What is the best way to socialize 5 foster kittens?

Question

I just got 5 kittens from a rescue and I will be fostering them. First off they are super sketchy.. They were attacking each other over wet food, they hiss at people and are generally very scared and defensive. I want to make sure they turn into happy affectionate cats. What are some ways I can make them more comfortable? I also need to wash thier eyes a few have eye problems, so any advice that can help me do so without freaking them out too much would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Were they found as strays?  They might be feral.  It will take time to really connect with these fosters and help them.  It's great that you're here to help them.

First off, how old are they?  If they're younger then eight weeks, you have them in the right time.  If older, it will take time to help them socialize to people.

I suggest getting little paper plates (this is what I do with my foster kittens), and feeding each kitten on a separate plate.  If one tries to move to another's plate, put him back.  Eventually, they'll learn!  :-)  If all goes crazy, feed them one by one.  Take everyone out of the room except for one.  Or take one out of the room.  Or feed them in carriers.  

Hissing at people:  You need to gain their trust.  Sit quietly in the room for as long as you can everyday- perhaps on a laptop or something.  Soon they'll see that people are nothing to be afraid of.  Then start talking quietly to them, maybe petting them a little bit.  Offer your love and care with food.  Once they see that you are the food person, you'll be accepted.  

Scared and defensive:  Again, they need to gain your trust.

Good luck and I am glad other people foster cats, too!  I had to adopt out one of my three 11 week old kittens today and it broke my heart to do it, but I felt good about it, too.  He gave his first headbutt to me this morning.  That made me cry out of happiness!

Good luck!!!

Answer 2

One solution to socializing cats I've heard is to put them on opposite sides of closed doors.  They usually interact and get curious, so that when they finally meet...  I'm not sure that would work here though since they've already met and it'd be impossible with most room layouts in most houses to give each cat a room with a closed door between each other.  It might be worth a try still.  Maybe if you have pairs that already get along well with each other, you could pair them together in one room for each pair.

You could also try explaining to them the merits of wealth redistribution and the nationalization of industry.

Edit:  Well I think Follower Of The Cloud has me beat on this one.