Taming an outcast cat takes time, knowledge, and patience combined with extra care. An outcast cat is a domestic cat who is dumped on the street and has no contact with humans. If your cat or kitten looks healthy and you want to try to tame it, remember that this cat will be afraid of you and will likely bite. However, if you find or are given an outcast cat that is timid and tolerates human interaction without biting, you can try to tame it so that the cat is more acceptable. You won't be able to make him a house cat, but he will be a stray cat that tolerates your presence. Sometimes, all it takes is patience to turn a timid cat into a great one. Your initial goal is to make him comfortable around you. Then, the cat should be examined by a veterinarian to make sure he is healthy.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Researching Cat Traits
Step 1. Find out the cat's personality
Watch the cat for a few days. This way, you can determine his character, especially when he is around humans. Is the cat afraid of people? Is he angry?
If you think the cat is dangerous, don't try to hold it. Instead, contact the authorities who will catch the cat and take care of it professionally if you think the cat is dangerous
Step 2. Watch the cat's body language for signs
Cats communicate their feelings through body language and can be clearly seen. For example:
- An angry or sad cat's ears will point backwards, its pupils will dilate, its tail will move back and forth, its back will arch, and its fur will stand on end. The cat will usually growl. This is a sign you should stay away.
- If he hasn't run away, the scared cat will lie down or the cat's tail will be tucked into its legs. Be careful when taming this cat.
- On the other hand, a willing, calm cat's ears will point forward and alert, and the tail will stand erect in the air. The fur won't stand up, and the cat may stretch, lie down, or roll over.
Step 3. Pay attention to the cat's general health
Even if you can't get close to the cat yet, you will be able to observe its overall health from a distance. Examine her body to see if she looks thin. He might be hungry. Look at the coat to see if it looks healthy or looks dull, bald, bald, or unhealthy. See if the cat has any other obvious problems, such as limping, scratches, swelling, or other problems.
Step 4. Stay away from cats that are suspected of having rabies
Outcast cats generally have not been vaccinated and are at risk of carrying the deadly rabies virus. Although uncommon, unvaccinated feral cats can get rabies. The symptoms of rabies can vary and can take months to develop after a cat is exposed to the virus.
- Common symptoms of rabies in cats include looking sick (weak, not eating, weak) and/or a change in attitude (aggressive, restless, confused, paralyzed, convulsing).
- If you find an abandoned cat with any of these symptoms, contact the authorities and do not attempt to touch the cat.
Part 2 of 5: Letting Cats Get Used to Your Presence
Step 1. Introduce the cat to your voice
If he looks easy to tame, the next step is to familiarize the cat with you and your voice. Sit next to him and speak in a soft voice.
Step 2. Provide the cat with wet or dry food
While continuing to talk to the cat, provide food to eat. Try this method for three days. For the time being, don't try to approach him.
After three days, pay attention to the cat's body language that shows it is comfortable with you. A comfortable cat will straighten its ears and tail, and will arch its back. His fur would not stand up and he would snore
Step 3. Try approaching the cat with food
Use a spoonful of wet food or canned tuna and hold the food close to it. Say the cat's name or say, "Pussy." If your cat hisses, it means he's scared and needs more time to get comfortable with your presence. Don't be in a rush to let your cat feel comfortable eating dry food near you.
Step 4. Watch for signs of aggressive behavior
If your cat is exhibiting aggressive behavior, such as ambushing or growling, it will take some time to get used to your presence. You can also consider whether you should contact the authorities or not.
Step 5. Use a cat pheromone product
If you need time to make your cat feel welcome, you can try a cat pheromone product. This substance works by mimicking pheromones in cats, which can calm them down because of the smell of these pheromones. There is a spray that can be used to spray the area around the cat. However, be aware that the sound of the spray can frighten your cat.
There are also pheromone wipes that can be used to wipe certain areas. You can even try an automatic sprayer if the cat is in an enclosed area
Step 6. Caress the cat with a spoon
Bring a cooking spoon or wooden spatula. Cover it with a soft cloth around it. Fur material can be a good choice. Place a spoonful of food near you so you can reach it without startling the cat. While the cat is eating, hold out the spoon and pet the cat with the spoon. It will take a few days of trial and error before the cat is comfortable with this process.
If the cat runs away, don't chase it. Just pet it again next time
Part 3 of 5: Making Contact with the Cat
Step 1. Wear protective clothing
Until you can take your cat to the vet for a check-up, it's a good idea to treat the cat in protective clothing. Wear thick gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants to reduce the chance of being scratched or bitten.
