Need help taming a feral kitten
Need help taming a feral kitten
2 days ago I was able to trap a feral kitten who is about 3 months old. I didn't have a large cage, so I put him in a small room, w/ a cat carrier, litter box, food and water. I put an old sweatshirt of mine in the carrier, so he would start getting used to my scent, and also have put the radio on a talk station. I've been trying to go frequently to visit him, but I work from 10am-6pm, so he hasn't been getting all that much attention. He does hiss if you go by him, so I've been trying to move very slowly, and not look him in the eyes. I have read that it takes time to tame a feral and being that he is already 3 months old, it will probably take longer. The problem that I am having is that he cries so loud, expecially when I leave the room, that you would think he was being murdered or something. I know the poor thing is terrified, and just don't know what to do. I have 3 older cats, and 2 kittens around 4 months old, so the plan is to try and tame this one and give it to my friend to take in. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Re: Need help taming a feral kitten
Patience....LOTS of patience....We have caught and tamed many ferals over the years...some adapt very easily and others are like yours and take longer...
Just be persistent, give toys, soft towels or sweater such as you already are doing...when you can manage to hold him, hold him firm but gently, talk softly and stroke him as he will let you...
Do not be too quick to introduce him to your other cats or send him to his new home...but then again, you do not want to keep him at your place for so long that he gets comfortable, then uprooted and to a new home to adapt all over again...
I would also suggest that your friend who will be taking the kitten come over as much as possible and let him get used to the new person as well....it will make the transition to their new home easier if he at least knows someone there...
Best of luck and have fun!
Just be persistent, give toys, soft towels or sweater such as you already are doing...when you can manage to hold him, hold him firm but gently, talk softly and stroke him as he will let you...
Do not be too quick to introduce him to your other cats or send him to his new home...but then again, you do not want to keep him at your place for so long that he gets comfortable, then uprooted and to a new home to adapt all over again...
I would also suggest that your friend who will be taking the kitten come over as much as possible and let him get used to the new person as well....it will make the transition to their new home easier if he at least knows someone there...
Best of luck and have fun!