Are Outdoor Kittens Less Tame than Indoor ones? ?

Question

This stray kitten wandered into our yard over a year ago and with lot's of patience and love, I managed to tame her into a lovely little outdoor pet. (Couldn't take her in my house, as I have several large dogs.) She is tame enough that she will crawl into my lap and purr, and she loves to be pet. She isn't quite friendly enough though, for us to pick her and take her to the vets to get spayed, and of course: oops! It was too late and now she has three kittens ( now 5 weeks old).

We want to give the kittens to friends once they are a little older, so that they can live a nice life as an indoor/outdoor pet. The only thing is that they aren't too tame. We can put them in our laps and they'll chase out fingers and I've had them fall asleep in my lap several times. But they really aren't that cuddly and friendly. You always have to ininitiate contact with them and it's not as if they really WANT to be around us.

So my question is: are all kitties like this when they are so young? Will they become more friendly when they're older? Would they be more affectionate if they were kittens that we kept in the house instead of outside? Could they become a sweet pet for someone eventually?

Sorry! I know that's a lot, but I just worry that they'll be aloof all they're life just because they were born outside. :) Thanks for answers!

Answer 1

We've rescued and re-homed many outdoor cats and kittens. Some are at first not really interested in their human owners but, instead their surroundings. They will eventually adjust to their homes. They too may be too young for their little personalities to shine. They should be fine pets. Good luck.

Answer 2

Well, all kittens love to chase fingers, hands, feet, and everything else. More than likely they will get older and become better within months. There is no such thing as bad kittens just bad owners. It just depends on how they raise the kittens. They shall be fine.

Answer 3

If the kittens are not around people too often, they will not get used to them.  It's easier to let them adjust as kittens vs. adults.  

I would think that once they are full grown, it will be harder to tame them, just as you stated about the mother.  She's not letting you pick her up to take her to the vet.  If the mom and kittens were in the house and with you more often, they would be more friendly and affectionate toward humans.  

I don't think it matters where they were born, but how much interaction they have with you and other people after they are born.

Answer 4

They are feral if they are outdoor cats. You need to get momma spayed as soon as possible, there is too many unwanted kittens in the world.  Ok, now to your question - indoor cats are happier, healthier and live on average 6-10 years longer on average than an outdoor cat.  The medical bill are significantly lower.  When a cat is outside, it may get hit by a car, tortured by kids/adults, poisoned, attacked by other animals and contract diseases.  

Feral cats are usually not as friendly as indoor cats because they are on guard for predators, and know that everything is a predator to them.  Indoor cats are much more loving and secure.  This is just my opinion.

Answer 5

Chances are, it's not because they were born outside, but more because they weren't tamed. Did you play with them when they were younger? Let them get used to your scent.

When played with, outdoor cats can be every bit as friendly as indoor cats, though they *may* live a shorter life. Just have some fun with these kittens, play with them, they should become tame.

Answer 6

Yes, find them homes at 8 weeks old, not younger and they will acclimate to being house cats with no problems. Make sure that they get their first vaccinations to ward of any infections or diseases as they are extremely susceptible at this age along with being outdoors.

The mother cat will get pregnant right away, so you will need to catch her and have her spayed. Call the vet and inquire how soon this can be done or you will have another litter shortly.

Answer 7

yes they are but you can change that by having them indoor and showing your love for them.

Answer 8

Outdoor kittens can be very wild; however, it is the environment they are used too. Two of my three were so wild when I got them that I had to corner them and sack them in a pillow case to catch them....Now, they are both the biggest momma's boys you can imagine. Just like any animal, it takes lots of consistent human interaction to insure the "cuddle kitty" tempermant; however, some cats....they just never come around, or they do; but in their own way. The kittens should be fine in homes; especially if you place them early. They will be fine; and also I would suggest that you talk to your local shelter or vet and see if he can offers some sort of discount or recommend a location where they do sp/nu. Most towns have this option. Good luck and just keep interacting with them....Lots of love is all they need!