How to Socialize Feral Kittens

Kittens that are not exposed to humans can become feral. If the kittens are caught and handled at a young enough age, however, they can be socialized to humans and adopted into homes. Kittens over 12 weeks of age are very difficult to socialize and may never be fully socialized. Follow these steps to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Capture the kittens and have them checked out by a vet before you bring them home. This can help prevent the spread of disease and allow you to catch problems like fleas right away.

2. Confine the kittens away from the feral colony. You will need to have regular access to the kittens. Keep the kittens in a dog or cat crate, cage or small room. Put water and food dishes, a small litter box and bedding in the crate. Keep the kittens in separate areas if possible, but if not, spend time alone with each one as the socialization process continues.

3. Begin socializing the feral kittens with food. Offer dry cat food all day, but give the kittens wet food at least twice a day. Chicken flavored (without onion) baby food is a treat that most kittens will love.

4. Handle the kittens slowly. Younger and less feral kittens can be handled quicker than older, more feral kittens. Be gentle, but confident when touching and picking up the kittens. Place a towel around the kittens when you first start handling them.

5. Approach kittens from behind their head and gradually pet their head, ears and chin. Brush the kittens with a soft pet brush. This mimics the feel of a mother cat licking the kitten. Try to do several sessions of feeding and petting every day with each kitten.

6. Move the kittens to a small, confined room when they are no longer running from you and you are noticing improvement in their attachment to you.

7. Expose the kittens to a variety of people. Have them talk in low voices to the kitten and be gentle with them. Have prospective adopters spend time with the kittens as well and if possible, participate in their socialization.

Tips & Warnings

• Feral kittens will hiss, swat at you and growl. They are frightened by the situation and don’t know if you are a predator. Their nails and teeth will be sharp so exercise caution. Wear gloves to handle them if necessary and use lots of patience and gentleness.
• Leave a television or radio on near the kittens so they can get used to hearing human voices and try to confine the kittens in an active part of the house so they’ll hear the normal activities of humans.
• Some people use worn clothing for the kittens’ bedding to get them used to the smell of humans.
• Don’t let feral kittens run free in the house. They will be able to hide in small corners and will be difficult to get to. Large spaces can also further frighten them.

[TigressCalliope]

on 10/26/2007 Very helpful article! A feral cat has just moved into our garage. Seems to be a couple of months old. I've been feeding her by hand, but she stays in back of some beach chairs and the like and won't let me near her. She still hisses and swats. Should I wrap and pick her up, or wait for her to come out?