How to catch and tame a wild kitten, cat or cat

Seeing a stray cat or wild kitten can make you feel very emotional. Despite their seeming vulnerability, these animals are actually very cautious and wary of people. Patience, care, and an awareness of a wild cat’s behavior are necessary for successfully capturing and training one.

The process is delicate, regardless of whether it’s an adult cat that has been living on the streets for years or a feral kitten that was born outside. It’s critical to approach them in a way that reassures and deters them. Although it takes time to establish trust, you can assist them in making the change from being a wild animal to a loving companion.

To provide a wild kitten, cat, or feral a better life, this article will walk you through the process of capturing and taming the animal. You’ll discover the methods, strategies, and frame of mind required to be successful in this fulfilling process.

How to catch a wild cat

It’s common to refer to wild animals as individuals who have never had to adjust to human society. Animals respond violently to human behavior because they fear them. Find out if they are homeless before you capture them.

Distinguishing a wild animal from a domestic pet

Differentiating between a street cat and a tailed cat that has gone for a walk can often be quite challenging. It’s a myth that a stray cat living in the wild is always thin and unclean. Four-legged creatures on the streets are not always tired because they are frequently fed by kind neighbors. Furthermore, healthy stray animals can appear no worse than their counterparts living in homes because cats are tidy animals that take good care of their fur.

If it is difficult to tell if a cat is really wild, watch it for a while. It is unlikely that an animal has a home if it is outside during the day and night. At night, domestic cats that stroll outside come back from the street.

Since they associate a stranger with warmth and food, lost pets will even contact him. A stray cat will have wounds and scratches on its body and muzzle, as well as torn ears from fighting for a female or defending its territory.

Unlike lost pets, street cats—especially those who have experienced bullying in the past—are frequently hostile toward people.

Catching a cat: safety measures

There are unique aspects to the street cat catching process. Try using a candy wrapper on a string or some food, such as dry food, fish, meat, or cat food on a saucer, to entice a small kitten to come out of hiding. As it approaches, seize it by the neck’s fold of skin and firmly hold it against your chest. Another method is to fill the animal carrier with food, entice the kitten inside with a toy or candy wrapper, and then shut the door.

It is more challenging with mature animals. After spending a considerable amount of time on the streets, wild cats and other cats grow wary of people and frequently flee from them, unlike young kittens. You could, of course, attempt to catch the animal with your hands alone. However, because the cat is wild, he will start biting and scratching in addition to hissing. Handle it carefully to prevent accidental injury. Wearing thick gloves and clothing that covers all exposed body parts are good ways to protect yourself.

Cat trap

Use a special type of cat trap (cat trap) to protect yourself and expedite the process of capturing an animal. Veterinarian clinics and pet stores both sell it. You can build it yourself or rent it from a shelter or specialist animal trapping service. It is appropriate for both newborns and adult cats. A trap is an animal carrier with a closing door that is fastened with a rope knotted in the upper position.

An effective trap for homeless animals is a cat trap.

For at least two days prior to setting up the trap, progressively acclimate the stray cat to your presence by giving him food on a regular basis at specific times, conversing with him, and soothing him. Cats are predators by nature, but you can still build a relationship with them by giving them a treat. Even if the animal does not appear anxious, do not pick it up. Lure the cat into the trap once it stops being afraid:

  • set the trap in the area where the animal is most often;
  • attract the cat with a tasty bait with a pleasant smell: fish, canned cat food, dry food, other products placed in a plastic plate.

Arrange the food so that it faces the trap’s entrance and is on the other side from the door. The cat needs to get all the way inside the trap. All varieties of these devices function according to the same principle. It entails shutting the building’s door once the cat has entered. Next, place a blanket or piece of cloth over the top of the trap so the cat can recuperate from its stress quickly in the semi-darkness.

Video: catching a cat using a homemade trap

Landing net trap

An effective tool for wild cat catchers is a landing net. Its triangular shape sets it apart from a net. The apparatus unfolds to a length of 3–4 m after folding to a length of 1 m. If it is composed of thick fishing line, it is more dependable.

Since the animals won’t be able to see the landing net swing, it is best to complete the catching procedure at night. It is also less common to find animal rights activists who believe that all catchers are animal abusers. Take someone to feed the cat or behave alone. Spread the landing net first, then fill it with cat food. Next, approach the animal from behind while holding the open device. Nothing will happen if you throw a landing net into a cat’s field of vision.

Two varieties of wild cats exist:

  • those who do not pay attention to the landing net (until the first unsuccessful attempt to catch them);
  • smart animals that don"t approach the landing net closer than 5 m.

Any cat that is eating should be approached from behind. Cover it as soon as possible with landing net. Should she fail, she might no longer even be able to eat foods that complement one another. -predisposed to animals. Once the cat is trapped, move your gloved hands until the sucker exits by pressing the adaptation to the ground in the direction of the handle to the grid. Here, lift the cat inside the grid and place your palm over it. Hold the suck by the net rather than the handle. Two methods exist for obtaining a cat:

  • less dangerous – the cat is transferred to the garage, basement, apartment and transplanted into a carry;
  • More risky – the cat is transplanted in the carrying at the site of the capture: the back of the carry is put to the wall so that the cat can not run out, then the door is opened, the sucker is brought to the hole, the hand holding the mesh, and the cat is pushed into the carry.

