How to Socialize a Feral Cat

In many areas, feral cat populations produce dozens of litters of kittens each year. One of the best ways to reduce the problem is to bring the feral kittens in and make them into pets. Bringing the adult cats back into domestication can be difficult, but socializing a feral kitten is a great way to find a new pet and help reduce the problem of feral cats.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cat food
• Kitty litter
• Patience

How to Adopt A Wild Cat

1. Feed the colony. One of the first ways to begin to socialize a feral cat colony is to feed them. Many people are concerned that feeding strays will simply attract more or just keep the ones that are already there from leaving. The truth is that once a feral cat colony has found a home it considers safe, it will stay whether you feed them or not. By feeding the cats, you remind them of their dependence on humans and help get them used to being around people. In short, you get past their fear.
2. Approach the kittens cautiously when they are between 4 and 6 weeks old. Kittens that are able to eat solid food can be approached. Kittens still nursing need their mother and too much human contact could cause her to reject them, just like any other wild animal. Begin by approaching in a non-threatening manner. Move near the kittens and allow them to become accustomed to your scent.
3. Pet the kittens without restraining them. Be wary of the mother cat as she may still try to protect them but, if she does not try to chase you away, visiting the kittens for a few minutes several times a day can help them adjust to being around people. Spend enough time that the kittens can also approach you. Kittens and cats are curious so, if you are nearby, they will come to you to investigate.
4. Move slowly and deliberately around the feral cats, remembering that they are wild animals. Any rapid or unexpected movement can cause the cats to flee in fear. When you finally bring the kitten indoors, be sure to keep it inside for several days, with ample food and water to make sure that the kitten understands that you have given it a safe home. The kitten may also need a place where it can occasionally hide from people. A covered cat bed or simple cardboard box will help your kitten become less frightened.
5. Lavish attention on your new pet. Although we have been taught for years that cats are solitary creatures, new evidence suggests that the feral colonies are mostly extended families. Your new kitten can get lonely. Pay attention to your new pet and he will quickly adjust to living indoors.
6. Take your new pet to the vet immediately. Feral cats are often infested with ear mites, fleas and other parasites. In addition, feral cats often fight with other cats or wild animals and can have been exposed to rabies or feline viruses. The veterinarian can treat your cat with a single topical treatment to kill fleas, ticks and other parasites and can do a blood test to check for other health problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Many states and municipalities have trap and release programs designed to help eliminate feral cat populations. The programs trap the animals and have them spayed or neutered and then released back into the wild.
• Be a responsible pet owner and have your new pet spayed or neutered by the time he reaches six months old, so that you are not contributing to the growing feral cat population.