Ask Your Cat Question. Cat Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Cat Question?)

how do a domesticate a young feral cat
Sent to Cat Experts March 09 01:00 PM

this young cat was brought to my property about 1 year ago as a tiny little one by another cat taht was a *guest* here coming for feedings ...she has stuck around mostly in my garden rarely venturing anywhere else ..i have several out door cats though that continued chase here off and wont let her eat ..i have trapped her eand taken her to Vet to be spayed ..she somehow dug her way back out of the house but we have trapped her again and now have her ina roomy cage ( open all the way round , wire dog cannel ) how do i procede with getting here to accept her new surroundings and us

 

Optional Information:
Age: 1; Female; Breed: domestic shorthair

Already Tried:
trapped , spayed ...now i need help for the next steps

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
March 9 1:56 PM (56 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hi,

It sounds like you are on the right track. It is a good idea to keep her confined until she is calmer. If you have an old t-shirt or other clothing item that you can put in the cage with her that is a good idea. It helps her get used to your scent. Move slowly and talk quietly around her. Sit by her while she eats so she can get used to you being close to her. Use food to try to get her to come to you. Tasty treats such as canned food or even catnip may work well for this. Taming a formerly feral cat takes lots of patience. I have done it before, and food really seems to be the key. Once she is taking all of this well I would let her move into a larger space, but not the whole house at once. I would probably keep her confined to one room, and then do all the same things over again until she is coming to you in the room and seems relaxed. Keeping her confined to one room will also help with litter box use as this can sometimes be a problem with cats used to being outside. Here is a link to a page with a little more information and a success story:

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/9322/taming.html

Its wonderful that you are helping willing to put the time and effort into giving this kitty a home! If you have further questions let me know, and I'll be more than happy to help. If this answer is helpful please click accept. Thank you.

Lynn

Picture
Lynn -- Veterinary Assistant100% Positive Feedback on 429 Cat Accepts
worked at a vet clinic for 15 yrs, BA in biology, have had cats most of my life
Reply
March 9 2:36 PM (40 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
Thank you so very much. You have confirmed what i had planned on doing as the right thing.
I have adopted strays all my life adn given them homes. Being on a tight budget, I can not afford many luxuries for me or my kitties, but give them basics, a home food and care though. I did find a feral abondend kitty ( about 2 weeks old) 14 years ago in the woods ..adn raised it. He was my baby for 14 years, a loving cat. He passed away of kidney illness 1 months ago.
If you can think of anyting else, that might make this little female ferals transition an easier one i be appreciative
Thank you
Mae Z
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
March 9 6:05 PM (3 hours and 28 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         

You are very welcome! If I think of anything else I will certainly let you know, and if you have any more questions along the way feel free to contact me through this question so you don't have to pay again. Thank you and good luck with the kitty!

Lynn

Picture
Lynn -- Veterinary Assistant100% Positive Feedback on 429 Cat Accepts
worked at a vet clinic for 15 yrs, BA in biology, have had cats most of my life
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Cat Breed Info and Feline Health Care