I have a cat that comes around my house that leaves/ runs off when I come up. I kinda want a cat around my place to help out with the rodent population. Any tips on how to win him over?
2007-03-10 09:58:45 · 13 answers · asked by broman71925 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
i think food is definitely your best bet, along with slower movements and softer voice tones.
however please be sure to be careful of the cats mouth and claws if he does get close to you, and try to get him to the vet for vaccinations asap. my grandmother used to take in strays all the time and one bit her thumb many years ago and her nail bed became deformed and her thumbnail never grew normally again.
2007-03-10 10:49:08 · answer #1 · answered by Curious Kim 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first and best tip I can give you is to trap the kitty and get it to the vet to have it sterilized. After that is done the cat will stay around more and will be healthier too. Then to win the cat over make sure to feed it some can food every day and it will be your new best friend.
They are great rodent control but they cannot survive on mice alone so be sure to feed the kitty.
Good luck!
2007-03-10 21:54:02 · answer #2 · answered by kathyk214 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree that food & water works...forget the milk though! It's a myth that milk or any dairy product is good for a cat. Unless it is their mother's milk, their bodies do not supply the enzyme to break down cow juice (or bovine extract if you will)! Be careful what you feed. Canned people tuna is too rich. Use regular canned cat food. That and a lot of gentle talking. Extend a hand and eventually you might be able to get in a stroke or two. Once you win kitty over, you might go farther and get it spayed or neutered (after a vet checkup of course) and just simply let it adopt you! We don't "own" cats you know, we are just part of their staff!
2007-03-10 19:03:58 · answer #3 · answered by MMM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This generally happens with shy cats. First, put out a bowl of preferably wet food (actually, it's up to the cat on whether to like dry or wet food, but from experience, I've concluded that cats pretty much like wet food). Try Fancy Feast. Don't bother to wait for the cat. Chances are that he is afraid of you and won't come near the bowl if you are there. If when you check back on the bowl, it's empty, continually put out bowls every day. Sooner of later your cat will end up trusting you.
If one day you see your cat eating out of the bowl, do not approach it. Wait to see what it does. It he looks up and then ignores you, wait a few days or maybe a week to come near. If he looks up and comes near, don't make any sudden moves. Stay right where you are. If he comes closer, put it your hand extremely slowly and touch him. If he likes your tough, continue to pet him.
After this, your pet will end up trusting you. Some cats love humans and others prefer to be antisocial. Remember, it just takes time. Good luck!
2007-03-10 18:18:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He may be feral, or basically a domestic cat that has become wild. Unless kittens are handled by people early on, they will almost always be shy of people and won't allow themselves to become pets.
If you want him to stick around, get a cat trap from your humane society and try to trap him and have him neutered and vaccinated (call around - your humane society and some vets will take ferals). Once you get him back and release him, keep food out for him all the time. This way, he won't wander off to find females and he'll stay around because there is food around. And he won't contribute to the rampant feral cat overpopulation problem. He won't fully be a pet but he will help with rodent control.
2007-03-10 18:05:05 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just spoil him with kitty treats and cat food. If the rodent population is outside, then chances are that he already eats some of the mice anyways.
2007-03-10 19:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try leaving food and milk outside your house. Each they try to leave the food closer to your porch. Do it about a week, and you'll get a new cat. Don't forget to neuter/spay and give him the needed shots. If that doesn't work, go to an animal shelter. I'm sure you will find what you want at no time with less hassle. But please, still feed that poor cat.
2007-03-10 18:03:16 · answer #7 · answered by basenji4ever 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Lure him with food - the smellier (tuna) the better. When he comes around, take a bowl of cat food out and show hm. He'll probably run. But put the bowl down by the porch and watch the cat eat from your doorway. In succeeding days, he'll be expecting the bowl of food and will come around waiting for it. Work towards building his trust in you by gradually coming nearer and nearer each day as he eats from the bowl.
2007-03-10 18:34:59 · answer #8 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Food food food.....and a nice gentle approach. Be careful though...he may end up bringing friends and then you will have a cat problem on your hands. I know...this happened to me. Thankfully we made the boy our housecat and the other ones have gotten the hint that he's not coming out anymore and they have stopped coming around.
2007-03-10 18:05:26 · answer #9 · answered by Lilah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a cat who is domesticated (since birth) but she is very terrified of everything(was never abused, just a skitz)
and she runs and cringes if you come to her while standing up, you have to sit down and eventually she'll come when she feels like it (I'm the only one that she'll come to when called)
The food suggestion is of course the best/simplest way.
2007-03-10 18:16:14 · answer #10 · answered by Colleen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