It has often been said that feral cats cannot be domesticated or tamed. However, I have found that with lots of patience, a feral cat can be tamed, to some extent. Depending on the cat’s experience with humans (as a feral cat) and his personality, he may become tamed to the point of being a social butterfly or possibly just a love hound for his new human family and no one else.
With that said, it is entirely possible to turn a feral cat into a loving family cat over time. He will usually bond with whomever takes the time and patience to get to know him and make him feel comfortable. Here are some steps for taming a feral cat:
Step One- Feeding
Establish a location to feed the cat. Let this be your feeding station. The feeding station should be located in an area that the cat will feel safe at or an area where he tends to hang out. Make sure that this area is far away from busy roadways. Also avoid an area that is frequented by the public, as this may startle the cat.
Once you have decided on where the feeding station will be, you will need to establish a schedule of feeding the cat at that location at the same time each day. It is important to establish a schedule so that the cat(s) will know what time to expect your arrival…..Yes, cats can tell time. If you are able to leave a feeding dish at the location, it is best to use this instead of placing the food on the ground. In order to avoid ants getting into the food, use two containers. Place some water in a large shallow container and then place the food in a smaller container and place the smaller container (with the food) inside the larger container. The water will surround the food and keep ants and other insects from getting into the food. It won’t keep the flies away but it will keep out the ants. Always feed dry cat food. Canned food can be used later in the process as a treat once he has gotten to know you.
On your first few visits, the cat(s) will stay far away from you but will watch you from a distance if he is anywhere around when you arrive. He will wait for you to leave before he comes over to eat the food. Even if you don’t see him on your first few visits, if you located the feeding station in an area that he hung out at, then he is probably somewhere hiding and watching you. If you want to give him a name, you can also call him by that name as soon as you arrive while you are approaching the feeding station. He will eventually associate that name with his food and if he can’t see you, he will hear you. Later down the line, he will learn that this name is his name .
Step Two- Engaging
Eventually he will get used to the feeding schedule and will be at or near the feeding station waiting for his meal when you get there. He may even approach you with hesitation but he will run if you try to touch him and sometimes will even run if you just make eye contact. Do not try to approach or touch them.
The best way to get him to warm up to you is to stoop down or sit down when you get to the feeding station. Be prepared to stay in this position for a long time, so make sure you assume a comfortable position at ground level. A standing position is very threatening to a cat if he is afraid of you. You need to be as close to his level as possible. If he is hungry, he may try to approach the food to eat while you are there. Make sure that you are relaxed. Cats can sense your energy so if you are uncomfortable, the cat will sense this and will not cooperate. Do not try to touch the cat if he approaches to eat. Do not stare at him, unless he looks at you and meows. If he does this, calmly talk to him to let him know that it’s OK and look in eyes and slowly give him a long blink of your eyes. This is done by closing your eyes slowly, keep them closed for a second or two and slowly open them again. Cats exhibit this behavior among themselves and it’s a way of letting them know that you are not threatening them.
This practice needs to be done daily. You may even want to bring a book to read while you sit at the feeding station with the cat(s). This will take your mind off the cat(s) for a while and will give him a more relaxed feeling where he may feel like he can sneak up on you, while you are distracted, and sniff you. If he attempts to sniff you, let him, but don’t try to touch him. Let him touch you. The goal is to show him that it is safe to approach you. If he rubs up against you and purrs, this is a great sign.
Step Three -Touching
After a few days of the routine of allowing the cat to approach and sniff you and perhaps rub against you, it should be safe to attempt to touch him while he is eating. Assume the ground level position and while the cat is eating, gently stroke the area from the back of his head to just below the shoulder blades. Don’t be discouraged if he runs away during your first attempt.
If he runs, try to stay in the same position and look away as if distracted, until he comes back to finish eating. Eventually he will get used to being touched and will being to look forward to the affection. Call him by his name while you are giving affection.
Over time, he will come to you while you are standing and may even approach you before you get to the feeding station and escort you to the station. If you live within walking distance of the feeding station, he will likely follow you home and may show up at your door if you happen to be late one day for his meal. As other members of your family begin to feed him using the steps outlined, he will learn to trust and accept them as well. This practice has worked for me on many feral cats and it can work for you too if you have patience. Soon you will have a loving family cat.