Weird kittens

Question
QUESTION: Hi Tabbi - I just adopted two sister kittens, now 9 weeks old. They both were inundated with fleas and ear mites and left "dirt" behind and had scabs on them and seemed miserable to the point that they wouldn't want to be petted and didn't purr. Despite the warnings on the package, I decided to treat them for fleas with the neck drops and also treated for ear mites. They are more affectionate now as long as I go to them and the scabs are healing and they aren't scratching and dirty. The bigger problem is their litter box (or lack of) habits. The litterbox was in the bathroom and at first it seemed both were using it fine. Then (before they were treated), they decided to use my bed as a litter box when I was in it! This happened a couple nights in succession with me getting up to clean up the mess, strip the bed, Febreeze the mattress and sleep on the couch for the night. At about the same time, one or both also started to poop in the kitchen right next to their food! They then both started doing the same thing - like one learned from the other the WRONG thing to do. I finally moved their litter box into the kitchen and although one went right outside the litter box, they are using the box for the most part, but now they won't leave the kitchen! Whether I am home or not, getting them out of the kitchen and into the living room where I have all kinds of toys for them doesn't work for long. They will follow me into my bedroom where they promptly pee (at least not poop now) on the bed!I'm more aware now and catch one or the other at it and immediately scoop her up and despite scratches take them to the litter box, but it isn't working.
What is wrong with these kitties? I'm so frustrated as I've had kittens for years and have never encountered any of these types of problems before.

ANSWER: Robin,

That is a frustrating problem I know. I would say the root of the problem is that the kittens were weaned too early. When kittens are taken away from their mother at too early of an age, they don't get the 'training' that a mother cat gives them, which includes proper places for elimination. Since they probably did not have that training, they have no clue what they should do.

Kittens do not go far to use the litterbox. At first you need multiple litterboxes for them. Also, the kittens may not know what 'litter' is so it is sometimes wise to start with some dirt or sand in the litterbox. Cat instinctively know the use for dirt. You can then gradually add litter to the dirt as they get used to it. You can get children's play sand at a home building supply store (like Home Depot). I would try a larger litterbox for now with sand in it, and newspapers on the floor (just in case) and see how it goes.

You may want to get a large cat carrier that will fit a small litterbox and put the kittens in there for a while after they eat. That way they have to use the litterbox because there is not a lot of room to go elsewhere, and they get used to using it. Cats are creatures of habit.

Your kittens more than likely had a feral parent which is why they scratch, etc. They have an inbred distrust of humans. Here is a link that has a GOOD 4-part article on ferals that will give you some insight on ferals:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

http://petplacestation.com/articles/?tag=carol-jacobi&paged=2

The kittens reactions may be from nerves and stress from being in a new environment, new people, etc. It is better for them emotionally to be in a smaller area of the home at first, then let them venture out as they feel secure and safe. If they are happy in the kitchen, let them stay there. Bring their toys into them instead of trying to get them to leave.

It takes a lot of patience and time to gain a feral kitten's trust. Their 'accidents' should stop as they calm down. Let them take their time. Trying to force them do or be somewhere that they instictively are afraid of, or don't trust will only cause them more stress and you more frustration.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Good advice Tabbi. Although these kittens are not from a feral mother, I think they were neglected by either their temporary owners or the mother herself who may have been overwhelmed and competing for food.

The kittens are getting better every day as I don't pressure them and let them take their time getting used to us and their new home. They greet me when I come home by purring and looking at me, but I don't pick them up anymore - they just don't like it. I don't have room for more than one litterbox really and as they are now venturing into the livingroom in their play and to get a quick patting from me, I think I will slowly move it down the trailer as they get comfortable with it. For now, they are not allowed in my bedroom/bed and all is going smoothly although slowly.

Thanks again for the advice. These may never be the cuddly kittens/cats I expected but living with two independent females should be an interesting experience!

Answer
Robin,

That is the best way to take it...nice and slow. It is good to hear that they are getting better.

The reason I mentioned feral is the clue you gave is that they do not like being picked up or restrained. They can be loveable but not cuddley like a domesticated house cat. Could the dad have been a feral? Another reason though that they may not like being picked up is that they weren't handled 5 minutes a day until they were 7 weeks old like a kitten should be to make it a sociable kitten.

Good luck with them. It sounds like you are on your way with your 'independant females'!
Remember...patience, time, and....lots of kitty treats. Treats are a great bribe!

Tabbi