps back.

I really want to help these kittens have a good future, and 'taming' them will be a way to ensure they get a home! They haven't hissed at me, by the way.

So can anyone help me out with any tips? Google's answers were too vague for me.

Thank you!

? · Accepted Answer

Food.  The way to a cat's behavior is through food.
Only feed the kittens when you are in the room with them.  Start with the dish away from you and then each time move it a little closer.
Hissing is a sign of fear.  Keep up the good work of talking to them.  Try some pole toys so the kittens can come out and play.  I eventually run the toy over my lap and the kitten will follow.

? · Answer

Let them sniff you out first it maybe hard to resist petting them but you need to let them get to know you by your scent also to show your not scary try to be relaxed and calm when they come up to you cats can sense your emotions so if your show fear they will most likely hiss and growl at you because they fill scared of you showing that you are relaxed and calm will actually make them less afraid of you.Its also a good idea to play with them cats are really social animals and need a lot of attention this not only shows you are friendly but it helps them bond with you and try to feed them a lot and be present when they do eat just don't pet them most cats don't like to be petted while they eat.Also get a cat tree they love the be off the ground this not only will allow your cats to trust you some but will give them more territory other than the ground where they walk

z · Answer

Get them both into an empty room, go inside, and close the door. Put some food and water out for them, and then just wait. Eventually, they will come o you, ad might even let you pet them. Let them get used to ur smell and, all in all, get used to you.

Mircat · Answer

You do exactly what you were doing, read aloud to them from a book or paper.  Do not touch if they come near, don't move, just talk.  You are teaching them that your voice means no harm.  Don't try toys until trust is established.

http://www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=292

http://www.tenthlifecats.org/all-about-cats/cat-behavior/shy-cat-socialization

http://www.pawsbainbridge.org/retention/shycat.html

http://bestfriends.org/uploadedFiles/Content/Resources/Resources_for_Rescuers/Adoption/SocializingVeryShyorFearfulCats.pdf

Patience, patience, and more patience!

Alex · Answer

Put your used clothing or towels in with them so they get used to your sent.

How do I make kittens less afraid of me?

5 Answers