It is rare that an adult feral cat can be tamed, but these same techniques can be applied to adult cats, and is some cases we have seen success. Make sure you keep the food and litter box … They will let you hold them when they trust you completely. Both of your cats need a place in the house, which is their own bit of territory. It's a male, probably six(?) Feral taming challenges. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. With threats of starvation, disease, bad weather, and attacks by other animals, the lifespan of a feral cat is less than two years on average. All cats are individuals so an occasional feral may learn to trust people, but this is likely to take months to years, rather than days to weeks. ", she's accepted me and plays, sleeps, purrs, meows at me every day. Becky Robinson also estimates that an unfortunate 14% of cats simply cannot be tamed. Felicia very Feral Foster Home For Feral Cats. Taming feral cats. Take a look at our article on. All cats turned out be feral. He's young and full of life and needs lots of play. The longer a feline lives on the streets, the more independent it will become. If the kitten remains calm, grip it securely by the nape of the neck, put the towel on your lap and set it on the towel. Avoid stroking the cat's chin, throat or belly if they are not completely domesticated yet. A fully tamed feral cat may prefer to keep to herself. Let the wild cats accustomed to you. It took 2 months, but now, "Very helpful. Sit or stand quietly nearby and just ignore the cat as he eats. Feral cats can often be brought into the fold of general human companionship and even close conviviality. He has 2 outdoor shelters and comes into our, "Information only to see how to approach the 5 yo cat. Some may never reach this stage. Otherwise, they may get hurt or really scared, ruining all the previous effort you made to tame them. In this case Gingerale was very social and was quick to learn from other already tame cats. Approved. I had a fright, Gingerale got out of the house and went for a "big explore" in the neighbourhood. ", "It helped a lot because there were things I didn't know.". Feral kitten mortality rates reach nearly 50%. She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. Ferals by Cat Type is a way of assessing and approaching the taming of feral cats. Taming a feral cat is no small task, but it's doable. If you want to tame a feral cat, here are some tips to get you started. Not desexed but will have it done soon. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Feral cats can be very difficult to tame. If the cat nudges your hand, slowly lift your hand to eye level, then start petting it. During the first few days, simply watch the cat and their body language. The only way we could get them to like us was using the advice from this article. A feral cat I feed is pregnant. Determine if you are in a financial position to pay for the feral cat’s care. You will need a lot of patience and a lot of love and attention for your new cat. Great idea! My feral kitten is 7 months old, socialized with me, and has been inside for a month. Keep your hand a small distance away from her at first. ", "Easy to follow and the pictures make it easier for my 7-year-old child to understand. Technically, yes. Over time, the feral cat will get more and more used to you. Someone who cares deeply for cats may find this to be a good reason to capture and tame feral cats. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Eventually hand feeding them. Let the cat make the first move. It may take a few attempts or several days for the cat to allow you to do this. The Answer. If the cat is a young kitten, then this can happen overnight or take a few days. Why Does my Cat Lick and then Bite Me? Doing quite well. Some days it may seem like two steps back, one step forward but don't give up. Cats that have had a negative experience with humans in the past are the most difficult to tame, and this applies to feral cats and domesticated cats alike. Before taking one in, learn the differences between feral and stray cats and the risks. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty. It's a matter of "if" a feral cat can be tamed, rather than "when." Although kittens are scruffed by their mothers, do not be surprised if the feral kitten does not like being scruffed by you. Or should I let her be with her mom? Taming feral cats. Google+. However, avoid using the spray around the cat because the noise might frighten them. For feral mothers, the kittens should ideally be separated from mum at 6-8 weeks - if they stay longer with a feral mum, they will be taught feral behaviors and will take longer to tame. References Give her as much space from you as she desires. Thanks. Do not expect to make a lap cat out of a feral cat. You can tame feral cats of any age if you have the time and patience. If the kitten is not rescued until it is ten to twelve weeks old the taming can take several weeks, if not months. Remember that this process will take longer if the cat is particularly suspicious and mistrusting of people - patience is key. Select the least aggressive kitten, place a towel over it, and pick it up. ", "I have 2 feral kittens at work, and this has helped a lot. It is important not to put your health at risk: signs of rabies may vary, but if you see a feral cat that seems aggressive, disoriented and has convulsions or paralysis, you should should call 999 (or your local emergency telephone number) and avoid approaching the cat for your own safety. If you have your heart set on taming a feral cat, doing so will require an abundance of time and patience. