If you are an animal lover, it is natural instinct to want to help a stray cat that has been wandering around your home. It is very possible to tame a stray cat, and even a feral cat. A stray can easily become a devoted member of the family. It does take patience and time to turn a scared mess of a cat into a tame and gentle sweetheart.
The difference between “stray”, “feral” and “lost.”
A lost cat that has wandered too far from home will look healthy. It might be scared, but will come to you easy enough. Pick it up and make a few stops at neighborhood homes until the cat is back with is family. A stray cat might be thin and its fur may be matted. A stray may or may not be spayed or neutered. These cats have had human contact for at least some part of their lives, but have been on their own for so long their feral instincts have kicked in. A feral cat has always been wild. It does not trust humans. They will not be spayed or neutered. These cats will run away if they see you and may be aggressive.
Showing the stray or feral cat that you come in peace.
Place a dish of food far enough from your house that the stray will go for it without being too nervous. After so many days, put the dish closer to your front door. Then closer and closer. A stray cat might walk through your front door if it gets used to you. A feral cat will not. A feral cat won’t even eat with you watching it. A stray will get used to you watching it as long as you don’t make sudden movements or try to touch it. The younger the cat, the easier time you will have. It might take weeks of you feeding the cat before you ever get a good look at it. Each cat is different and is affected by its circumstances.
Setting the trap for the stray or feral cat.
Set up a cat carrier and leave the food inside with the door open. They stray will go inside to eat the food and so will a feral cat that is hungry enough. After several days of feeding the cat in the carrier, you are ready to strike. Tie a tough string to the door of the carrier and pull the string up through the inside of the carrier(the carrier should have air holes on the top or sides). Make sure the string is long enough to keep you at a far enough distance that the cat can’t see you. Now, you have to wait. And then wait some more. Wait until the stray or feral cat goes all the way into the carrier to eat. Then quickly pull the string and it keep it pulled tight so that the door will not open. Get to the door and lock it before the cat escapes. Good luck. This is easier said than done. You might even fail, especially with a feral cat, and have to gain trust back by starting all over again.
A special room for the new kitty.
The newly captured stray or feral cat should be placed in a room by itself. Make sure the room has plenty of places for the cat to hide. Release the cat in the room with some food and water and then leave it alone. Over the next several days go into the room and spend some time with the cat. Sit and read for an hour. If the cat is a stray, once it has become more used to you, you can try to coax it to you with food. Eventually try to pet it. A feral cat will not let you touch it and will not be coaxed. All you can do is let the cat come to you and that can take a very long time. When the cat is more comfortable, you can let it leave the room on its own. Many stray cats will not want to leave the house to go outside and will prefer the safety of the house. Feral cats will most likely not leave the room, but will escape the house if given the chance and see the opportunity.
Not every feral cat can be rescued.
It’s a sad fact. Strays are much easier to tame and can become very friendly with a little love and attention. A feral cat may never fully trust you. Sometimes the only thing you can do for feral cats is spay/neuter and release them back to the wild. That doesn’t mean you should try to tame them. Many feral cats can be tamed enough that they will tolerate being petted, they might sit with you and follow you around.
Personal note: I have been taming stray and feral cats for years. Both for a job and because there are so many that show up where I live. From personal experience, it is very possible to give a feral cat a happy life. Euthanasia is not the answer. Patience is the key, and few people have that.
Sources:
Stray Cat Tips-Helping an Outdoor Cat, Zimmer Foundation
