I’ve recently bought two British shorthairs. Not litter siblings but from same sire.
unfortunately they were in a bit of a state when we brought them home. Both had terrible diarrhoea, eye infections and sick.
after an expensive trip to the vet they came home on a course of antibiotics, worming treatment and the vet told me to isolate them in a room until they had finished their treatments. They also both needed directing to the litter tray.
fast forward a week and after the diarrhoea episodes both kitten have needed a couple of baths as pet wipes just weren’t cutting it.
now they are both really upset with me.
the female cat won’t come near me, quivers when I go near her and squirms if I pick her up.
the male will still approach me but get distressed when I pick him up.
I feel like they associate me with having to give them nasty tasting meds, the trauma of two baths which they both hated and numerous wipe downs with wet wipes on the body and cool boiled water on their weepy eyes. Both are finished treatments so are now out and about in the house but the female is just hiding.
I feel awful and like I’ve really distressed them.
is it likely they will trust me again? Or will they always associate me with trauma/ aggravation?
I am so sad as I really want to have a trusting and good relationship with them.
any advice greatly received.