Socializing Tips for Feral Kittens

Socializing a feral kitten is easier than an adult cat however the taming process does take time. In order to be successful the trainer must remain calm and provide the cat with positive energy. 

Charlie and Notti are feral kittens that were rescued when their mother was injured and we needed to take her in for emergency care.  The two kittens suffered from being separated from their mother.  When our veterinarian examined the kittens he advised me to release them because he found them too be too wild. 

I do not always do what I am told and did not give up on the feral kittens, even thought the socializing period was traumatic.  The kittens had not been weaned and we had to trap and cage them to feed them. 

The kittens did not like being handled by a human and they spit out the formula.  Along with their behavior issues they were both crying loudly for their mother.   

Both kittens showed improvement within a few days as they did not fight us when my husband and I tried to feed them. They were dependent upon us and were adjusting to their new surroundings even thought they were still a little scared.

Socializing Progress Report:

The feral kittens are dependent upon me and are getting friendlier.  The orange tabby kitten that I call Charlie has shown me some affection; sits on my desk and watches me while I work on the computer.  Sometimes he will tap my hand with his paw before running to hide behind the trashcan.  Notti will walk close to me and rub her head on my leg. 

6 week old kittens playing/ Notti on top

Both kittens were introduced to small catnip toys and a cat scratcher.  The toys enabled me to interact with the kittens and to build a stronger bond of trust.

Communicating With Feral Cat

Feral cats are terrified of humans and thus communicating with them must be on their terms.  The best way to communicate with a wild cat  is to understand and respect the animal and then take time to allow the cat to trust you.

The feral is an animal that has been born outdoors and has no contact with humans.  When a human crosses into the feral cat's territory the cat will react in defense by hissing, snarling and in some cases, they will show you their claws.  In cat terminology, this means " I am afraid of you please stop and do not come any closer"  or " I have kittens close by and I must protect them from all predators."  The feral cat is not viscous they are merely trying to protect themselves.

I have been caring for a feral cat colony since 1999 and in that time I have come in contact with many feral cats.  In my observations at the colony, all cats get along when the energy is positive but when a cat displays a negative or nervous behavior then all of the colony cats are on edge.

In my studies of the feral cat, I have found that they are welcome to other animals into the colony as long as the animal comes in peace and is not threatening.    A perfect example of this is a raccoon kit that was observed sleeping with feral kittens.  I have observed firsthand feral cats and raccoons living in the same territory in peace and harmony.

A human to a feral cat is a predator and is not to be trusted.  Most humans when they approached a feral cat are abrupt, children run toward the cat, humans talk loudly and body language is not calm.  The feral cat detects that the human is threatening.

Here are some ways to communicate with a feral cat.

Take steps to communicate with the feral cat by allowing the cat to become accustomed to your scent and your energy.  Achieve this friendship by bringing the cat food and water to a feeding station. 

Set up the food at a safe distance.  If the cat’s colony is 50 feet away then walk slowly to 25 feet and set up a feeding station.  You may not view cats in the area however they are well aware of your presence and watching you from afar.   Put down the food and step back 25 feet and sit calmly and quietly.  While you are sitting you may read a book, but you may not text or talk on the phone, cats hear very well and they prefer only sounds that they are accustomed to.

It takes time for a feral cat to approach the food station. When the cats come out of hiding and approach the food station do not make direct eye contact as the feral cat will view this as hostile.  Look at them indirectly and keep your body calm. Any excitement or rise in your body temperature will communicate a threat to the feral cat.

It is helpful to think of situations where you are petting the feral cat and talking to the cat softly.  Think that the cat is purring and is showing you that they like you petting them. These thoughts will project positive energy which will comfort a feral cat.

Tips

Repeat these steps daily but instead of moving away 25 feet from the feeding station, move one foot closer to the cat each day.  By doing this you are communicating with the cat that you come in peace and that you will not hurt them. 

The feral cat accepts you by eating the food that you bring to them.   Your calm and caring energy will communicate with the feral cat and in time they will trust and depend on you.

Remove the food bowl after the cat leaves.  Approach the feeding station slowly with your eyes looking toward the ground. Feed the feral cats daily at the same time.   Feed them when it's raining, snowing, all-weather at the same time daily.

Warning: If you are too close to the cat they will like hiss at you. This is the cat communicating to you that you are not at a safe distance.  Move back slowly four or five feet and sit calmly.  If the cat hisses or snarls at you then this communication is a warning and it is best that you move further away. 