Step 2. Use your hand to pet the cat
After you've been petting him with a spoon for a while, try placing your hand under the spoon and starting to pet the cat. Only pet the cat's shoulders and head.
Don't go near his lower body. Cats get very defensive if they feel threatened. You can pet his stomach only when the cat really trusts you
Step 3. Try picking up the cat
Use a towel or blanket to lift the cat. Do this after you have petted it a few times. Choose a time when the cat seems calm and relaxed.
- It took a long time to get to this stage. It really depends on the cat. Some cats will not be tame enough to be picked up.
- If the cat struggles when you hold her, let her go. You may get scratched or bitten. You can also waste a lot of effort to get to this stage.
Part 4 of 5: Visiting the Vet with the Cat
Step 1. Get the cat used to the carrier
The cat should be put in a carrier so he can be taken to the vet for an important health check. You should let the cat get used to the carrier.
- Open the carrier in the house so the cat can explore on their own.
- Try placing the food bowl near the carrier so he's more likely to inspect it.
- Move the food into the carrier so the cat will step inside.
Step 2. Take the cat to the vet
If you ever get a hold of the cat, take him to the vet as soon as possible. You can get him checked, vaccinated, and give your cat any other care it needs.
Give vaccinations to protect them from various diseases, such as leukemia in cats and other diseases. Ask your vet what vaccinations are recommended
Step 3. Ask your veterinarian for treatment for fleas and worms
Since a cat has been on the streets all his life, he must be cared for and protected from fleas and worms. Your vet can apply flea and deworming medication directly or he or she can give you recommendations for flea and deworming medications for home use.
Step 4. Castrate the cat
One helpful way is to castrate cats to prevent the birth of feral cats. The vet will trim the cat's ears and this procedure is painless as it is performed while the cat is sedated. The tips of the ears will be cut off as a sign that he has been castrated.
Part 5 of 5: Invite Outcast Cats to Hang out
Step 1. Try taming a kitten between four and eight weeks of age
When a kitten is in the weaning stage, it responds better to the taming process. It will live separately from its mother in this phase. Once the kitten is willing to hang out, it will be able to be adopted.
Step 2. Provide a place for the kitten to feel safe
When he's not hanging out outside, make sure he has a small, quiet room where he can rest and relax. This room can be a bathroom or a spare bedroom.
Keep the lights on overnight so the room isn't completely dark
Step 3. Choose a suitable location
This is useful for increasing the kitten's exposure to humans by taming them in places where humans are active. You can try a place in the yard while other people are working or playing. Or, you could try a place in your home.
Step 4. Align the body with the kitten
Don't look like a giant by standing next to him. Sit on the floor or the ground with the kitten.
Step 5. Provide wet cat food
As long as the kitten is healthy, you can use food as a medium for socializing. This way, you can lure him closer because he's hungry and wants to eat the food you have. Sit near the cat while it is eating.
- You can even try placing a food bowl on your lap so the kitten is closer to you.
- Get rid of food when you are not around the kitten. This way, the kitten will associate the food with your presence.
Step 6. Let the cat lick the food off your finger
After getting used to your presence when he is eating, offer food from your hand. You can use wet cat food or baby food (try baby food flavored with beef or chicken).
Kittens will try to swallow food instead of licking it as this is their natural way of eating. He may try to bite your finger while feeding him
Step 7. Start petting the kitten
When he is hungry and eats voraciously, try stroking his body. Start by stroking the head and shoulders.
If he runs away, repeat the previous step in more time
Step 8. Try petting the kitten without food
Once your kitten is used to your presence and touch, you should try to avoid using food. This will ensure that the kitten still likes to be petted without being provoked by food. Try petting the kitten when he is fed and full.
Step 9. Introduce the cat to other people slowly
If you're taming a cat for someone else to adopt, make sure the cat is already socializing with someone other than you.
Start letting someone spend time with the kitten. This person should also feed the cat with a bowl, then with his hands. The cat will get used to the sound, smell, and actions of the person
Tips
- Try not to touch your cat's belly, tail, and paws until he knows you won't hurt him. These areas are sensitive and the cat will scratch or bite you.
- Do it slowly. You can do this process slowly if you are trying to push the cat out of its comfort zone.
Warning
- If the cat is being aggressive, step back a bit.
- Only people trained in stray cat care should attempt to handle these animals.
- If you are bitten by a cat (a stray or pet), see a veterinarian for treatment. Keep an eye on the cat's scratch to make sure it doesn't get infected.
