Taming Feral Cats

Steps for Taming Feral Cats

Taming feral cats is not an easy job. Kittens tend to be easier to tame, because they are younger and grow used to humans quicker. An adult cat that is wild can be a real challenge to tame, but it is still possible. The ease of taming a feral adult cat really depends on many factors, including the cat's temperament and the environment. However, there are some specific phases in the process.

Trap the Feral Cat

The first thing you must do is to trap the cat. There are several companies that offer traps specifically created for capturing a feral feline. The Tomahawk Live Trap is probably one of the easiest to use. A raccoon trap can be used as well.

Trip to the Vet

Take the cat to the vet and have him or her spayed or neutered, thoroughly checked for any stray cat diseases and vaccinated. Get this traumatic experience out of the way as soon as possible so that you can begin the taming process. Be sure to inform your vet that the cat is feral for the both the vet's and the cat's protection.

Confine the Cat

Once you return from the vet, confine your new cat to a cage. The cage should be big enough for food, water and a litter box, plus room leftover for the cat to move around. It is best that the cage be placed in a small, closed off room in the house to prevent additional stress to the cat.

In the wild, cats cover their feces with dirt so experts advise to mix the cat litter with a small amount of potting soil to make it more familiar. Once the cat begins using the litter box, you can stop adding the potting soil. Do not put any bedding or cloth in the cage because the cat may urinate on it instead of using the litter box. Clean the litter often. Cats are very clean creatures.

Once the cat begins to use the litter box, open the cage door and let the cat free in the confined room. Be sure there are no hiding places, such as open vents or ceiling tiles where the cat can hide. A wild cat will head for the nearest hiding spot and be impossible to coax out. Take some time to look at the room like a cat and make sure the area is truly cat-proofed and safe.

The Bonding Process

Once the cat seems to have settled into the room, it is time to begin bonding with the feral cat. Begin the process by speaking softly to the feline when you deliver food and water and scoop the litter box.

Next, simply sit in the room, allowing the cat to become used to your presence and investigate you. Once the cat seems receptive you can attempt to stroke the cat, but watch the cat's pupils carefully. If the pupils dilate, the cat may be getting ready to attack. Also, keep an eye on other body language that shows fear or irritation, such as flattened ears or a twitching tail. Your goal is to touch the cat gently on the head.

If the cat begins to show fear, back off immediately. Some cats will respond quicker than others so you'll have to take your time, watch the cat closely and use your best judgment on when to pet or back away.

You may also want to leave a sweater or bath towel with your scent on it so the cat can grow used to your smell. If the cat is particularly resistant and repeatedly tries to bite and scratch, you can wear gloves when handling. Only use the gloves as a last resort because many feral cats do not like them. Always speak very softly and move slowly when approaching a wild cat.

The progressive steps for handling a feral cat tend to go in this order:

1. Scratching on the head
2. Scratching the shoulders
3. Stroking the back
4. Picking the cat up
5. Holding the cat on your lap or having it sit next to you on a chair

Once the cat can be held, you can start the process of introducing your new cat to any other pets in the household. It can take months and sometimes a full year to tame a feral cat, so be patient and remind yourself often of the end goal you have in mind.

The Rewards

Although the process of taming feral cats is long and takes determination, the rewards are great. You'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've saved a cat from certain disease and the early death he or she would have suffered in the wild. Many of these cats seem very thankful for their new homes and become loving and loyal companions for many years.