my wild ones

How are we doing? Here's the deal:

This summer, a mother cat brought her 5 kittens to live in the bushes by our porch. I spent almost 3 months feeding them, making sure they had water and clean bedding, etc. She weaned them less than a month after they moved here. I was finally able to touch and pet 3 of them, so we adopted them and brough them inside (after our vet's 'clean bill of health' and neutering/spaying them). I found homes for the mother and the other 2 kittens.

We brought the kittens inside in early to mid-November. The vet thought they were 5 1/2 to 6 months old. Within a week, we were able to pet and play with them. They're very affectionate with us. We still aren't able to pick them up without them panicking. None of our previous cats (an 18-year-old, a 6-year-old, and 2 4-year-olds) are very affectionate with them, though the hissing has stopped. If you sit down on the chair or bed where they've been asleep, they run off as soon as they sense you, but come right back for petting.

It's only been about 3 months since we adopted them. But, I'm wondering if: - it's too early to know if the other cats will become affectionate with them - we'll ever be able to pick them up, or are we just expecting too much too soon? - will they always be skittish to surprises and/or strangers? or will that fade away?

I know you can't tell us about these particular cats, but I'm hoping others here have adopted cats from the outside and have some tips for me, or an idea if some characteristics of ferals don't ever fade.

Beth in Cincinnati

Feral cats are my specialty, Beth. But that doesn't mean I know all about them. They may always be fraidy cats but they will continue to bloom with time. Enjoy them day by day...

Sharon Talbert Friends of Campus Cats

I've had several ferals and the younger you can influence them the better. The kitten aged ones are the biggest lovers in the world. I got one when she was about 6 months old and she spent the 1st 2 months living in and under the furniture. I've had her 3 1/2 years and she will come to me for loves, sleeps with me, sits with me and bumps and rubs - but although so much braver, she still does not want to be picked up or held. I do it occasionally to reduce the trauma of vet visits but gradually she gets braver. Give them the time and space and accept what happens. It's all we cat employees can do. Good luck!

They may always be fraidy cats but they will continue to bloom with

Thanks Sharon! I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing some form of socialization or 'training' I should be doing.

hahahahaha, I crack me up

thanks rose. I think that's part of my wanting to be able to pick them up