At my Grandma's house, a wild cat (affectionalty called "Cat"), has 4 kittens. 3 are orange with white striped. The other is a miniature Cat, a calico tabby mix. Anyways, the kittens are only about 6 weeks old, and Cat and one or 2 of the orange/white ones will let you pet them when they are eating. I picked one up for about 4 seconds when i was visiting. They won't try and scratch you etc. when you pick them up, they just want down.
Cat will also let you pet her if you call her. My grandfather says they'll be more social as they age, but somehow I just doubt it. What can they do?
2007-07-22 05:58:36 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
They need a lot of attention now. If they are wild cats, they need to know that humans will not harm they. Pick them up often, even if they want down. That is the only way to teach them.
2007-07-22 06:04:51 · answer #1 · answered by bjsuno 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A feral cat generally has little contact with humans, the best thing to do for "Cat" is to leave food out for her in a place she would normally go so that she has proper nutrition to support the kittens. Also at 6 weeks she will begin to wean them so leave out kitten food for them. As long as mom is ok with you holding the kittens i'd go for it. If you are wanting to keep one for a pet, they can be seperated from mom at no earlier than 8 weeks. Many say 6 but it really helps to have 2 more weeks to make sure than can handle the seperation.
Understand what your getting yourself into, a cat is a cat and they will need shots, worming and it's best to have them fixed when they are a bit older. If you are not planning to take care of one as a favor, do them a favor and leave them alone. That way they don't look for humans to find food.
If you decide to keep one, remember they are kittens and will seem like "wild animals" but they are not, they are just little balls of kitten fury *Smiles* I don't know how many i've found hanging from curtains giving me an innocent face. They climb, scratch, chase and throughly drive you crazy. Thats what they do. You can always call your local animal shelter or vet with questions. Best of luck.
2007-07-22 06:13:38 · answer #2 · answered by copeseticnomos 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cat sounds like a lovely calico torbie (or calico patched tabby with white... whatever you want to call it).
The more you handle the kittens, the tamer they will become. If Cat will alow it, do play with them. Cat may never be tamed, but her kittens can be.
Enjoy!
..PS
They are old enough for first vaccines and deworming now.
2007-07-22 06:05:51 · answer #3 · answered by Pam and Corey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The more (positive) interaction the cats have with humans, the more social they will become. It is quite possible to take the kittens of a feral cat and socialize them into pets. (I have three of them!)
If they can afford it, see if your grandparents are willing to take Cat in to be spayed in the next couple of weeks. The kittens should get their first vaccinations now, too. If not, you might look into the various feline rescue groups in your area - they may be willing to take in the kittens, or to at least spay and neuter them for free.
2007-07-22 06:05:00 · answer #4 · answered by Meg M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What can they do for what?
To make them more social? Keep petting them, talking to them...just handling them in general.
Oh, and the cat is feral, not wild.
But it'd be nice if they didn't get homes for them, if they at least spayed/neutered them (most humane societies have TNR "Trap, Neuter, Return" programs that will do it for a decent price.)
But if the kittens are well handled, that increases their chances for getting homes.
2007-07-22 06:05:55 · answer #5 · answered by Sordid Fool 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats get social by being handled without them getting fearful, and with being around people. Even a wild one can tone down if they know they can trust your actions.
Kittens born with little actual physical handling in their first year won't be lap cats, but they can be coaxed to be ok with a little touching and lifting. But if they panic you need to let them down fast or risk getting clawed. They're only trying to protect themselves.
2007-07-22 09:21:36 · answer #6 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats become social while they are kittens. It is far easier to socialize them by handling them before they are 12 weeks old.
It is much harder to socialize a feral cat, but it can be done - takes lots of treats and patience.
2007-07-22 06:11:24 · answer #7 · answered by rescue member 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are they keeping the kittens or giving them away? They will not become more social than they are now.
It is best for you to socialize them, not only for health purposes but to enhance finding them a home.
It would be a good idea too, if "cat" has the minimal shots not only for its protection but for you grandmother, too.
Some vets make house calls.
possums, raccoons and rats carry rabies.
2007-07-22 06:11:22 · answer #8 · answered by bluebird 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if kept outside they will be wild. they call them ally cats. on a farm they are good to have to keep the mice and rats in check. I wouldn't pet any animal while they are eating though.
2007-07-22 06:05:16 · answer #9 · answered by pennylane 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u grandma is right they il be more social as they age and if u are around them alot when u go to feed them and just keep petting them and stuff if the kittens arent around u enought then they wont come to you they will run and hide... u have to be around them anought so they get use to you being there it just takes time
2007-07-22 06:09:30 · answer #10 · answered by jenn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