How do you make a stray cat comfortable?
Talk to the animal quietly and calmly, without approaching. You may want to do this while sitting at a distance from the cat or while he or she is eating. As the cat realizes that you are not a threat, it will get more comfortable with you being closer—so try to take fewer steps back with each feeding.
How do you tame a stray cat that is scared?
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 you adopt a feral cat from Alley Cat Rescue?
Cats who live outdoors either used to live indoors or are truly feral and were born outside. It is important to understand that socializing a truly feral cat is usually more difficult than socializing a stray cat (one who previously lived indoors). Alley Cat Rescue does not recommend trying to adopt every feral cat who lives in your colony.
What to do when a feral cat comes into your home?
When bringing any new cat into your home, you need to give them a small piece of it to make their own. This is the “safe room,” and feral kittens or cats above all else, need this confined, defined space. Within that room, they will need “safe spaces.” As many of us have discovered, under the bed or chest in that guest room is a favorite spot.
Where is the safest place for a feral cat?
As many of us have discovered, under the bed or chest in that guest room is a favorite spot. Unfortunately, neither place is a good kitty safe space. Whether your feral kitty safe room is a large bathroom, the home office, or your guest bedroom, it is important to deny access to areas you will not be able to easily reach.
Can a feral cat be trusted by a human?
At first a feral cat will likely be terrified of you. A bond will not form overnight; it may take months or years for a feral cat to trust humans. It is important not to rush or push a feral cat into trusting you.
Is it possible to adopt a semi feral cat?
Helping a semi-feral cat adjust to her environs can be time-consuming and challenging—because of this they are more likely to be sent back to their adoption agency. Semi-feral cats have a harder time finding good forever homes—but this doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the effort; to the contrary.
When is it necessary to caging a feral cat?
And finally caging ferals is super useful if you’re catching them for a spay and neuter program. It is much easier to house them in cages and wait for a vet appointment than hope to catch them on the day of surgery. They also can recover in the cages where they can’t move around too much – hopefully preventing any after surgery accidents.
Why are feral cats so difficult to get rid of?
Many feral cats are born in the wild, and others have been abandoned by their owners or have become lost. Regardless of their origins, feral cats are generally fearful of human interaction, and will more likely scratch or bite you than snuggle up in your lap (at least at first). Because of this fear, taming a feral cat can be difficult.
How old do feral cats have to be to be tame?
Having a rough estimate of the feral cat’s age can let you know how easy or difficult it may be to tame her. Feral kittens, particularly those younger than 10 to 12 weeks old, are usually easily tamable. Older feral cats who have been feral for a long time will be most difficult to tame, if you can tame them at all.