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How to Train a Feral Cat?
Reaching out to a feral cat and winning its trust after being left on its own can be challenging, but with love and patience, it can be a rewarding experience.
Feral cats are typically born outdoors or from stray kittens and have little to no human interaction. They may become very fearful when faced with people and may spit, hiss, bite or claw you if they feel threatened.
Start with the basics
Feral cats are usually born in the wild and have little to no contact with humans. Although they may appear timid and fearful initially, these felines can be taught to trust humans over time through consistent attention and understanding.
Beginning the training process is essential by letting your cat get used to your scent and voice. This is easier with kittens than adult cats, so make sure that you socialize your kittens from an early age.
Once the cat has become familiar with your scent, begin feeding her regularly. This will help her understand that you are her source of nourishment and also give her time to converse while she eats.
Once your cat feels secure with you, try petting her; however, be cautious that any aggression should never take place. If they bite or scratch you, she may become too fearful to trust you again, so take your time and move at her pace.
Be patient
Taming a feral cat requires patience and persistence. Your success in doing so will depend on the cat's age, temperament, and experiences in the wild.
Feral cats may be unaccustomed to being around humans and may exhibit hissy, fear, or even aggression. With the right approach and enough time, however, many of these cats can warm up to people and become friendly companions.
Socialization is typically most successful with kittens between the ages of 12 weeks and 3 months. Younger rescued kittens can be socialized quickly - sometimes within hours or days - while older stray or homeless cats may take more time to form bonds with their new caretaker.
If you're passionate about giving shelter cats a home, the effort and patience it takes will be worth it. However, keep in mind that taming feral cats is not for everyone; it could take months or even years before your kitten becomes domesticated.
Be consistent
Cats generally dislike change, and ferals especially can be distrustful. This makes training them somewhat of a challenge.
Fortunately, there are ways to make training more successful and ensure you do the right thing for your cat. One of the most essential things you can do is be consistent in all that you do.
Feral cats tend to be highly fearful and will hide when feeling threatened, so if you're working with them, be prepared for mixed signals.
Once you've built a relationship, it is time to teach them some fundamental skills. Be consistent in what you do and don't overwhelm them with information.
Don't punish them for neglecting to use the litter box, nor scold them if they don't use it. Punishing them will only make them fear you and your home; instead, use positive reinforcement such as rewarding them with treats, toys, or extra attention.
Don’t overdo it
Feral cats require three basic needs: shelter from the elements, food, and water. Without these necessities, they may become sick or even be killed by predators.
These animals tend to be social and enjoy human company. But they also possess a sense of security and survival instincts which they use for self-preservation.
Socializing a feral cat can be challenging due to its fear of humans and the need for them to regain trust when being petted. Therefore, time is necessary for them to reassert that they're safe with us and that we trust them enough to come around when needed.
Resocializing a feral cat can take weeks or even months to complete, which is why patience is key when training them.