About Dear Tabbi Expertise My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too.
Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again.
Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials ***********
Awards and Honors * One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
Question I couldn't find an answer in your "previous ?'s. We trapped a feral cat a few years ago and she was wild and stayed hidden. We had to put her in boarding at our vets for a month. When we returned she was a different cat and it was explained to us that everyday a young tech had gotten in the cage with our cat which forced them to be physically close. When we picked her up she was a different cat for the better, much more socialized. My question; I have a cat now that seems to be quite feral and hides all the time. Would it be good to put him in a confining cage that is big enough for me to get in with him. I would try to feed him while in there and perhaps brush him. Would this be calming or make him even more wild and elusive? Thank you for the good work that you do, it is much appreciated.
Answer Lee,
If a cat was previously handled or owned then abandoned, got lost, etc. and reverted to a wild cat then it can become re-tamed with handling and trust. If a cat is truly a feral and an older cat they usually cannot be socialized like that. Most ferals are happier and feel safe and secure hiding. If a feral is young enough though you can gain their trust slowly and work with them.
It will depend on the cat. Does it get violent or vicious when you handle it? If not, then the only thing you can do is try and see how the animal responds. Just be careful until you see how the animal behaves.
