Things You'll Need:
- Vari-kennels
- Cat Foods
- Litter Boxes
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Step 1
Enclose the cat or kitten in a small space at first'a bathroom or bed-room works best.
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Step 2
Turn out the light if the cat is terrified; this often has a calming effect.
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Step 3
Put a bed, a litter box, food and water in the room. If the cat is very young (6 to 12 weeks), put her in a large carrier with a grated door and small windows.
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Step 4
Spend at least 2 to 3 hours a day with the animal. Just sitting quietly in the same room will allow the cat to learn that you are not a threat.
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Step 5
Gently compel the cat to let you touch her. Carefully wrap a blanket around her if you have to, hold her on your lap and pet her. Stroke her coat and touch her ears, face and neck as you talk to her in soothing tones. Even if the animal doesn't seem to be enjoying the attention, she is. Hold the cat by the scruff of the neck if she attempts to leave. (The mother cat will do this to carry or train a kitten'it doesn't hurt, and it actually relaxes the animal.)
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Step 6
Present special treats such as chicken or tuna, and leave them if the cat will not eat from your hand.
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Step 7
Gradually allow the cat to roam about in more rooms.
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Step 8
If the cat tries to run away from you repeatedly, enclose her in a smaller space and start again.
Comments
j8choc said
on 11/19/2009 I am working with an 8 week old feral kitten. He has been doing well. He had been a barn kitty and did have some contact with people, but it does not seem to have been quite positive. He's at the point where he will eat wet food in my lap and does purr when pet!
One thing that I've never seen before with all the cats and kittens I've had is that he does not knead, at all. What are your thoughts on this?
Also, I am working with him to be comfortable to be held and picked up - I pick him up gently for a few seconds, speak quietly to him and place him gently on the floor. What are your experiences in having a kitten get comfortable with being held?
jillmaria said
on 9/2/2009 I really enjoyed this article. My vet has six office cats that were all feral rescues. They are the friendliest cats (beside my own) and she trained some of them when they were older adults. A poster here mentioned singing to the cat - usually works very well, but we had a boy who, upon hearing one of us start to sing, would let out a yell and flee! We didn't take it personally, just didn't think he was a music lover... 5 stars!!
thewhisperer said
on 6/6/2009 Some cats simply don't enjoy being handled, even if they were born in a cattery and handled from birth. I've succeeded in socializing many ferals, kittens adults and older cats and the biggest keys to success are patience and plenty of time. It's not unusual for it to take several months for a feral adult to become a social loving companion.
robains said
on 6/5/2009 Here's one for you. 3 years ago, I adopted/rescued two 3 month old kittens that had been born somewhere on the streets of Philadelphia. They are brother and sister, and are very close. The boy is a total love slug. He just comes up to you, rolls over and lets you do anything you want to him. He can't get enough of us. But his sister, she's another story. I have only held her THREE times! Twice soon after we got her. (I'd wrap her in a T-shirt and pet her) but it soon became to hard to catch her. (We're talking about locking her in a room, having to remove 2 mattresses just to get her out in the open, and then a good 15 minuets of back and forth. I was able to grab her as she was going to the bathroom. I'm guessing I scared the *
Susang6 said
on 8/4/2008 If your procedure works I would say good for you, one less cat on the streets.