LOL!

Well, how about you calmy talk to two of them and the other two you pin down and make them like you. Then we can see who's idea is the best!
Tee heee heeee!

BTW, Ce, I'm glad that your daughter is ok and that there is a friendly way to resolve the problem in your village!

Emily

that is what I would do...just sit and offer tempting treats...where they can get a whiff...or a little dolphin free tuna...or sardines...just sorta lay it by where they are peeking out..and then a tiny trail to a few feet from where you are....it will take some days ..but when they are comfortable with your sitting close by.(move slowly and calmly in all your gesters)..and munching your food gifts...don't look right at them just glance over them smiling ..and soft talk...I find a word that fascinates most heartbeats..birds...pupsters and meows..even a bunny we raised..and a couple of raccoons, is a very soft dragged out ...awe-e-e-e...let them hear your voice always softly...inch the food and treats closer...maybe even a catnip mouse or foil ball..something to get their curiousity going...if they in time do come to where you are...don't pick them up ..put your hand down palm up..and let them sniff ..and examine it..then Palm down...don't let them bite...this could take a few weeks...litle by little you may be able to stroke them never from the top...at first..they well leap and get skiddish...
i must tell you feral cats are very difficult to tame...but I have indeed seen it happen...sometimes using the method I just explained..and a few times.. by just grabbing them babies..and bringing them in the house.. and feeding them..and little by little touching them...touch is so important at the youngest age...but also the hardest thing to offer feral kitties...blessings and good luck..and I hope this helps...if I think of anything else I'll let you know...prayers for the little ones..and you ...ce

I would go to my Grandmother's house in Iowa for a few weeks in the summer. She had a "wild" cat that she fed and had a litter box for named Fluffy. Well, Fluffy was old faithful and had kittens every time I went up there and they were about 6 weeks by that time. They were never held or anything so they were probably behaving much like the kitties you have now.

This might not be the best approach, but my sis and I would corner them when they were sleeping...oh god this doesn't sound very nice, but I was like 7 or so...and then we would hold them and pet them and love them and kiss them...and smother them with all of our "good lovin". Tee hee hee!

Next thing you know, the kitties were coming up to us and even wanting in the house to cuddle. My grandma had white carpet (who is the heck has white carpet?) so the kitties stayed outside until they all found homes.

And that is how you tame wild kitties, according to me

Emily

then run, I guess they don't quite trust me enough.

I know I don't like traps but might be last resort.

Now I think I will really make progress.

good going...smile...
and I agree that getting the mums trust first would be very helpful...however it has been my experience with ferals..that the mum may never trust you or even tolerate you..and you sometimes have to go for the kittens..or soon you have a flock of adult ferals....
...can't believe I forgot the blink...your good....smile...ce

nm

OOPS!

My neighbor and I are trying to tame two litters of kittens. We are making progress, but very slowly. The kittens are VERY skittish around us, but have finally stopped hissing. We get a little closer each day and we give them food and treats. The biggest help has been them seeing us petting other kitties in the neighborhood, then they figure out its ok. Good luck!

The kittens are nervous because mamma is. First you have to get her to trust you. That doesn't mean you have to be able to touch or pick her up. Cats don't tend to make friends rather they make strategic alliances. The thing to do is sit calmly on the ground near the mom and not say in anything look her way, slowly blink at her then turn you head away and look somewhere else. Preferably not at the kittens. The slow blink is only done by cats to each other when they trust that there is no danger. By doing it to her you are say that you know shes there and its alright. Laying down on the ground can help too. When she blinks back (it is something they do back to you as well) your on your way. The other things mentioned are good as well but its the mom you need to woo. Kittens will play with just about anyone or anything. The little dickens...
-Michael (amature cat behaviourist)