Taming Feral Cats - Adult and Kittens

Taming an adult and feral kittens can be achieved provided the trainer has time, patience and a thorough understanding of feral cat behavior.  The trainer should have both skill and experience in handling feral cats as they are not like domesticated cats. 

  

I take time to gradually tame the feral cat.  I respect the cat and allow them to bond with me when they are ready.   Normally it is 30 to 60 days for a weaned kitten, and 1 to 2 years for a adult feral cat to be fully tamed.  I am someone who has the time to allow the feral cat to trust me . Of course this method is not for everyone, but for those who have time to wait it is well worth the effort.  

I tame  feral cats by confining them to a small room, with a window, an open crate with soft cuddle bed.  The crate is covered with a blanket and is the feral cats safe room.  There is food and water and a litter box.  I do not allow the cats free feeding, instead they eat twice a day.  I take the bowl away when they are finished. I train them to acknowledge me and to need me for their food.


Feral cats are terrified of humans and will spit, hiss and show their claws.  They do this in defense.  I take no offense to the cat when they show there outward aggressive nature.  I go about my business of reading a book or looking at a magazine.  I let the cat be for a week to get accustomed to being indoors, and being in the company of a human. The cats will hide, come out to eat and hiss then go back to hide.  Within 7 to 10 days the feral cat is curious and will come out of hiding cautiously.  The cats think of me as a predator, but in time they learn that I am not going to hurt him.

When you decide to adopt a feral kitten contact your veterinarian and let them know your plans.  Find out if they accept feral or untamed cats. Some veterinarians do not care for feral cats, if this is the case you would then contact your local cat network to inquire about a veterinarian in your area that will exam, treat and spay or neuter a feral cat.

I believe in using cat crates only to provide the cats with a safe place.  The door of the crate is always opened and the cat is free to come and go.  However the training room’s door is always closed during the taming of feral cat.  I set the crate up with a soft bed.  The bed is warm and provides the cat with a place to hide.  There is food and water in the crate; and the litter box is in the crate for a few days.  When it is time to clean the box I will remove it from the crate, clean and leave it 3 feet from the crate.  I move the box to draw the cat out of the crate. The feral cat will need to walk close to me  and exposure to human is good.

The feral cat safe room is off limits to other family members and pets.  The cat trainer is the only person to enter the room until the bonding process is completed.

Dress appropriately when you enter the feral cat’s room.  I wear long sleeve shirt, loose fitted pants, shoes and socks.  I have never worn gloves…but I recommend them to others.

Keep a safe distance from the cat.  Many people do not make eye contact with the cat.  I do not make eye contact of the first couple of days but by the end of the week I will make eye contact with the cat and I do speak to the cat with a soft voice. I move very slowly in the cat room as I do not want to startle the cat or frighten.  The feral cat will hide and that is fine. The cat can smell me and they can hear me.

Don’t expect the feral cat to reach certain goals.  If the cat wants to hide  for longer than a week, let the cat be.  Just sit in the room every day for a few hours, do your work or read a book.  Socializing a feral cat takes time, patience and love.

Respect the feral cat.  Do not approach the cat; do not attempt to pet the cat.  Allow the cat time to bond with you.  

When taming a feral cat I will use products to put the cat at ease; I will spray the cats training room and their bed with Feliway ORMD-D Behavior Modifier.  This modifier emits a synthetic cop of your cat’s natural facial pheromone.  Feliway comfort zone is effective in preventing the cat from marking their territory and it helps to prevent the cat from feeling anxious.   


It is okay for the feral cat to hide, the cat is terrified of you so let the cat be.  Allow the cat to rest.  I always spend time with the cat on their first day.  I will sit in the room and read a book.  I do not interact with the feral cats by approaching the cat.  I just sit on a chair with the back against a wall and read a book.


Here are some photographs of feral cats that I have trapped, tamed and adopted into forever homes.

Caring for Cat after Miscarriage

Care for your cat after the miscarriage by setting up a safe room.  This room should be a small room like an office or a guest bathroom. The room will allow the cat privacy in a tranquil setting without the worry of being chased by the family dog or in a room with family activity.  Now is the time for her to heal and to do that she will need some privacy.  If you do not have other animals it is still wise to keep the cat quite and to confine them so that there is no climbing or jumping excessively.  The cat that has had a miscarriage needs to rest and regain their strength.

Set up the safe room to have a cat bed, litter box and food and water and a cat scratching post.    You can also add optional items like a window seat.  Keep the safe room thermostat at a comfortable setting as you do not want the cat to be too cold or too hot. For the next five weeks your cat will need rest and relaxation with no stress.

You can help her with the healing process by attending to her needs; keep her litter box clean, her bedding clean and disinfect her safe room with a vinegar and water cleanser. After a miscarriage the cat is weak and it is easy for her to get sick.  Take steps to rid the room of germs.  Before you enter the playroom wash your hands with antibacterial soap and take off your shoes.

Feed your cat a high quality canned cat food as this food will help to keep her hydrated and always give her fresh clean water.  

Spend time quality time with the cat by holding her, petting her and talking to her softly.  Never be aggressive with her and do not speak loudly. Keep with the routine and avoid change. Your cat will feel stress if you put her in another room or if you avoid visiting her.  A nurturing lifestyle is needed to help your cat heal after a miscarriage.

Tips:

Care for your cat after their miscarriage by cleaning them.  Watch your cat for the first 24 hours for any discharge of blood.  Report to your veterinarian if there is a discharge as this may be sign that there may be  kittens remaining.  If that is the case your cat will need emergency veterinarian care. (Light spotting 24 hours after the miscarriage is normal.)

Communicate with your veterinarian by informing them of the cat miscarriage. Ask your veterinarian for specific instructions.  The veterinarian may want to examine your cat, if so take your cat in for medical care.

Plan on getting the cat spayed in four to five weeks or when your veterinarian tells you it is safe.

Monitor the visitors, by supervising young children; allow them to hold and to pet the cat gently.  Keep all other household pets away from the cat as she may feel anxious or feel stress.  

Do not allow the cat to go outdoors.  A cat that has had a miscarriage will go into heat a few days after miscarriage.  Now is not the time to breed her.  Now is the time for your cat to heal and to get healthy.