2007-07-22 17:43:01 · 6 answers · asked by Audri 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Feral cats rarely make good pets.
They stay wild for life. She will always be more skittish, and more likely to bite.
Best thing to do is get a cat proof fence, spay her and let her live outdoors.
Get the kids another kitten, one that has been handled from birth, or at least young.
2007-07-22 17:48:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They're not mean, they're afraid. Most ferals have learned to be wary or downright panicked when it comes to humans, so you have to be very patient. She's not going to know that you don't want to hurt her or her kittens, so she's going to do her best to protect both herself and them.
Keep the kids away from the cat and kittens unless supervised. This is very stressful for a mother cat anyways, so the easier and smoother you can make it for her, the better.
2007-07-23 21:08:28 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to get a ferral cat used to humans. It takes a long time and a lot of patience as well.
I would suggest to keep her in a separate room for now with her babies. Keep a litter box and a bowl of food and water too. I would shut the door and let the cat be for now. Let her nurse the babies and take care of them. Check on her when you think you need too, just don't let her out of the room.
I wouldn't let the kids near this cat tho. Not right now any ways. Especially seeing that she is wild and probably hasn't had her shots.
If you decide to keep her, let her have her babies until they are 8 weeks of age and give them to a shelter to find homes for. Trust me, kittens in shelters go very fast. Have her fixed and I would suggest to keep her inside.
It's going to take a long time and a lot of patience to get her tamed down. But, you will eventually, just give her as much time as she needs. It can be done. When you think you can start to approach her. Do it very slowly and talk softly as well. Inch your way towards her, if she starts to growl and hiss, walk away. Keep trying to do this as much as you can. Eventually you will get to the point where you can start to pet her.
When she does get calmed down you will have to teach your kids how to handle her too. Teach them how to approach her and handle her. Don't let them be rough with her tho. And too, she will someday come around and be a happy inside cat for the rest of her life.
I wish you much luck with this cat and admire you so much for taking her into your home.
2007-07-23 01:16:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that usually don't work out well. if you could get the kittens away from her and raise them,they should be OK for the kids. she may eat the kittens if not
2007-07-23 00:55:46 · answer #4 · answered by here to help 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
feral cants take a long, long time to get used to humans. you might want to think about getting her fixed and let her go in and out when she wants to. she might never get used to you guys, but she will know she has a safe spot to go to. good luck, and that was wonderful of you to allow her inside to have her babies.
2007-07-23 00:57:30 · answer #5 · answered by animluv 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sandy gave you the best advice. I can only echo that you should have the cat spayed.
2007-07-23 01:19:39 · answer #6 · answered by Spring Romantic 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