How to tame a feral cat

Why tame a feral cat? Feral cats multiply at the rate of two or three litters per year with each litter averaging four to six kittens. Those kittens can turn around and begin reproducing themselves at about four to five months of age. Feral cats can be a nuisance, spread disease, and generally break a soft heart when they are seen starving, hurt or killed.

According to estimates from the Humane Society of the United States, there are more than 10 million feral cats in the United States.The difference between stray cats and feral cats is that strays were once someone's pet who was lost or abandoned. Feral cats were later born to these stray cats and have not had close human contact which would tame them.

Feral cats in general stay far away from humans, which presents another tricky issue: How to cut down on the population of unwanted, feral cats?

While there are several Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs available in various parts of the country, they aren't always available in rural areas. Many individuals take on the role of caretaker for these wild cats in an effort to tame them, feed them and eventually stop them from reproducing.

That is why I tame feral cats. I have tamed more than a dozen feral cats in the last few years with the intention of neutering them to cut down the population in my area.

So how do you tame a feral cat?

It's not hard, but it takes patience and commitment.

How to tame a feral cat: Name them and talk to them

This is one of my own personal rules. I name cats and consistently call them by name - even when they won't get anywhere near me. They can hear the sound of my voice and a regularly-used word/name for them.

It might seem crazy, but talk to the cats. Use a low, soothing voice at all times, which can help calm the cat.

How to tame a feral cat: Feed them

The reason most cats hang around a specific area is because they've found a food source. The first step in taming a feral cat is to feed them.

When you notice a feral cat (or more than one) hanging around your home, to start the taming process you should begin to put out food for them.

If they have not become brave enough to approach your home but simply hang out along the perimeter of the property, begin by putting food where they hang out.

Make sure you use your bare hands to handle the food. This is important as the food will pick up your scent. The cat needs to begin relating your scent with the food. Since food is necessary to their survival, they will begin to see you as necessary to their survival.

At first you may see only a fleeting view of the cat as it hides itself from your presence, but eventually you will see the cat more often.

A feral cat - even one that is being tamed - will be wary of humans and keep a safe distance, but their curiosity and developing trust of you will win out. They will begin drawing closer to you and allow themselves to be seen by you.

How to tame a feral cat: Don't force the issue

Once the cat begins showing itself, don't force contact. The feral cat will come to you on its own terms. Continue putting out and handling the food, but don't approach the cat.

How to tame a feral cat: Take time to sit and wait

At some point you can attempt to sit near the food when you know the cat is close. Don't sit close to the food, but within a few feet of it. This will help the cat become accustomed to your presence for a longer period and not just when you are leaving the food.You may need to do this a few times before the cat approaches the food while you are sitting nearby. The cat may also approach several times before feeling brave enough to begin eating.

Once the cat has started to eat the food in your presence, you may start moving closer on subsequent visits. My personal rule is that I will put out the food then sit down to wait. I'll only wait five or ten minutes. If the cat hasn't approached the food in that time, I'll leave. After a few days, you should be able to sit within arm's reach of the food.

How to tame a feral cat: Don't make sudden moves

Cats are jumpy to begin with, but a feral cat who is wary, suspicious and afraid is like a cat on a hot tin roof - pun intended. When the cat is anywhere near you, don't make any sudden moves. It could demolish any progress you've made.

How to tame a feral cat: Pay attention to body language

It is important for your own safety to pay close attention to the cat's body language. Laid-back ears, a fluffed up tail, an arched back or hissing are signs that the cat is upset and you should probably leave.

Don't take chances when it comes to feral cats. Always remember the rule: If it has jaws or claws it could hurt you. On the flip side, if the cat presents its back to you, that usually means it is developing trust toward you. You should take that as a good sign.

How to tame a feral cat: Take it slow

It will take time to tame a feral cat. Don't rush it. Once you've sat next to the food for a few days, you can try to touch the cat - just make sure you are watching the cat closely (see above regarding body language).There will be a few fits and starts when you first try to touch the cat.

Don't try to pet the cat, simply reach out with your hand and attempt to touch its fur. Try to touch only the back, not the head. The cat will jump away at first, but the more times you are able to simply touch their back the more used to it they will become.

I have found that once I get to this point, I will touch the cat's back briefly then walk away. After a few times doing that, I will try to touch them again.

When you try to touch them and they don't jump away, then you can try to pet them gently. Usually by this time they have tamed significantly and will actually begin to want you to pet them.

Once you notice the cat arching its back when you touch them, you know you've seen the checkered flag. After this point, the cat will start to seek you out for company and affection.

Remember, though, that just because the cat lets you pet it, it may not be keen on you picking it up. Don't push that issue too fast.

Once you have established a trusting relationship with the cat you can now consider it more pet cat than feral cat. After you've had time to cultivate this relationship you should plan to take the cat to the veterinarian for shots, deworming and spaying or neutering.

More resources