Cat Socialization Tips
1. If the stray cat in question eventually comes up to you and lets you handle it (without fleeing for the woods the first moment it feels your fingertip), it’s NOT feral. It’s either lost, dumped or abandoned. Check with your local shelter and neighbors to see if you can trace its owner. You may also be able to borrow a trap/cage from the shelter, if you ask.
2. BE CONSISTENT: Cats in the wild usually return to a steady food source, unless they’re being bullied away by another animal. Even then, they may try to wait until the bully isn’t around. Put the food out at a regular time, and the cat will soon expect you.
3. DON’T TRY to pat the cat while it’s eating right away. If it’s feral, it won’t let you. Wait a period to establish some kind of bond between you and the cat, even if it won’t permit pats.
4. HOWEVER, If the cat is clearly INJURED, SICK or otherwise needs immediate medical attention, trying to trap it right away is okay. Put the smelliest, tastiest treats you can think of in a cage trap to lure it. If you’re successful, it will be a tradeoff – the animal may be extremely frightened, but it will get the aid it needs as soon as possible.
5. DON’T be surprised, if your cats are watching this whole thing from the window with interest. They may decide to snub you when you go back in from jealousy, so beware.
6. If the cat is female, she may surprise you by bringing her kittens along one day. Mother cats vary greatly in how protective they are of their offspring. Some may permit you to handle them; others may respond by moving them to a more private location. Trying to catch both mom and kittens often presents a dilemma.
7. TALK to the cat while it eats, so that it gets used to the sound of your voice. Even if it won’t let you touch it, it will at least start to recognize you as familiar.
8. DON’T STARE directly at the cat while it’s around. This will make it uneasy, as a direct stare means possible threat of attack by a predator. Be sure to blink periodically if you do watch the cat (and it knows you’re watching it).
9. BE PREPARED to be unsuccessful, at least at the start. You may wind up catching other animals (possums, etc.) in the trap. (Also, be sure you’re up-to-date on your rabies shots in case of bites.) DO KNOW, however, that in the end, when you’re successful, it will make all the other trouble worthwhile.
10. MOST IMPORANT: BE PATIENT. Many cats have experienced trauma, especially those who have been tossed out of their homes and forced to fend for themselves. If you’d been in the same situation, you probably wouldn’t be feeling too trusting either. Don’t expect overnight rapport.
* Also remember that the cat’s personality may do a 180 degree turn once it has been captured and cared for. A cat who is docile while being treated may become feisty when it starts to heal. A cat who fights and struggles during the whole capture – transfer – process may become calm and friendly as time progresses.
You won’t know until you try it.
