Can a Feral cat become a house cat?

Can a Feral cat become a house cat?

People ask us all the time if feral cats can become friendly household cats, The answer is yes! (in most cases)  It takes some time and a lot of patience but it is possible! A lot of times with an adult feral they have grown up with little to no human contact so they don't know that we don't want to hurt them. 

Some Feral Behaviors

Some Feral cats are totally wild with no contact or only negative contact with people. Others are considered semi-feral were they have had at least some positive interactions with humans. 

Most of the time these cats are part of a "feral colony" and are being fed and managed (TNR A.K.A Trap, neuter, and released) 

Reasons to bring a feral into your home

Feral kittens are easily socialized and can be adopted out fairly quickly, even if they are born to feral mothers. Some other reasons would be if they are injured and need to be cared for, or if a mom just had kittens. 

Some ways to make friends with a feral cat

First things first, have a comfortable and secure room prepared for your future friend. There should be Food and water, a litter box, and plenty of hiding spaces- Tunnels, Boxes, and Beds- This will allows them to calm down and feel safe. Also add a place for you to sit as well to allow them to get used to you. 

You will need to trap them. A humane trap is the safest way to catch and transport a feral cat. Once you have caught them cover the trap in a blanket- this helps keep them calm.

Once you have caught them you can release them into the room you have prepared, Simply open the trap door and leave the room so they can calm down and get used to their new surroundings, make sure they have plenty or food and water!   

Every cat is different when it come to how long socializing them will take, its important to be patient. Start by going in the room quietly and giving them their space. Spend some time quietly reading and talking to them. Watch their body language and try to engage her with a feather toy or fishing pole toy. While making eye contact use slow blinks and make sure not to stare at them- this can be seen as a threat- Once the cat seems relaxed try offering her a brush- this may be less threatening than a hand- once they seem ready offer them a finger to sniff. 

Once both you and the cat are comfortable with each other leave the door open and let them explore the house a little, make sure you leave the door open so they can return to their "safe space"

Please remember that all cats move at different paces and you must be patient! They are scared and have never been in this kind of environment before!