You may take digital photographs with a zoom lens at a safe and non-threatening distance. Taking photographs of feral cats in the wild is enjoyable as it shows how loving and caring they are with each other in a colony setting.

Getting Home Ready for New Cat

 

You have adopted a new cat, it is wonderful news as you have saved a cats life.  Your life will now be filled with happiness and many smiles as owning a cat can be great fun.   

Before the fun and bonding period begins with your new cat there will be a period of adjustments.  

The adjustment period will last about a week and will allow your new cat to get acclimated to their new home, family members and other pets.  Follow these six steps to get your home and your family ready for your new cat. 

Step 1

Plan a family meeting to make sure that everyone understands the new cat house rules.  Your new cat will need time to get use to their new family and thus picking up, playing and distracting the cat is not wise.  Everyone should let the cat be and allow the cat to make the first move.  When the cat comes to you then pet them and talk to the new cat softly.  

Step 2

Buy cat products; litter box, natural pine litter, stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls, buy the same food that the cat has been eating and slowly mix in the new canned food.  Slowly wean them off their food so they do not get a stomach ache. 

You will also need sisal scratching post, catnip, cat toys, cat tree, cat bed, cat brush, comb, cat shampoo, dander wipes and nail clipper.  Another product I recommend is Feliway room diffuser, comfort zone and spray mood modifier.  For best prices on these items I recommend Chewy pet supplies at chewy.com

Step 3

Make the transition period easier on the new cat with Feliway room diffusers and spray modifier.  Plug the diffuser into your electrical outlet the formula will stimulate your cat’s natural pheromones to help the cat cope with the stress of a new home.  Spray carrier with mood modification by Feliway to help keep your new cat calm while being transported to your home

Step 4

Get your home ready for your new cat by getting down on your knees and looking at the hard surface floor or carpet for things that your cat may pick up, chew or swallow.  Look for safety pins, paper clips, nails, push pins, coins, small children's toys, paper, Styrofoam peanuts, pens, markers or pencils.  

Examine the floor closely for anything that may be harmful to your cat.  Remove medications from the counter and put in a cabinet.  Cleaning supplies and pesticides should be put away so the cat cannot investigate.

Step 5

Cats like to play with extension cords, lamp cords and loose wires.  I had a feral kitten that was fascinated with the printer wires.  He got hung up in them and I needed to act fast to free him.  

Loose wires are dangerous when it comes to a cat as they can quickly become tangled.  Run all ground level extension cords, or electronic wires through PVC pipes.  Put child safety caps on all electrical outlets.

Step 6

Set up a safe room for your new cat.  This room should be away from human traffic and other pets.  

For all new cats that come into my home I put them in an emptied out walk in closet.  It is the perfect size for a cat safe room.   With light overhead, there is ample space for the new cats needs.  Plus the space between the door and the floor  allows the new cat to smell the scent of the home, get used to the noises and sniff other pets.  

Here is a set that I designed to show one of my adopters what a cat-safe room would look like. I designed this set from products I found at chewy.com, polyvore.com Walmart.com, and Target.com

Furry Friends: Cat Safe/Play Room

If you do not have a spare room for your cat then buy a large cat cage.  The crate should have enough room for a litter box, food and water bowls and a cat bed. Amazon.com has a good sized cat cage that is approximately five feet tall, five kittens are comfortable and 2-3 small cats can reside in this cage in comfort. 

The room or cage will become the cats’ safe room. 

The new cat should stay in the safe room for 5 days.  Family members should visit with the cat.  They may talk to the cat softly and allow the cat to come to them to be petted.   

Tips:

Set up a daily routine; feed your cat at the same time, groom them and play with them.   By doing this the cat will bond with you and will learn to depend on you.

Buy the cat a breakaway collar and identification tag.  If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat then get microchip identification. Your veterinarian will surgically implant the microchip ID under the cat’s skin.  If your cat is lost and a breakaway collar is gone.  Your cat may be picked up by animal control and taken to a shelter.  The cat will be scanned for the microchip and you will be reunited with your pet.

Here is an identification tag that I designed.  I like it because of the bright colors and also because there is room for all of your pet's information. 

Hippie Tie Dye Personalized Pet Tag by FunkyAbstract_Gifts

Make an appointment for a new pet check-up with your veterinarian. If you have other cats it is best that your new cat go to veterinarian’s office before allowing cats to come in contact with each other.  

Related Cat Adoption Guide Posts by Sgolis

Adopting feral kitten first day in new Home

Introducing New Cat to Family Dog

Adoption Tips for Choosing a Healthy Cat
Setting up New Cat Room
Catching a Stray Kitten - How to