How to tame a feral cat

Conventional wisdom says that feral cats cannot be tamed, only kittens. As it so happens, conventional wisdom just happens to be wrong. Yes, there are some feral cats who seem to prefer the outdoor life and never adjust happily to living the life of a pet, but other ferals seem perfectly happy to sleep indoors and be fed regular meals. It just depends on the cat--and on how you approach it. Although these techniques are not a guarantee that you can tame the toughest alley cat and have him purring at the foot of your bed within a week, they will at least help you reach out to some poor kitty who would really rather be in out of the cold if only she could overcome her fear of you.

Things You'll Need

• Cat food and dish
• Heavy gloves
• Blanket
• Litter box and litter

Instructions

1. Use food as a lure (or as a gesture of friendship). If you leave food outside in a place where the feral cat is likely to find it, you can gradually move the food dish closer and closer to your house so the cat will be accustomed to being on your doorstep, at least.

2. Try to determine what times the cat comes out to eat the food, and then watch for the cat. At first you should watch from a window so as not to scare the cat, but then you should try to wait outside so the cat will become accustomed to the sight of you.

3. Attempt some gentle petting should the cat permit you to approach without a fight. It would be best to do so while wearing gloves to avoid the possibility of getting scratched or bitten by a cat who hasn't been vaccinated in a while (or ever).

4. Gently lift the cat in your arms once you've made it to the stage where all-over petting is permitted. At this stage you may carry the cat into your house and try to introduce him to the joys of indoor living. Should you not have the time or the patience to go through Steps 1 through 3, you may use a humane trap to catch the cat and then transport him indoors, but you will have a much tougher time convincing him to stay.

5. Confine the cat to one room or area of the house at first, and show her where to find her food and water bowls. Place her in the litter box, as well (or just show it to her if you haven't reached the touching stage yet). Cats actually figure out the whole litter box routine fairly quickly, as they prefer to bury their droppings.

6. Spend time with the cat in this enclosed space so he will become used to you. Try to get him used to your presence, and eventually, to your touch. You can wait until he initiates contact, if you prefer, but should you need to touch him before he is willing to let you, wrap him up in a blanket much as you would do to a cat who needed to be medicated. Be very gentle as you do this, however, and speak soothingly while gently stroking him.

7. Allow the cat out of the enclosed space once she seems comfortable with it, and with you. Let her explore the house for a bit, but make sure that her food and litter box stay in an area she can use as her own private "retreat" when she wishes to get away from the rest of the household. This may be a temporary arrangement for some ferals (particularly younger ones) , but others will need to have this retreat (and may even wish to spend most of their time there) for the rest of their lives. Even if your cat does prefer to hang out in a closet or under a bed, though, this is a far better (and easier) life than she would have if she were still out on the street.

Tips & Warnings

• If a female feral who has been wary of you suddenly warms up and becomes affectionate, check the nearby area as she may have kittens nearby. (The same applies to a female feral who suddenly becomes more wary of/hostile to you, as different mama cats react in different ways.)

• Get the cat to the vet for shots as soon as possible; get yourself to the doctor as soon as possible should you be scratched or bitten by an unvaccinated cat.