can a feral cat be tamed?

Answer 1

you'd be better off teaching a pig to fly.

Answer 2

Yes. I have 4 formerly feral cats in my home. All are now loving pets and are trained to do tricks just like dogs will. They are cuddly and affectionate. It takes a lot of time and patience. Remember that the cat doesn't hate you, he or she is afraid of you. Start out making no sudden moves at all. always move slowly and talk gently. You can also sit next to the food bowl when you feed. They have to accept you there in order to eat. But don't touch them yet. Next you start talking as they eat. Eventually they become relaxed around you. Now you can start touching. Don't pick her up. Just pet gently or rub the typical favorite spots of cats. (just above the tail, ears, cheecks and top of head). You may get clawed or even bitten during this stage. You have to accept that as part of taming a wild animal. Usually it doesn't take long for them to realize that this feels good and accept it.

It's a slow process, but eventually the cat is loving and affectionate with YOU. The next step is socialization and teaching it that you are not the only decent human on the planet. This step takes longer that the rest. New people are not food sources. They move quickly, talk loudly and, in the cat's experience, are a source of kicks, shouts and stones. Some ferals will love you devotedly, but never accept strangers. Others will domesticate completely.

Here we have four. Gracie, is a fat and lazy kitty. She loves us and is rather tolerant of strangers. Max is a flake. He's afraid of new people, but relaxes with them soon if they make no threatening moves. Smokey loves me, and tolerates my husband and strangers. She's starting to be more accepting, but when she draws a line she means it. Then we have Buddy. Buddy loves me without a doubt. He comes running when I call him and is sweet and cuddly. When I walk he's usually about 2 feet behind me, following me wherever I go. Strange people however, terrify him. Especially men. No doubt they remind him of the two men who tried to drown him.

Another helpful tip is spay/neuter. This not only protects them from illness and disease, but settles them a little. This helps them relax enough to tame easier.

Answer 3

Yes, they can be tamed, but it takes a lot of time, energy and patience. Little by little, it starts to work in many cases. Please though, if you have feral cats in your area, contact the Alleycat Alliance and find out about TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) Programs in your area that are generally free! This way the wild cats will not be reproducing and it will be easier for you to feed and tame the colony you currently have. - Life is hard and dangerous as a wild cat and they all need someone to love and care for them! That begins with a trip to the vet to get fixed, vaccinated and checked out!

Answer 4

Absolutely. We got my feral kitty in December of '04. He hid for a long time. We would coax him out with food. Slowly he began to let us touch him. Now, when I wake up, he's sleeping beside my head, and if I reach over and pat him he purrs. He's just like anyone else's cat now, 'cept that he weighs 18 pounds and he likes to attack my feet once in a while. His name at the shelter was Bruce Willis, and it stuck. So now I sleep with Bruce Willis every night.

Answer 5

Yes, somewhat after they are neutered. But my cat never knew he was neutered and would want to go out and tom cat around every night.

Answer 6

yes but better left feral

Answer 7

I tried but I guess I didn't try hard enough. You should probably try to tame them right from birth.

Answer 8

Yes, with time and patience.

Answer 9

I think so, takes some work

Answer 10

Yes, if you have lots of band-aids.

Answer 11

just hold em real tight