Taming of a Kitten

by Peter Johns

Feral cats are domestic cats abandoned and left to fend for themselves, they mate with other cats, and produce kittens, born in the wild. Those adult stray cats that were once owned, or feral cats of quiet temperament, may sometimes be tamed with patience.

The feral kitten is able to be tamed if it is very young.

Feral queens usually give birth in quiet unseen spots where kittens will not be visible for several weeks. With no human contact they will be totally wild. When kittens begin to romp and play, they are first noticed by humans but are not easily captured. Older kittens can be captured and tamed but the process gets slower and less successful the longer the kittens stay in the wild. They should not be taken from the mother before they are old enough to be weaned at about 4 weeks. Kittens taken too young are vulnerable to disease and may not survive. The mother cat should also be captured and spayed to prevent future litters.

The process of taming feral kittens can take 2 to 6 weeks depending on the state of wildness. Individuals can differ greatly in temperament. Some may tame up immediately and some may take quite a long time. Any person attempting to tame kittens should be totally committed and patient. The taming process is very satisfying knowing you are saving a life and in return a loving companion. If a cat decides to trust you as a companion that is far more rewarding than owning a dog! As many cat owners will tell you.

A feral kitten may hiss and 'spit' because they are terrified of humans at the start but once tamed will be loyal and faithful! While the kitten is scared, it is still capable of giving you a nasty scratch or bite and will probably try to escape if given the chance.

For the first two days, do not attempt handling as the kitten must learn to feel safe. Visit them frequently and talk to them quietly, but resist touching. Always move slowly, and do not smile or stare directly at the face.

Food and water and bedding should be placed in the cage or carrier. If you do not have a cage, or your carrier is too small for a litter pan, place the kitten in a small room, like a bathroom, with the carrier. A large bedroom room may overwhelm a kitten and cause increased fear!

Which may become a problem later on in life!

If the kitten becomes frightened it will also become very stressed out causing it to go under the bed! It would then become difficult to get it to come out. Never force them out! Always tempt them out.

Place the litter box in the room and let the carrier door remain open so that the kitten will have access and some where to hide. It is best if you use your worn clothing as the kitten's bedding to get them used to your smell.

Also try to kitten-proof the room as much as possible before letting the kitten out! Seal up any nooks and crannies where frightened kittens may enter and become trapped or inaccessible to you! Bathroom sinks often have spaces behind them just large enough for the kitten. Block access to behind bookcases and heavy furniture behind which the kitten can become wedged. Be careful of open toilets that could be climbed into and drown! Protect vulnerable nick knack's, clothes, and plants (some poisonous) from a curious kitten.

After 3 days, place a towel over the kitten, and pick it up. If the kitten stays calm, pet it gently on the head from behind. Never approach the kitten from the front. A hand coming at the kitten frightens it that may cause them to hiss or bite.

If the kitten remains calm, grip it securely by the nape of the neck, put the towel on your lap and set it on the towel. Stroke the kitten's body while speaking in soft, reassuring tones, then release. Make this first physical contact brief. After handling, give it a special treat. Repeat this process as frequently as possible.

Brushing with a soft pet brush imitates the action of the mother grooming the kitten and will help the kitten start to transfer its need for parental love to you. It is also extremely important for the health of the kitten to remove fleas as soon as possible. The kitten may become anaemic from flea infestation and can easily fall prey to illnesses. Combing with a flea comb also helps the bonding process.

Never stare at the kittens for prolonged periods. This is the aggressive body language to cats. Lower your head often to display submissive behaviour. This will be less threatening to the kitten.

Play with the kitten using lightweight cat toys. Don't leave the toys alone with the kitten as the kitten will often swallow the string. This can be fatal!

When the kitten no longer responds by biting and scratching, encourage other members of the family and friends to handle them as often as possible. It is very important that they socialise with other humans. Feral cats tend to bond with one human so they best adjust to a new home if they are socialised with other humans.

Send mail to sandra@gtonline.net with questions or comments.