5 Ways to Help a Semi-Feral Cat Adjust to a Domestic Home

Photos of ATLAS… ONCE-FERAL KITTY SAVED FROM THE STREETS… TRANSFORMED INTO A HEALTHY BOY by Randall's Rescue.  Petting him in the cage was the first step, holding him was the next, hearing him purr in my arms the  first time was an unforgetable moment!!! 

Hello, Patch Pet Lovers!  

EVERY KITTY WANTS TO BE LOVED!!!  Some have limited to no interaction with humans (feral cats) others may be ill and/or in pain, therefore, are unable to tolerate touch... but all cats have the desire and need for affection!!!   

• Leave an article of your clothing (after it's been worn and without being washed) for kitty to become familiar with your smell to begin a positive association with you specifically.  Your home is filled with many scents… other pets, members of your family, food, and the like. 

• Sit on the floor… standing above the kitty can be very intimidating!!! 

• To avoid anxiety of the door being opened and the unknown of someone entering, it's very comforting to kitty if each time before even turning the doorknob, you announce yourself.

• I've been able to encourage touch through toys and brushing… contrary to what some believe, feral babies do love affection and being brushed; they are like any other kitty, only need to be introduced to human interaction "appropriately" as they gain your trust.  Keep in mind, some kitties whom have never been homeless do not want their fur brushed.  You can desensitize them, and should, because brushing is very important… but, again, it's how it's introduced, going very slowly, and respecting your cat's limitations. 

• To encourage petting, I've used a toy to rub them, and was able to replace the toy with my hand, and same with the brush… some I had to begin with the brush initially, but they were comfortable with the transition to my hand.    

5 Ways to Help a Semi-Feral Cat Adjust to a Domestic Home

Helping a semi-feral cat adjust to her environs can be time consuming and challenging—because of this they are more likely to be sent back to their adoption agency and have a harder time finding good forever homes—but this doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the effort; to the contrary. While it can seem like a battle (one that sometimes threatens to verge on stalemate or out and out loss) there are a few key things you can do to make your new cat’s transition to a happy domestic life easier. And trust me, from personal experience, your time and love will definitely pay off, as once semi-feral cats who have adjusted into their new lives are some of the most loving, affectionate, and appreciative cats you could ever hope for. These five easy steps will help make your feral cat’s adjustment as quick and problem-free as possible.

When you bring your new cat home, have a safe room ready with all of your new cat’s amenities ready and waiting for her. It should have scratching posts, a few toys, food, water and a litter box (ensure the food and litter are on opposite sides of the room). This room should be quiet and, for the time being, not for human use. This space should also have some small and safe hiding places, like a cat house or a blanket draped over a chair, but no places that are completely inaccessible to you, like under a bed, to prevent serious hiding as that allows the cat to completely remove herself from her new environment. You should spend time in this room every day to help the cat acclimate to your presence. While in the room read out loud, or call someone, and just talk. This lets the cat learn the sound of your voice and become comfortable with it.

Food is the initial key to your new cat’s trust and eventual affection. Cats domesticate themselves for a steady food source. For the first little while, it is crucial that you stick to a regular feeding schedule so that your cat learns that you are, without fail, the bringer of delicious food. Once the cat is comfortable enough to eat (it shouldn’t take too long), begin sitting in the room while she eats. Do not interfere with her or the food during this time; this assures the cat that they are safe with you. If the cat is difficult to convince, you may have to start withholding food unless you are in the room. Food is also a great way to get your cat to do new and scary things. Keep special food (“chicken in gravy” baby food is pretty much a guaranteed hit) to encourage new steps to becoming more comfortable with you. The offering of delicious food will help your feral cat come to you and become more and more used to her new domestic life.

If you find your cat staring at you, do not engage. Eye contact is an aggressive act to feral cats. If you accidentally find yourself in a staring contest, the best thing to do is to calmly blink, keeping your eyes closed for a few seconds and turn your head away. This shows your cat that you do not mean to threaten them, and are taking a submissive role, which helps them feel safe and confident in the new space.

Your cat will come to you when she feels safe to. This can be encouraged with food once the cat is more comfortable. Put a bit of the special baby food on your finger and have them lick it off. This initiates contact and allows the cat to have positive associations with you. To begin petting, extend a closed fist while you look away, and let the cat come to you and initiate any contact she feels comfortable with.

Finally, the most important thing when adopting a feral cat is patience. These things take time, and cats are notoriously guarded. You need to let them have their space and learn that they are safe in their new home. This can take much longer than you would like, but your patience will be rewarded with such love and affection as will prove all the effort worthwhile.

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A big thank you to Taryn, for providing the helpful inf… and to anyone who gives a feral baby a chance!!!

Helping to keep beloved furry babies healthy and safe... and pet parents informed!

Lori

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I've Got the 'Scoop'!, LLC, in Palmyra
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