Recently, I met a man who volunteers for the Humane Society as one who helps socialize feral cats that come into that animal care facility. He is one of only 2 strangers who has been able to get close to and form a mini-bond with one of our ferals, Angelina Stripe (tortie in the photo here). Watching him work his magic with her was amazing.
It occured to me that I would post a link here to help people with socializing ferals. From my experience, it is easiest to do this when you can get hold of a kitten before it is 8 weeks old. Some people say before 6 weeks. But Angelina Stripe, who began feral, came to me at 1 1/2 years old, rubbing my legs, basically asking for attention. It took some time and work to train the remaining wildness out of her. But it was well worth the effort. She is so affectionate now - actually, she is the only one out of the five indoor cats we have who likes to sit on my lap. And it is clear that she is happier now that she is indoor-only and safe.
Here is the link to some extra information for any who might like to check it out -
Enjoy and thank you for commenting. Be well!
Debby in Arizona
7 comments:
Thanks for the tip! Great link! Some ferals come around real quickly but others can be soooooo hard to socialize..
Great work with Angelina! We can see she's a very contented girl!
Those were some great tips, I picked up a few pointers that may help with my new sister. She isn't feral, but she was an only cat for 6 years. Have a great weekend!
Thanks for the tips. Bless the man that has a way with the feral kitties. Angelina is beautiful and you did a great job with her. You all have a wonderful and safe weekend. Hugs and nose kisses
Hi! Thanks for the interesting post :)
I added you to my blogroll. Would you mind adding me to yours? I hope you deem my blog worthy :)
Have a great weekend!
Thank you very much for sending so many purrs and headbutts to make us feel comforted and much loved.
Good tips.
Have a great Sunday.
Uhm, not to be negative, but 'feral' means born wild, and is wild. It doesn't sound like the cat you got was wild at all. It sounds like she was either someone's indoor/outdoor pet cat that is either allowed outside or is lost, or at the worst a stray, but definately not feral.
My friend has a rescue for feral cats and we have multiple cats ourselves. Feral cats do not rub against people. It takes years for them to trust people if you do not socialize them as kittens.
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