The feral mother has abanded 2 kittens born under our deck. My children started feeding them, but they are very afraid of us. Can they be caught, taken to a vet and domesticated?
2007-08-27 00:02:08 · 14 answers · asked by Dana 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi. Absoluately yes and good to hear you are feeding them and want to be their "forever home." How lucky you will make these two little kittens.
Three of our Four Cats are feral cats...and yes, like you we found them on our property, hinding in bushes and by our garage. One is 12 years old; one is 9 years old and one is 3 years old. The 3 year old was only 3 1/2 weeks when we found her...we bottle fed her and wrapped her in a baby blanket and placed several blankets on top of a small heating pad. That kept her body temperature up and kept her warm. (We live in Florida and it was hot outside so we wanted to simulate her "mommy" and it seemed to calm her as well). Our vet was thrilled each time we domesticated a feral kitten...people who don't think you can are truly not trying or believe "stories". Our kittens turned into the most affectionate cats and will actually stay on our shoulders and walk around with us. LOL I wish you and kitties the best and as you take the kittens indoors, they will tame down. Promise.
Many blessings, Patti
2007-08-27 01:26:34 · answer #1 · answered by Patti 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My 2 year old cats were born feral. They were rescued w/ the mother and the other kittens. They were taken to the vet and fixed and given shots. I have to say that I do notice a difference with my two cats. They are friendly around me and affectionate but just FREAK out around any strangers that come into the house. My female cat is always kind of freaked out anyways and will only come up to me when I'm laying down on the bed. My male follows me around the house and he is my favorite. I think it's because they weren't socialized young enough. I just know the sooner they are around humans, the better chance you will have of having a tame cat. This goes for feral or ones born in a home. Best thing is to get them shots ASAP so you can try and socialize them--get those nails trimmed so they can't scratch you also.
2007-08-27 01:25:19 · answer #2 · answered by Amber H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you take it to the pound it will be KILLED. no if and's or buts about it, feral cats are 100% of the time killed at shelters/pounds. He needs lots of time and patience. Sit in the room with him and talk softly. NO loud noises or fast music. Lots of treats. Show him you're someone to be trusted. Don't force yourself on him, let him come to you. TIME is what you need. Lots of time. He's not going to be tame just like that. Some take a couple days, others weeks, and some months.
2016-04-02 01:23:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have several Feral cats. Yes, they can become tame.
It may take some time but it's worth it...Good luck and Good Job!
Make sure that you get your cats fixed and vaccinated.
There are several Feral Cat Rescues if you need help with trapping, handling, questions and spay and neuter. Call your vet's office or a local human society for references.
Good Job!
2007-08-27 00:14:54 · answer #4 · answered by puppylove 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but do it soon. The sooner the better. If they are too young to be weaned, they are not going to eat normal kitty food, and will starve to death.
My boyfriend found a 3 day old kitten under his mother's deck, acted as a surrogate parent, fed the kitten special milk, and that kitten is now a 7 year old bundle of love and fun named Barney.
2007-08-27 00:41:09 · answer #5 · answered by Barney Blake 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes, definantly. We had a mother cat who was tame living in our backyard after a bushfire went through our area. She had four little kittens which she kept in a woodpile. She would come to us for pats and food. We eventually took her to the vet with three of her kittens that we were able to catch(with many pin holes in my arms from the kittens) but one we couldn't catch. I eventually caught it, bought it inside, and kept it in a mouse cage she was so small. She was probably about 6weeks old. Within three days, she let me pick her up and purred in my arms. She has now grown into the most affectionate cat ever. So yes yes yes!!!
2007-08-27 00:10:41 · answer #6 · answered by greyghost_84 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! And very easily so. I recommend doing an internet search for Feral Cat groups around your area and reading lots from their websites and other websites.
I had never dealt with feral cats or kittens until a month ago. I came home from a week vacation in Florida to find a small feral kitten living in my home with my other cats. So after a few days we final caught him. Now a month later he is like any other kitten!
1st catch them.
2nd put them in a inside dog crate with kitten food, water, small litter box and a shoe box or two with a whole cut out of it so they can hid when they feel shy. Put the crate in a room with a door. Keep a TV or radio on so they can get used to people noises.
3rd Hold them often. When holding them pet and talk softly to them. Hold them for as long as they will let you and put them back in the cage. Do this every hour or two every day.
4th once they start coming to you when you open the door try letting them wonder around the room. (It is important to keep them confined to one room) Get some toys to get them active and playing with you. This will help the bonding process. Always put them back in the crate before you leave the room. This is the step you start bring others into the room. Neighbors, friends anyone outside the home. Have them sit quietly and encourage the kittens to approach them. They can have toys and treats.
5th (this step depends on if you have other animals or not but I will assume you do not) Increase the time they are out in the room with and with out you. (Start intro with other animals if you have them)
6th Bring them out into the other part of the house. Always put back in room or cage before you leave. Slowly increase the time out in the house, with and without you being home. I suggest putting them in the crate at night. Eventually you can do away with the crate.
I am still at stage six because I have two adult cats and a dog and it took time for everyone to get use to each other. He still goes in his cage at night but is left to run around the house all day. (Dog is in a crate)
Please email me if you have any questions
lil_princess458@yahoo.com
2007-08-28 07:57:13 · answer #7 · answered by Indiana Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. Try putting a have a heart trap out with food in it. Catch them, bring them to the vets and after bring them inside. Don't force them to be held or patted. They will calm down and settle in eventually becoming comfortable with your routine. They are naturally curious and will start coming to you.
2007-08-27 04:52:17 · answer #8 · answered by linda a 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, keep feeding them and just sit down and stay still until they become comfortable around you. their curosity will get the better of them and they will start coming to you. Take it slow and easy. I have had "General" for 5 years now and he is a loving cat. He appeared under my trailer and it took me 1-2 wks to get his confidence and get him inside.
2007-08-27 01:58:59 · answer #9 · answered by nashniki 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes a long time and patience, but yes. They can be tamed. Feeding them helps a lot.
2007-08-27 13:49:01 · answer #10 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