this post was submitted on 15 Feb 2026
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Yeah, it might be a two for one deal with those kitties, so that's the first thing to consider.
Feed them small amounts at the same time(s) a day when you can be nearby, as has already been mentioned. Trying to get them used to your presence.
Have a few ancient cheapo sweaters or shirts? Wear them for a week and get them all full of your stink and leave it near the food bowl when feeding them. Trying to associate your smell with a supply of food.
You can eventually start putting the smelly clothes and bowl of food in a small dog crate, cat carrier, or large animal live trap (deactivating the trap door) to get them used to a confining space.
Bring a chair or something comfortable to sit on the ground with while feeding. Just hang out nearby. Start out kinda far away and as the days pass, sit down a bit closer. Be cool, be relaxed, don't make any noises... maybe bring a book or something. As time passes and if the critters seem to be more relaxed around you, try casually standing up and milling about, maybe moving towards them.
When they come by for food regularly, act like your smelly clothes don't bother them, don't mind going into the crate/carrier/live trap to eat, and don't panic as you move around you can try closing the door for a short while. If they panic while the door is closed, just sit down and remain calm and quiet. Hopefully they will start to calm down after... maybe 5 or 10 minutes. Let them out earlier if it looks like they are hurting themselves/each other in their panic but if its just howling, you can wait for a bit to see if they calm down.
You're trying to get them to learn that the container isn't a bad space (with your smelly clothes and food) and that when they calm down the door will be opened.