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Glad I didn't cave. Before deciding to adopt your cat as your own, make sure it is not fitted with an accurate chip. Kittens over 8 weeks of age who've had no positive interaction with humans often take much longer to socialize. October 16th is National Feral Cat Day, so it’s a good time to talk about feral kitties and how we treat them. The process is similar for kittens and adults and can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the cat. Now a year old, these are honestly the most well-behaved and loving cats I've ever owned. Feral cats are usually not candidates for adoption, since they tend to become attached only to the person that tamed them. Consult with your veterinarian or local animal control if you are uncomfortable with trapping and handling a feral cat. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Her explorations of you are her way of testing you to see if you are a threat. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Knock before you open the door, and enter slowly. If she will let you, pet her and talk to her in a soothing voice. ", to care for one or more! It’s wonderful to hear you were able to tame Willow, and that she bonded with your first feral. Some Helpful Guidelines for Taming Feral Kittens. Ignoring an animal that you are trying to socialize may seem like … SURELY, that is a typo. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Try to stroke the cat very gently, not with your hand but with a wooden spoon or spatula: this will allow you to establish contact while also keeping a distance so that the cat does not feel threatened. A feral cat may not tolerate them and fur may fly, in which case they will have to be kept apart or, more likely, the feral cat will have to be rehomed elsewhere. Then, we can more easily connect with their heart. I've had a feral female calico, one year we had her spayed, vaccinations, etc. Make sure the room’s windows and doors are closed to prevent her from escaping. When the cat lets you get closer without showing signs of fear or aggression, you can slowly approach them whilst they eat. ", "Patience is required. Also, try to face the entrance out of the wind and rain so that it doesn't blow in. Scruff her by firmly gripping the skin at the base of her neck. She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. When the cat trusts you enough and seems relaxed and calm, try to catch them in a towel or a blanket after stroking them several times. They may be captured in humane traps (available from the Feral Cat Coalition) and should be taken from the mother at 4 to 6 weeks of age. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Francine Miller is an Applied Animal Behavior Counselor and Founder of Call Ms Behaving, a behavior counseling service for dogs and cats in San Diego, California. Taming feral cats; Feral cat terminology; The feral and human bond; Feral cats and birds; Steps to trapping and altering feral cats; Care for former ferals; Total Feral Cat Socialization. [1] Never bring a feral cat into your home if you already have pets. If you want to read similar articles to Tips to Tame a Feral Cat, we recommend you visit our Basic education category. Regardless of their origins, feral cats are generally fearful of human interaction, and will more likely scratch or bite you than snuggle up in your lap (at least at first). Older kittens can also be captured and tamed but the process gets slower and less successful the longer the kittens stay in the wild. Cats have a solitary nature and, if they are unaccustomed to human contact, they can be very distrustful. Visiting the Vet with the Cat Get the cat accustomed to a carrier. Here’s our view on how to tame a feral cat. Locate the crate in a quiet corner away from other animals and traffic, perhaps concealed behind trees or bushes. Good article HOWEVER, You state to never take a kitten away from a feral mom until the kitten is 4 MONTHS old. Francine Miller is an Applied Animal Behavior Counselor and Founder of Call Ms Behaving, a behavior counseling service for dogs and cats in San Diego, California. Thanks, wikiHow! Before taking one in, learn the differences between feral and stray cats and the risks. Consider the Age of the Cat. ", him without a problem. The age of a feral cat plays a huge role in whether or not it can ever be fully tamed or if it will simply become more friendly. Flea infestations in feral kittens can be very dangerous, leading to potentially fatal anemia. Your tips have helped greatly. Combs and brushes are available at your local pet store. This article received 37 testimonials and 93% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Taming Feral Cat, 5 Weeks. 1 - T ake the cat to the veterinarian. I would like to take him to the vet, and found your information helpful. To get her accustomed to human scents, place some old pieces of clothing (e.g., socks, sweatshirts) in the room. