Rescued feral kitten afraid of everything and everyone, what can we do?

Question

We recently took in a rescued feral kitten, appx 6-8 weeks old. He was found in a very rural woodsy area with extreme elements and wildlife but was not around humans so far as we know. The person who found him kept him in a barn for a week while looking for someone to take him in... we have had him for a week now.

He is NOT ajusting at all. We have had other cats and have never had one like this. He will not purr or rub against us or show any signs of affection, when we pet him he sits paralyzed and looks miserable. If we ignore him he hides under the couch... he comes out at night when we are all in bed- if we didn't force him out we'd never see him. It's like living with a rat!

He freaks when he sees a hand coming to pet or feed, he will hiss and growl and try to run. He is okay once he is held, doesn't bite then but like I said he won't purr or anything, he just balls up and bides his time until he can run and hide again.

Can this cat ever be domesticated?

Answer 1

I have yet to see a feral cat be domesticated. But I must admit, I myself have never tried. I would HOPE that if young enough he may come around. However, the experts say that if a cat is born and does not have human contact right away,they will never adapt. They are always afraid of humans. Your little kitty sounds like he is exhibiting the exact behavior of a feral cat. Their fear is extreme but being so young may change. Most feral cats will claw and bite to get away. Your little guy doesn't seem to do that so.....keep trying... Good luck

Answer 2

Yes it can! Don't give up. I have a cat that was just like that when we got him and now he is the biggest lover. He still has his moments once in awhile but he has grown into a very loving adult. It takes lot's of patience and time. Give him a place where he can feel safe ( like a spare room, a large crate, what ever works for you) We used a rabbit cage in our case and kept him in a quiet room most of the time. We took time to hold him and cuddle him as often as we could, even if he acted scared. After a while we brought he and the cage into the living room so he could get used to the daily activities and noises and so he could watch us. Eventually we let him out and although he was scared he explored on his own and would even put himself "to bed". We would close him in when we weren't around or if something more "scary" than usual was going on. It literally took months before he sought us out for attention or purred. He's a bit timid now and then but he's a great cat and we are so glad we gave him time. BTW, he's a chocolate point siamese. Someone dumped he and his siblings along with his mother at my grandmothers business. He was the wildest of the bunch and was about 4 months old when we caught them. Every one else adjusted quicker and found homes quickly. We thought for sure Ginsing would never be tamed! So, there is hope! Glad to know there are people out there who are willing to try and help ferals! Good luck and best wishes!

Answer 3

Yes it can. I have done rescue for many years. I actually took in two cats from my stepdaughter(a vet tec) that she was going to take to the pound because she said they could not be socialized. 1 stayed in my basement and decided to come up after 3 months and is now one of the most loving kind cats I have. It was full grown when I got it. The other is a premadonna and really loves my husband. Your kitten is just scared of our human world. I would let him hide. I would get him some toys and use canned food to get him to socalize with you. It may take time. There is an herb called rescue remedy at the health food store you put it on your hands and pet the kitten and it will calm it. ITs going to take some time but I bet it will be a most loving cat. [e-mail]

Answer 4

Feral kittens/cats were born in the woods somewhere, because mom is feral.

They aren't the same as domestic cats as you are finding out. They don't know any other way. They have never been in a house. They're certainly not used to humans.

Mom taught her kittens to survive. She didn't teach them anything else. Just how to survive.

You have to ask, how did mom become feral and so on down the line. One feral cat breeds how many feral cats year after year, after year. That's a lot a feral cats running around out there destroy wildlife. The bird population is taking a real dive, almost to distinction. The U.S. is not alone in this department. Many other country's are having the same problems.

It's getting to the point that some country's are not allowing people to let there cats outside or they will be fined or whatever they deem necessary to keep cats under control regarding the wildlife population die off.

So that's what you have on your hands. Oh, I sure someone out there will tell you how there feral cat settled down. If you want to start making bets on how many people domesticating feral cats, the numbers would be low.

We live in the north woods and I'm seeing more and more feral cats right down the road from where we live. It's getting to be a problem, which as far as I'm concerned, something is going to have to be done about it.

I know already what others are going to say, but there is no reason to let your pet cats outdoors unless it's on a leash right by your home or you're taking it for a walk. And don't tie your cat next to the bird feeder!!!

Doesn't look like your feral cat is going to suddenly turn domestic.

Answer 5

I had one almost exactly like that ( rescued from a derelict farm where they had been shot at) when we got him he hissed at everything and was always trying to hide. If you picked him up he would go rigid until you relaxedyour hold - then he'd be off. He is now nearly 3 and will come for huggs and fusses, pester for food purr and rub against people that he knows and he talks ! but he is still unsure about being picked up and won't have anything to do with strangers etc. ( his brother was much better but he died this year of a liver problem)
I think you need to give him lots of time and try not to put too much pressure on him don't give up.

Answer 6

You have adopted a wild kitten. It is young enough, perhaps you do have a chance with it. Personally, I've never met anyone who have domesticated one, but they were older cats. The cat is used to being outside, and yes, even at this young age is looking after itself. If you really want to try this, you have to remember, that this little guy is used to looking after itself. It really doesn't need you. Leave him be, be patient, speak quietly to him, if you talk loud, you will alarm him. Let him hide, most kittens do in a new home for awhile, this is natural. I really wouldn't push the cuddling right now, he doesn't know what you are doing, and is probably confused. Remember, he has never had this. If you see him walk by, just a light stroke along the back until he get used to it. If you pick him up and he doesn't bite, to me that is a good sign, he may take to you eventually, but it will take a long time. Speak gently to him so he gets to know know your voice, just don't try to push him, you have to remember, he's been looking after himself for a while now, and he really doesn't want to be with you, no offensive intended.....let him hide, eventually, if you are patient enough you may even hear a purr. I owned a dog that was severely beaten by her previous owner, It took a year for her to trust me and my husband, but she was the best dog we ever owned, but it took time. Patience and understanding what this little one has been through, cats are just more independent and take longer figuring out, hey I've got a good thing here. Good luck to you and I hope it works out for you both.

Answer 7

Just be patient.What I do with feral kittens is wrap them in a towel and snuggle them under my neck,so they can hear my heartbeat,all the while talking softly to them.This seems to calm them for some reason.Also,get some catnip,and toys and play with him in a room where there's no place to hide,like the bathroom.Sit on the floor and drag a string across the floor,toss little bits of chicken to him,and after he tastes it,don't give him any unless he comes to you for it.Do these things everyday,a few times a day and he should soon start to come around.All cats are different,though,and he may just be a shy kitty all his life;I have one myself, who prefers to stay upstairs most of the time.She was a feral kitten,too.She loves me,but she's shy around anyone else,so she just stays upstairs! Good luck.

Answer 8

So many good suggestions here that I only have one to add. Get a laser and play with that baby. I rescue cats tame and wild and haven't found anything that gets them out grabbing and chasing in the open quicker. You're going to see more acrobatics than you ever thought possible! Just don't make any sudden moves or loud noises. You're gonna love it. You're going to have to earn his respect and trust but it will be well worth it. Good luck!

Answer 9

You have to be patient and let him come around on his own. You should keep the kitten confined to one room until it's comfortable there. Be patient and just sit in the room with the kitten, be gentile and try using toys to play with him.

Answer 10

I think so just be patient and dont force it. Someone must have been mean to it at one point and the cat just needs to learn to trust you. No loud noises or sudden gestures.