How do you get a feral cat to trust you?
Stray cats are often hungry cats, so the best first move is to feed the kitty and provide lots of water. Once the cat learns you’re a source for food, she will visit every day. For some very friendly cats, this is enough to gain their trust.
Can a feral cat become a house pet?
Most feral cats are fearful or people and are not likely to ever become a lap cat or enjoy living indoors. Kittens born to feral cats can be socialized at an early age and adopted into indoor homes. Alley Cat Allies does not, in general, recommend trying to socialize a feral kitten over 4 months of age.
How long does it take for a feral cat to get used to you?
It may take up to 4 weeks for the cats to ultimately feel comfortable. The more feral the cat, the longer this process can take, as a less-socialized cat will take longer to bond to a new person and place.
How do you calm a scared feral cat?
Relaxation is Key
Give the cat as much time as possible to calm down. Take her to quiet place where she can be alone if you’re in your home, a bathroom works well. At a shelter, we’d recommend using a “˜cat den’ for her to settle down, which gives her somewhere to hide inside the cage.
Can you make a feral cat trust you?
With time and patience, your stray cat will come to trust you and want pets consistently. You might even start giving him access to your home from time to time if your bond has grown. At some point, you may want to take him to the vet for a checkup and vaccinations.
How do you get a scared feral cat to come to you?
The best way to get a stray cat to trust you is with food and water. Set down some strong-smelling cat food or treats to help draw them out of hiding. While you may be tempted to feed them something more enticing, like a piece of ham, it’s best to stick to cat food to prevent stomach upset.
These 6 steps will help you turn that frightened neighborhood kitty into a new furry friend!
- Let the cat make the first move.
- Keep her coming back for more.
- Slowly desensitize her to life with humans.
- Respect her space.
- Consider a calming remedy to help her with the transition.
- Be patient!
Can feral cats bond with humans?
Feral cats are not socialized to people. While they are socialized to their feline family members and bonded to each other, they do not have that same relationship with people.
How do you make a feral cat not scared of you?
If possible, let the cat approach you first. If she’s reluctant to approach but seems interested, try offering a small spoonful of canned cat food or tuna as you talk to her, and this could help entice her to come to you.
How do you get a feral cat to let you touch it?
Sit quietly in his presence, speak in calming tones, and keep hand movements and eye contact to a minimum. Sprinkle catnip or place treats on or around your body to lure him closer. Try some interactive play using a feather or toy attached to a string. Or simply drag a string around to see if he’ll chase it.
How do you get a feral cat to let you touch them?
You can try extending your hand slowly and gently, but don’t try to pet him. Let him approach and sniff your hand. He may sniff your hand and then rub it with his head, which is an invitation for a gentle pet. Remember, a stray cat that trusts you one day may not have the same level of trust the next.
Why is this stray cat so scared of me?
Why are cats shy or fearful? Shy or fearful behavior is most often caused by negative associations made in early life. If a cat doesn’t interact with people often or experiences abuse or trauma, later, he or she may be afraid to trust human caretakers and become a skittish kitty.
Tips on Socializing Scared Kittens:
- Confine to a small room with a litterbox, food and water, and a few safe hiding places that you can access easily.
- Move slowly and talk softly when approaching the kitten.
- Use food to make friends!
- Use toys to build confidence, for exercise, and as a fun way to bond.
How do you approach a scared stray cat?
If you feel safe, approach the cat slowly and speak in a soft voice. Hold out your hand and call it softly. Offer a can of tuna or cat food, a bowl of water and shelter, if possible. But don’t force it.