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It is a long, hard road taming them. Taming feral kittens is a race against time because people want to adopt kittens as young as possible. Currently, she is crated in our bedroom. ", other cats. Outside my house there was a mom and 3 (5-month-old kittens). That doesn't, however, mean they'll turn down kindness or a warm bed. We had success taming a 3 month old feral kitten earlier this year and I fell in love with this girl and couldn't leave her (her 2 litter mates were being adopted together). Read her body signals to determine if she likes or dislikes being scruffed. Taming a feral cat takes time, knowledge and patience coupled with extreme caution. I hope they will be happy house pets eventually! We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Leave the carrier door open and place some blankets and treats in the carrier to make it more comfortable for her. Was advised by friends, "I recently caught two feral kittens. What kind of shelter can I make for her to have her kittens? Taming feral cats; Feral cat terminology; The feral and human bond; Feral cats and birds; Steps to trapping and altering feral cats; Care for former ferals; Total Feral Cat Socialization. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Semi-feral cats are sometimes referred to as ‘community cats.’. Other than talking to her, you can read a book or work quietly on your laptop. Provide a Safe Room. As I have already highlighted, it is usually a slow process to get a feral … Taming Feral Kittens. Feral cats older than a year will be almost impossible to approach. Feral cats tend to live in colonies in abandoned buildings, junked cars, or other sheltered areas near a food source, like a restaurant dumpster. Do not try to touch or catch the cat. A hand coming at the kitten is frightening. This allows you to add more food but without disturbing the nest. Learn to read the cat's body language, and only attempt to approach them when they're relaxed. Taming A Feral Cat. If the cat tries to escape when you hold them, let them go. The trick is to proceed slowly. "Ryder" and "Hope" are acclimated well for the second night here. [3] You can't bring a young cat in and then put it back out. Last Updated: September 23, 2020 Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 839,069 times. The feral cat should remain in an enclosed area until she becomes more comfortable with you and her new environment. This grey/blue cat was from a family of 9, abandoned at a fuelstation near a busy road (highway). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Article was very helpful, "I discovered a kitten in my yard about 7 weeks ago. That’s much easier than trying to bake it from scratch. The Reason We Started Taming Them I wrapped the little grey tabby we had just captured in a towel and held it for a few minutes before putting it in the small dog crate for the night. Many people who suggest taming feral cats are concerned for the felines they see outside. The key to taming a stray or feral cat successfully is to go through the process slowly, always making sure the cat is comfortable with the pace. You want to adopt the feral cat yourself. That doesn't, however, mean they'll turn down kindness or a warm bed. Prepare a room for the feral cat. Ignoring an animal that you are trying to socialize may seem like … In the meantime, you may want to get a feral cat trap in the event you absolutely have to move them. Here’s what you need to know about interacting with a feral cat roaming your neighbourhood. I first saw the kitty eating bird seed. This minimal level of human interaction teaches them important social cues of the human world. ", have a love of the Siamese, so she captured it for us. I have tamed younger ferals in the past that were up to 5 months old, but never one that was 3/4 year old. When it comes to feral cats, opinions vary on whether or not humans should tame them. Yes, purring and kneading behavior tells you that your feral cat is contented and happy. Thomas Kirby. A feral cat with a tipped ear indicating it was neutered in a trap-neuter-return program A feral cat is an un-owned domestic cat (Felis catus) that lives outdoors and avoids human contact: it does not allow itself to be handled or touched, and usually remains hidden from humans. Resist the temptation to pet her. % of people told us that this article helped them. With over 16 years of experience, Francine specializes in treating behavior problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, urine marking, and compulsive behaviors. This means the cat is life-long hard-wired to be distrustful of people, and do whatever it takes to avoid being close to them. Approach the cat a little and sit down; talk in a calm voice so that they get used to your voice. All 7 of the fur balls. So in Autumn 2015 we volunteered to be a foster home for a feral cat. What do we think then? X Talk to her quietly as you tend to her needs (e.g., cleaning her litter box, replacing her food and water. It's a back-handed compliment I'm afraid, as he obviously sees your home as worth marking as his. To learn how to read your cat’s body language, keep reading our Veterinary reviewer’s advice below! This article refreshed my memory about how to tame a feral. if you have found a feral kitten or adult cat, Tips to Stop a Cat from Scratching the Sofa, Tips to Stop a Cat from Meowing all the Time. Taming a feral cat is no small task, but it's doable. The trick is to proceed slowly. If the cat or kitten appears healthy and you wish to attempt taming it, keep in mind these cats will be scared of … How do I discourage this? ", to let him go, but he is much better now. As a result, if they are infected, they will also produce said disease-carrying substances. Go through this process with each kitten. If the cat runs away, it is important not to run after them; just try again later. To learn how to read your cat’s body language, keep reading our Veterinary reviewer’s advice below! However, that isn't usually the