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Adopting two kittens from foster care - unsure!

3 replies

lola123345 · 12/11/2025 08:31

When you first met your kittens, were they shy?

im considering adopting a sibling pair from a local shelter. They are with a fosterer at present, 10 weeks old handed in to the vets at around 6weeks.

me and my two kids went to visit them, we sat quietly on the floor and they were very shy - wouldn’t come towards us, moved away if we went towards them. With a bit of time they did interact with playing and were eventually okay being picked up, especially the male who very placidly let my son pick him up without clawing - but would quietly quickly want to get down. The female was really only near us when the fosterer scooped her up, she hid a lot otherwise.

im told that they are one of the easiest pair of kittens the fosterer has had - that they adapted very quickly to her family, will purr and come for cuddles - but I wasn’t sure about that! So I popped back for some alone time with them on a second visit as I thought this would be less overwhelming for them, and I did see a difference - eventually I had them both interacting with me, and the very very shy little girl was purring.

im still on the fence though! Is the shyness normal at first, im wondering whether a pair raised in family environment from birth might be less shy/more interactive and better suited to our family home. I wouldn’t want to overwhelm them - especially the female as she is more timid. Also, in my mind - I’d really love cuddly cats that are happy to interact and be cuddled, as we are family home and I want the kids to bond well with them.

Were your kittens shy when you visited? Did they seek you out, curious and want to be on you? I’m so uncertain at the moment, and surprised at how huge a decision this feels, when I’ve wanted to adopt for so long! I had cats and kittens growing up, but I never chose them - we lived abroad and rescued strays, so my cats were always choosing us, or were born at home and I don’t recall them ever being so shy as little ones.

thanks in advance!

OP posts:
Tallestone · 12/11/2025 08:42

I think you will get this with all fosters. Our cat we adopted spent the first few days hiding in a chair on the dining table. They're all going to be shy. Mines not a lap cat but now he sits next to us. Loves a fuss. He doesn't hide anymore.

Dolly96 · 25/11/2025 15:50

You said yourself that they were both more interactive on the second visit. It takes time to build trust and get comfortable - it comes down to whether or not you're willing to make the effort. Sounds like you have the experience to do right by them.

Good luck.

Nsky62 · 25/11/2025 16:20

More settled adult cats easier, more established

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