My outside cat had kittens a few weeks ago, we had no idea where they were. about a week ago one shows up on the back porch, and its completely feral, will not stand attention at all. Naturally its not big enough to do any damage when we grab it, but its been a week of us trying to give it attention and it still has not grown any less wild or apeshit scared around us. Anybody got any tips for how to bring it around to likin us?

5/5/2007 6:47:14 PM

anal prodding

5/5/2007 6:48:11 PM

hey if you got the damn thing spayed......well shit you might not have a kitten problem




but you knew that already

5/5/2007 6:48:42 PM

time and bribing with kitty treats worked well for me

5/5/2007 6:51:04 PM

yeah, it takes about 2-3 weeks for them to warm up. dont try and grab it right away. just give it food and try to get closer every day.

5/5/2007 6:59:13 PM

Damn, a feral kitten...!

That would make for some great pics, esp for the monorail cat thread!

Take some pics!!!

5/5/2007 7:04:16 PM

5/5/2007 7:32:46 PM

Lock it in your house and feed it.

Laser pointers and strings are also helpful.

5/5/2007 7:45:27 PM

5/5/2007 7:51:00 PM

lolrus

5/5/2007 7:55:04 PM

If it's still a kitten bring it inside and start "training" it on what acceptable behavior is.

If it hisses, spray it with water immediately. Do not get angry, do not make a lot of noise and do not hit it. Water = win.

This applies to all things.

However it is essential that you reward her for good behavior. Even the smallest thing. Small treats of something she likes. When she gets a treat you give her one stroke on the back as well to get her to be non food agressive.

It's very important you assert dominance.

5/6/2007 7:50:25 AM

time and bribing. like was said before...

also, feral housecats, once they're brought inside regularly (say, bring it in during the day, let it out at night, or the reverse if you like) will start to get accustomed to the house environment, and may prefer it (free food, comfy things to lounge on, no insects everywhere)...

just make sure you flea dip'm regularly

5/6/2007 9:12:57 AM

we had some stray cat have kittens at my work. of course, we can't bring them inside but i would just grab one everyday and hold it on my lap and lightly pet it. after a month or so, the kittens would come up to us and play.

5/6/2007 1:09:34 PM