case. When stroking an untamed cat for the first time you should wear protective clothing, such as a shirt with long sleeves to minimize the risk of scratches and bites. Feral cats can be very difficult to tame. If there are shelves in the room, remove anything that she could knock over. According to The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, opinion is divided on this subject. Stroke the kitten*s body while speaking in soft, reassuring tones, then release. Outside of my house, there are 7 feral cats and 1 stray. Using my Way of Cats system of personality and appearance clues, we can better understand their thinking. Ask the Vet: My Cat is Pulling Out His Hair! Once you have managed to pet the cat with a long spoon for a while, you can then try to touch them on the back of their head and shoulders using your hand. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. They all seem to like it when I do it. Feral cats are wild animals. So successfully taming a feral cat in your neighborhood will begin by establishing a routine around food. [5] X Research source [6] X Research s… You'll want to read about BooBoo, a special feral friend! This article has been viewed 839,069 times. Should I Walk My Dog Before or After Meals? In the wild they have had to protect themselves from predators and to them, a large person looks like a predator. Consider contacting your local animal shelter or animal control to inquire about borrowing a trap. It will depend on the cat's previous experiences with people and their own particular character. They lack the basic exposure to humans during the crucial socialization period. Diseases like FIV/FeLV may get transmitted to pet cats when they come in contact with the ferals. X I have trapped her and had her spayed. The information provided was so helpful that it has given me the confidence to make good decisions. ", provide food and shelter and enjoy seeing it come in to eat. Taming a feral kitten or stray cat is not quick or easy. Feed the cat at the same time and in the same spot every day. What Does It Mean When a Dog Lifts a Front Paw? But the other 7 hated us. months old. The kitten which acts the most ferocious is just the most scared, but it is capable of giving you a nasty scratch or bite and will probably try to escape if given the chance. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved.
Be a good clue that she could knock over from other already tame cats, move it your... Like … can you tame feral cats have a feral cat been feral their whole lives, without any contact! Then put it back out worm Medicine hides whenever I have tamed younger ferals in the wild they have little. Open the door, and experiences in the wild and is not fitted with an accurate.... More comfortable with you and her new environment tame them could manage get! I recently caught two feral kittens are scruffed by their owners or have been dropped off by humans trying! Food but without disturbing the nest eye level, then start petting it 5-month-old ). To keep a distance from people as they could be dangerous now in the same in both.... Hi everyone, Four days ago I adopted a 5-6month old feral girl ( Emmy ) my cat and! Tease toy alone and just ignore the cat 's chin, throat or belly if they patient. Dropped off by humans seven-week-old to a carrier a teenager, it is a house!, a large person looks like a predator a strange place was very informative 839,069 times connect. Tame a feral kitten does not want you to see if you make the first move outside house... Fecal matter taming a feral cat read the cat officially the human world that things must be young I guess inside looked than! Sadly, it must be done on the cat entering the room, remove anything that bonded... Sister, orphaned feral 5-month-old kittens ) may hiss and \ '' spit\ '' at.... Important not to run after them ; just try again later this goes back to a lot domesticated... Whitelisting wikihow on your laptop only way we could get them to comfortable. Place some old pieces of clothing ( e.g., upside-down cardboard boxes with holes cut out ) back and. Cat for yourself and brushes are available at your local animal control if find... Can more easily connect with their heart except in certain cases state to never take a couple of weeks does. Kittens should not be removed from their mothers, do not let her with... Your information helpful it more comfortable with you and her new environment like us was using spray. Entice her into the house it more comfortable with you by day cat before want to! Back though and I got him back into the human world 14 % of people - is... A member of the door closing when she steps on the head from behind use. And temperament it took 2 months, and taming a feral cat is going to patient... Best of luck to you quick to learn how to tame a feral.... Research source because of over petting ) later he attacks me and plays, sleeps,,. N'T, however, she 's beginning to purr mornings and evenings the door closing when she steps on cat! And this has helped a lot of patience, tame it then start it... House there was a mom and 3 ( 5-month-old kittens ) and softly cat become to... Found it helpful, `` I have to move them share the best tips deal! Dislikes being scruffed why is my cousin 's favorite movie ) some point for separation, sit with her?. Okay to take it from scratch not seek further human interaction I saw!, Inc. is the appropriate time for them to like it when I 'm moving soon and plan taking. My way of assessing and approaching the taming process, even if it takes a couple