Image Credits: Pixabay
Feral cats are thought to be challenging to tame, as
they grow up in the wild with little to no human interactions. These cats have
a heightened self-preservation instinct and assume any bigger animal to be a
predator, which makes it challenging, as a human, to interact with them. These
cats are either born in the wild or have been abandoned by their owners. So,
don't be surprised if they try to scratch or bite you if you try to pet them.
Trying to domesticate a feral cat is not for the faint of heart – it will need
patience and time. If you think you have these resources to spare, we provide
you with tips on how you can go about the process of taming it below.
Steps
to follow when trying to domesticate a feral cat
- Before
you go about the procedure of trying to domesticate a feral cat, assess the
expectations you have. Do you want a lap cat who will be
content to snuggle with you as you watch your favorite sitcom? Then, a feral
cat may not be the right fit. You can feed and take care of a feral cat as much
as you want to, but a feral cat may never feel safe enough to perch on your
lap. It's usually because of their past history with humans or lack of it. If
you sheltered the feral cat at a young age, there might still be a possibility
that it will one day feel safe enough to curl up with you. However, this is
only rarely true and would not be a healthy expectation to keep, if you don't
want to be disappointed.
- If
you have decided to pet a feral cat, prepare a room to welcome it.
The room should be well enclosed, so the cat cannot escape. Place a litter box,
feeding bowls and perhaps, a toy in it, for the cat to make itself comfortable
in its new environs. A dark and quiet room will make your cat feel more at home
than anything. You could also leave a couple of your used clothing to
familiarize it with your scent.
- Place
a cat carrier with a warm blanket and attractive treats inside.
You will need the cat to become comfortable with going inside the carrier so
that you can carry it to the vet for a checkup. The vet will check for any
diseases that your cat might have as well as any vaccinations that it might
need.
- Come
up with a feeding schedule. Feeding your cat will allow you to
gain its trust. Cats are creatures of habit, so try to put out their meals at
the same time every day.
Follow these steps
shared above and don’t try to handle the feral cat unless it exhibits signs
that it is okay with you doing so, to prevent any injuries to yourself. Soon,
you will notice how your feral cat has transformed into an indoor cat.