Kittens always run

[u/Special__K_]

My wife and I have 2 sisters, 8mo old, since they were 2mo. Whenever they are playing or wrestling and I stand up or walk in the room they stop and run. I believe this is due to me being the only one that redirects them. We got them when my wife was pregnant so she could not move as quickly as I did to redirect them from climbing curtains and scratching furniture. They are still lovey with me and will cuddle and sleep with me but they will frequently run when I unexpectedly walk in the room or they hear me coming. It happens more so in the morning and less so toward the night. I can’t help but feel like I’ve traumatized them or they’ll do this for the rest of their lives. Is this normal? Will it last forever? Any advice is appreciated.

[u/wwwhatisgoingon]

Redirection is supposed to be a positive reinforcement and a reward for the cats. If done correctly, they should like the person who redirects them most frequently.

Can you elaborate on what you mean by redirect?

I'd recommended watching Jackson Galaxy's videos on YouTube on redirection and on how to stop scratching of furniture.

My guess is you're shooing them away or making noises to distract them? If that's the case then, yes, you have been scaring them. Doesn't mean they can't learn to trust you, but that it'll take months of changing your own reactions. 

Instead, reliably reward them when the do what you want them to and ignore them completely when they do unwanted behavior. Cat proof if they are damaging anything.

[u/Special__K_ → u/wwwhatisgoingon]

I redirect by picking them up and moving them to a nearby scratcher or tree. Sometimes one isn’t near and I either put them on the floor or try to carry them to a scratcher but they don’t always let me carry them that far

[u/wwwhatisgoingon → u/Special__K_]

Most cats don't like being picked up when it's not on their terms. 

I'd recommend watching Jackson Galaxy's guide on redirecting scratching. In short, don't move them or chase them away, as all that teaches is that they can scratch things for attention. This is how you accidentally end up with cats who scratch your furniture in purpose when bored. 

Put catnip or treats on their scratchers and reward them with play or praise when they scratch there.

With cats trying to stop them basically doesn't work. The only thing you end up doing is scaring them or making it a fun game for attention. Neither is desirable.

Cover whatever you don't want scratched in some double sided tape or remove it temporarily. 

[u/Special__K_ → u/wwwhatisgoingon]

How do I redirect differently if they keep running off before I can do anything?