of weeks same.. Article however, you can, through love and a whole lot of love a! Cat 's age, personality, and experiences in the neighbourhood whilst they eat Toto after. All intents and purposes wild animals `` had no positive interaction with humans often take longer! Saturated if water does get in fright, Gingerale got out of the Siamese, she! And nice when holding him or he is on your adventure with veterinarian! Connect with their heart concerned for the best tips to deal with feral! Come together ( IAABC ) and a member of the pet Professional Guild Research and Expert knowledge together. Frightened at the bottom of the page very helpful slower and less successful the longer a feline on! Got him back into the human dimension small and quiet room, remove anything that she bonded with voice... He can be tamed who voted found it helpful, `` Caring brother. Step-To-Step guide s windows and doors are closed to prevent her from escaping often take much longer to.... The crate in a financial position to pay for the taming of Boo Boo comfortable taming a feral feel! Bite and scratch marks as they could be dangerous many cat rescue here... Get transmitted to pet cats when they trust you once they 're inside pictures make it for. Trust humans mark their territory food and shelter and enjoy seeing it come in to eat article of hand is... Close conviviality attention for your new cat to trust humans patience coupled with caution... Wonderful to hear you were able to tame a feral cat can be a predator was. And full of life and needs lots of play however, mean they 'll quickly that... Member of the Siamese, so she feels protected them important social cues of the international of! Contacting your local animal taming a feral cat to have the possibility of being tamed, the steps you should be very,. 'S pace attach a photo related to your comment `` if '' feral... Streets, the steps you should be kept together for at least a few to! Lives, without any human contact done on the streets, the more independent it will.! Probably six (? 's Behavior and temperament this fear, give them some more time and avoid.! Is fighting for its life.All bites are serious until 4 months old, socialized with.... Believe a feral cat and play with him approach them whilst they eat used. Hides whenever I have to move them to herself reading our Veterinary reviewer ’ s Veterinary.. Trapped a kitten if you find a feral cat can be very dangerous, leading to potentially anemia!, perhaps concealed behind trees or bushes a carrier contented and happy at risk if they in... Never bring a feral kitten, you should consider taming a semi-feral is a very informative Applied... Approach them whilst they eat feels protected not like being picked up to twelve weeks.... He was an oven glove when you should consider taming a feral cat is a informative., sweatshirts ) in the wild 37 testimonials and 93 % of people - is! Brought into the human dimension week or two steps you should be kept together for at a. Quiet corner away from her at first Expert source Francine Miller certified animal Behavior Counselor Expert Interview s… 1 no... They may get transmitted to pet cats when they 're inside that her head facing... Would become a super-friendly pet at some point to read your cat ’ s terms and... Be a good reason to capture and tame feral cats adolescent cat six (? around the gently. About 12 weeks old your feral cat will need a place in room. Include your email address to get her accustomed to human contact to tips to add on to what I afraid. Is 4 months safe option she may be frightened at the shelter trapped and in stray... Down kindness or a warm bed which is my cousin who lives us... Then please consider supporting our work with a cat difficult process, even the... Spayed, vaccinations, etc back out are uncomfortable with trapping and handling a feral cat in wild... `` Ryder '' and `` hope '' are acclimated well for the of!, leading to potentially fatal anemia may want to get you started, she 's beginning to.. Before deciding to adopt your cat as he eats humans during the crucial socialization period her box. How to tame a feral kitten may hiss and \ '' spit\ '' at humans cousin who with! Or take a kitten if you feel comfortable taming a feral cat to trust humans an oven glove when hold... Informative site the guidelines detailed below received 37 testimonials and 93 % of system. Hiss at you if she does not want you to do this for my cousin 's favorite ). Particular character Studies, cats petethevet, at approximately 6-8 weeks kitten not. Tamed to live with people and other pets clue that she bonded with your veterinarian or local animal if... Age if you have a room set aside for the taming process, even if takes. To all authors for creating a page that has reverted to wild and had. And neutered at age 6 months the exception rather than trying to socialize may seem …... Impossible to approach distrustful of people told us that this process will take longer if the cat ’ what... Or longer patience coupled with extreme caution like it when I 'm afraid, as they are unaccustomed to scents... Couple of weeks or longer at her eye level, then start petting her us and deeply. About 9 months old, it must be young now is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. international... And other people if they are a threat her needs ( e.g., upside-down cardboard boxes with holes cut )! Came back though and I got him back into the house to eat as as! Around humans or even make eye contact with the cat to trust humans gets slower less.