Usually, animals that have been under a lot of stress clog in the carrying’s depths, allowing you to shut its door quickly. Place the cat’s tail first; if you don’t, it will start to resist ferociously, thinking something is amiss. Select a carrier composed of sturdy materials.

It is convenient to catch wild cats with a landing net.

It takes patience and gentleness to capture and tame a wild kitten or cat. To foster trust, begin by making a calm and secure environment for the cat and providing food and water in close proximity. Lean in close, taking care not to startle the cat, and wait for it to approach you. Gradually, employ toys and treats to promote communication, and speak gently to reassure the animal. A wild cat can eventually become domesticated and learn to feel at ease in human company with constant love and care.

What to do after catching a cat

Many diseases, the majority of which have no overt symptoms, can be carried by cats. Before bringing the cat home, show it to an expert to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Should you need to transport it to the veterinarian, set the trap containing the animal on the seat and cover it with a blanket or towel. When you get there, take it out of the trap (portable container) while paying attention to safety precautions.

In the event that a wild cat bites you, get in touch with a doctor right away. This will allow the veterinarian to examine the four-legged patient promptly, conduct any necessary tests, determine whether the animal is infected or not, and determine whether people and other animals it comes into contact with will be safe.

Quarantine is required if the cat is living in an apartment before going to a veterinarian. Isolate the cat from people by placing it in a different room.

A homeless cat should have its health examined by a veterinarian before being brought home.

What the cat will need at home

First, feed the animal at home. Give the cat a variety of food options so it can select what it wants. The animal frequently favors well-known products. Dry food, cottage cheese, lean meat, and boneless fish can all be included in a portion of food. There are instances when worn-out cats just lack the energy to eat. Furthermore, a bowl of fresh water should always be placed next to the food because the body of the wild cats that were picked up is dehydrated and requires water (filtered).

The cat will require a bathroom break after eating. In the early going, replace any trays that aren’t specifically made with a cardboard box that has been wrapped in cellophane. Fill it up with regular river sand. This toilet will appeal to outdoor cats more than one that uses commercial filler because they are accustomed to burying their waste in the ground or sand.

Water procedures should not be performed on an animal that has been caught because the skin and fur may be damaged. Water only serves to exacerbate ringworm, an infection that is dangerous for humans and commonly affects street cats. With the doctor’s approval, the cat is bathed in an antiparasitic shampoo. They then receive worm treatment. Using the medication as drops on the withers is the best course of action in this situation. Tablets of medication can be administered to calm animals.

Flea treatments, such as giving street cats special shampoo baths, must be applied to their homes.

How to tame a wild animal

An animal can be tamed when it is a baby or an adult. You must first gain their trust in order to accomplish this.

Taming a kitten

In just three to seven days, a tiny two-month-old kitten can be raised as a loving domestic pet. Positive outcomes are possible:

  • good and tasty food;
  • playing with a ball, a rope, and other objects;
  • frequent stroking of the fur, affectionate conversations with the kitten.

The infant gains affection and trust as a result of this.

Once the kitten has been brought inside, take these actions:

  1. Exclude its contact with people, other animals in the house, placing it in a separate space, for example, in a cage.
  2. Put it in a quiet corner and cover it with a towel on top. Place a saucer with water and a tray inside the cage. After the arrangement, leave the baby alone and do not disturb it. After a while, it will get hungry.
  3. After about 3 hours, go to the cage with the pet, talk to it affectionately, treat it with something tasty: delicious food for kittens, aromatic chicken. Remember that it should take food from the hands of the owner.
  4. If the kitten hisses, does not want to eat, leave it alone for a while. The baby must understand that he receives food for good behavior from the hands of a friend, a breadwinner, and not an enemy.
  5. When the animal calms down, open the cage and hold out your hand to the kitten. Do not make any sudden movements so as not to scare it. It may hiss, as it is still afraid of everything. Do not pay attention. If it decides to scratch your hand, stop the action by waving it away. Then the baby will understand who is in charge.
  6. After the kitten has calmed down, give it a small piece of tasty food as complementary food. It will receive the main portion of food a little later – in 12-15 hours, when the baby feels hungry. It will leave its shelter and even take food from your hands. This means you did everything right.

When communicating with the little animal, do not speak loudly, do not shout, otherwise it will get scared and run away. You will have to start all over again. Later, the kitten will start approaching the owner. If it did this and allowed itself to be stroked, it is time to treat it with food from your hands. From this time on, the animal begins to get used to affection. Soon he will understand that he is not in danger from a person, he will begin to trust. Then he can be taken in his arms, tickle his tummy, stroke the wool behind his ears. Play with it more often. If the kitten begins to scratch, strictly tell him that you can’t do this and leave him. When establishing confidence in communication with the kitten, introduce him to the rest of the household, including children.

