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Expert: - 4/27/2007


Question
I found a feral kitten about a week ago, he is about 10-12 weeks old and has befriended all 3 of my other cats. But he is still very timid to humans. He hides all day and then comes out at night to play with the other cats. He will come within a foot of my, but when I barely move he takes off. what can i do to help him warm up to the rest of his family?  

Answer
Hi Karisa,

Feral cats present a little challenge to those who take them in. It takes time and patience. You first need to get some special food treat for just him. I have used Biljac liver treats, chicken jerky, ham before. You need to make sure that the piece you have for him is very small. When he comes by you toss it to him very gently saying his name. You want him to start to associate his name, treats, and you together. As he gets used to you with this start moving the treats closer to you until he is taking it from your hand or right near you. You can then start to try to pet him. By this time he will shouldn't be afraid of you. When you go to pick him up don't worry if he panics at first. Just talk to him in a soothing voice. Never hold a cat longer than he wants to be held. If he wants down, let him go. He will be back. Since he is a kitten this shouldn't take this long. My feral kitties that I have are some of the most affectionate ones in my household. You just need to work with him and wait. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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