In our country, many neighborhoods are home to a population of stray cats that live in the streets and even in our backyards. Most of the cats are feral. This means that they are wild, and have never lived inside a home making them hard to tame. I once brought home a stray adult cat, but it wasn’t that difficult because he was injured due to burns from boiling water made by some monsters. Nevertheless, for the case of a healthy one, with patience and consistency, you can tame a stray cat eventually. Below are some tips on how to tame a stray cat effectively.

WHY DO WE NEED AND HOW TO TAME A STRAY CAT?

With increasing population of stray cats, the only way to solve it is with Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR). This will interrupt the cycle of endless breeding of stray cats and will help in preventing spread of diseases. TNR has become the proof that the colonies of stray cats can be maintained, and if you are one with us, this gives you a reason why to tame a stray cat.

ONE | TRAP THE STRAY CAT

A stray cat may not behave the same way a domesticated cat would. But, don’t worry because many reached a point where he/she becomes a loving pet that can live inside your home. Kittens are easier to trap compared to adult cats. Find a way to trap the cat, either by tricking him/her with food treats. Otherwise, just make sure it’s humane.

TWO | BRING THE STRAY CAT TO THE VET

The second step on how to tame a stray cat is to bring him/her to the vet. Why? This is to give him/her vaccinations, as well as to spay or neuter him/her. One may not appreciate the value of spay or neuter but it is necessary. I’ll try to make this topic into a blog post next time.

THREE | GIVE THE STRAY CAT A SAFE PLACE

Since your cat has been spayed/neutered, make sure that within 24 hrs, you’d be able to contain him/her. The third step on how to tame a stray cat is to give him a secure spot inside your home, and make sure that he/she won’t be around any pets or humans. In this way, you can help him/her heal the stitches faster. While containing him,  prepare his/her litter box. Prepare as well his/her food and water supply. Don’t worry if he/she will hiss and scratch you because it is perfectly a normal behavior at startups.

FOUR | LET THEM INVESTIGATE YOU BY IGNORING THEM

It’s like playing hard to get, but still watching over him/her. Try not to get close to him/her yet. Let him/her investigate you to give him/her time to trust you. Sooner or later, he/she will realize that he/she has found security in you.

FIVE | PLAY WITH THEM

When you have earned his/her trust already, the next step on how to tame a stray cat is to spend quality time with through playing. You can make your own string toys, or you can buy. Cats love string toys. This time you will realize that your patience has paid off already.

SIX |  KEEP YOUR COMMITMENT

If you are able to tame the stray cat successfully, payoff is real huge. The cat has been given a safe, long life, and in return, brings love and contentment to you. Do you know what? You also help in halting the overpopulation problem of stray cats. However, the best and biggest reward among all is the satisfaction of taming the once beast who become happy and socialized. Keep them and always take good care of them. If you are not able to keep them for life, have them ready for adoption. Make sure that there will be screening so that all your efforts won’t be put to waste.

Hope you find this article informative! Help us with our mission #adoptdontshop!

Reference: https://www.petful.com/animal-welfare/taming-feral-kittens/

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Cha Esper

Cha of Little Misadvencha is a Filipino Civil Engineer, researcher and a fur mom. She came from General Santos City and finds that everything in life teaches her a lesson. She is inspired to write about and out of her experiences, but later found out that it was her experiences that actually inspire her.