Video: how to tame a kitten

Handling of an adult cat, cat

In a month or more, a mature wild cat (cat) can become a hand-petrier. Everything is dependent on the animal’s nature. There are people whose fear stays with them forever. It is easier to socialize and acclimate a younger cat to new living conditions. Furthermore, this is impacted by the life lessons he learned from living on the streets. Successfully tame the animal by showing it warmth, love, and patience. It will have a positive attitude on its own.

After being caught and brought home by the veterinarian, a cat should spend a few days in a solitary area (a cat carrier), a closet, or a bathroom so that it can more easily acclimate to its new living environment. There ought to be space for:

  • bowls for food and water;
  • a tray with filler for a toilet;
  • a bed.

If the animal is going to be in a room, remove all unnecessary items from the shelves, close the windows and dim the lights. Put some kind of box that the animal will use as a shelter. Put toys for the cat and the owner"s personal belongings on the floor so that it can smell the human scent. Place the carrier with the animal in a room that is rarely visited by family members and animals living in the house. Do not touch the pet for 2 days, giving it only food and water. It is necessary to make sure that the cat cannot escape from the carrier (room), thereby harming the inhabitants of the house, existing furniture. During these days, the pet may behave restlessly.

After two days, a wild cat usually feels at home.

To tame a cat (cat), sit near it more often, calmly talking to it. The pet will get used to this treatment and will stop being afraid. When it adapts to the new conditions, let it out into the other rooms. It is better to communicate with it while sitting or lying on the floor, so that you are on the same level with the animal. Do this every day, then the cat will allow you to pet it, pick it up. Visit the cat with something tasty. If it does not approach the owner even after a few days, then bring food with you (do not leave it) and wait until the animal eats it. It is better to put a plate of food near you. Do this several times a day so that the cat gets used to it. It should always have water. Also make sure that it does not slip out of the room through open doors or windows.

It is imperative that the cat wants to approach people in order for him to socialize with them quickly. Give him time, and provide the cat with a private area where it can hide.

If the cat is not scared, you can pick him up. In a few days, he will start coming up to you for food. At this time, show the animal that no harm will come to him when you pick him up and pet him. You can carefully, so as not to scare the cat, pick him up with a towel and give him something tasty. If he hisses, try again next time. When the cat is in your arms, lightly pet him while talking to him. If he starts to resist, let him go. Pet him when he himself wants to be picked up and petted. Reward good behavior with something tasty. Work with the cat every day – play, talk, pick him up – until he gets used to petting and touching. To help him adapt faster, accustom him to communicating with guests to quickly get used to a large number of people.

Video: How to turn a wild cat into a domestic cat

What not to do when catching and taming a cat

Use of sacks, blankets, bags, or other similar materials is not advised when capturing cats on the streets. Given that cats can carry the rabies virus, it is dangerous for humans when an animal becomes scared and bites or injures someone.

To ensure that the animal becomes a pet as soon as possible, you must be aware of the following during socialization:

  • tame the cat if you do not plan to keep it in the house forever;
  • contact the animal before visiting the veterinarian to avoid possible diseases;
  • look it in the eyes: animals perceive such a look as a threat;
  • take wild cats with bare hands – you need to protect yourself from bites and scratches by wearing thick clothes with long sleeves, gloves;
  • overfeed the animal – the amount of food should be increased gradually;
  • pick up a cat when it does not want to – this will slow down the socialization of the animal;
  • show aggression towards the animal.
Steps Description
1. Gain Trust Spend time near the cat without making sudden movements to show you"re not a threat.
2. Offer Food Leave food in a safe spot regularly so the cat associates you with positive experiences.
3. Use a Humane Trap If the cat won"t come near, use a humane trap with food inside to catch it safely.
4. Give Space Once caught, let the cat adjust in a quiet space without too much handling at first.
5. Be Patient Taming a wild cat takes time, so move slowly and give it space to get used to you.

It takes time, patience, and a gentle approach to tame a wild kitten or cat. It’s critical to keep in mind that these animals might be wary of people and that developing trust is essential. To help them feel more confident, start by providing food and a safe space. At first, stay back and give them space to approach on their own terms.

Gradually increase the level of interaction when the cat feels at ease with your presence. They will adjust with gradual physical contact, soft voices, and gentle movements. Never hurry the procedure because pressuring the animal into close proximity may result in problems. As an alternative, give them time to get to know you.

It’s also critical to realize that not all wild cats will make a full transition to indoor living situations or develop into lovable pets. While some might continue to be more independent, others might eventually develop into devoted partners. Be mindful of their limits and ready for unexpected results. Many wild cats can be trained to trust people and lead happy lives in homes with patience and care.

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Oleg Pashkov

Expert in matters and dietetics for cats and dogs. Studying the composition of feed and the effect of food on the health of pets - a priority area. I select individual diets for different breeds and ages, based on scientific data and many years of experience.

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