The pedigree of a pet is not important for everyone. Many are ready to adopt a wild kitten - and even an adult street cat or tomcat - but do not know how to tame them, because homeless animals are very careful about handling and affection. The most typical reaction is fear or aggression. They are explained by a lack of experience interacting with people or negative memories (loss of owner, cruel treatment).
Despite the possible problems, it is quite possible to catch and re-educate a timid “mustache” from the street using a number of tricks. Support at the stage of adaptation to new conditions is also important.
Problems with taming cats: what you have to face
Before you take the first cat you come across to your home, assess the risks. Taming is a noble cause, but it is important to understand that if for some reason you fail, the “mustache” will have to be returned to the street again.
The main problems associated with taming include:
- Strong wildness of the cat (there was no experience of communicating with a person or there was, but negative)
. Observe the behavior of the one you like. If a cat lives near a residential building, accepts food from people, but tries not to have too much contact with them, then it is semi-wild. Such “mustaches” have a positive experience of communicating with humans, so it is quite possible to tame them. Adaptation is even easier for abandoned or lost pets.
- Great age
. The longer an animal lives on the street, the more difficult it is to adapt it to life next to a person. The opposite situation is typical for kittens up to 3 months old.
- Time
. Many kittens are tamed in just 2-6 weeks, while adults can be tamed in several months or even more than a year. To avoid a rollback, you will have to spend several hours every day taming during this time, so be sure to make sure you are prepared for such sacrifices.
If the above does not scare you, then start arranging a personal corner for your new pet and move on to the next stage.
IMPORTANT!
Do not take your baby off the street from his mother if he is still breastfeeding.
Don't give your cat too much food
Don't think that the more and more often you feed your cat, the more she will love you. Cats are amazing animals. But still, they are animals. And all the goodies that you put in the bowl will be eaten by your pussy. Through force, to the detriment of the body, but eaten. As the French say: “To be full is to be a little hungry.” Do not overfeed your cat so that she does not immediately go to sleep in her secluded corner.
In addition to quantity, think about the quality of food. Healthy food is the key to a long life and strong friendship for your cat. Cheap food, stuffed with chemicals, can sooner or later cause diabetes, sore joints, or even banal “matts” in a cat. Obese cats groom themselves less frequently and less efficiently.
Catching an animal that is afraid to be handled
Feral cats that were once domestic cats calmly approach any people, associating them with warmth and food. The only exception is the presence of negative experience. If the unfortunate cat managed to get into trouble with the participation of a flayer, then his trust will be much lower than before.
In all other cases, there will simply be no chance to take the animal under your arm and go home with it. With them you will have to show all your cunning and ingenuity. To do this you will need food, a carrier and special traps.
Food and carry
Carrying is the most convenient option, because after catching the “mustache” you will have to take it to the veterinarian. In this case, food will act as bait, so choose something with a strong smell: fish, canned cat food or budget economy-class food.
Place the carrier in the kitten's area and place a portion of food inside. Then either wait for the baby to go there himself, or lure him with a rustling candy wrapper. Once it is inside, the carrier door can be closed.
ADVICE!
If you have enough free time and patience, then simply feed the cat every day until he gains confidence in you and allows you to pick him up of his own free will.
Special traps
Adults are less gullible, so to catch them it is recommended to use a cat catcher - a special trap that is a durable folding cage made of steel with a slamming door. You can buy it in almost any online store or take it from your hands.
Clue
You can rent a cathouse from volunteers or an animal shelter.
The principle here is the same as with carrying. The bait is placed inside the catcher, and immediately after eating it, the door closes on its own. A thick blanket is placed on top of the cage so that the cat can calm down and come to his senses.
Another possible option is a fishing landing net, but it has too many disadvantages. It is very difficult to catch a nimble animal with it the first time. Because of this, you risk losing the trust of the “mustachioer” at the very beginning.
Transferring into a carrier is also quite problematic. Any careless movement and the cat will run away again.
“ Do not use a regular blanket or bag for catching. Such thin materials will not hold back the claws, and a frightened animal will easily hurt you.
Keep a close eye on your cat
Once the most famous cat lover in the country, Yuri Kuklachev, was asked: “How do you manage to earn such love and respect from cats?” To this Yuri replied: “I just watch them very often.” These words do not mean that you need to constantly look at your pet and peek around the corner when he eats. No, you just need to understand what they like and what turns them off. Many cat movements are potential clues for you.
Just like a person, a cat also takes some getting used to. If you can synchronize with your cat, then without realizing it, you will earn her boundless love and trust.
Getting your pet used to the house
Even before you are ready to bring your new pet home, you should set up a separate place for it. A separate room is best suited for this, and if it is not available, a spacious cage or an insulated balcony. In the chosen place you need to place a soft blanket, a lounger, bowls of food and water, a tray, several toys and any things with your scent.
Getting to know the home
When you return home, place the carrier or catsuit in a pre-prepared room. Open the lid and let the animal take the first step into unfamiliar territory.
If you choose a cage, cover it with some fabric, and if you choose a whole room, close the curtains. Dim lighting will make it easier for your cat to relax. After this, leave the room for 2-3 hours, leaving the animal alone.
To be safe, be sure to remove fragile or heavy items from shelves and be sure to cover any holes that could be crawled into. Pay special attention to the wires. They need to be lifted off the floor and isolated so that the cat cannot be injured.
Feeding and litter box
After the time indicated above, return to the room and try to offer something tasty by extending your hand. If the cat stubbornly refuses to contact you, put the food you brought in her bowl.
When further feeding, be sure to adhere to the regimen. Give food at the same time in small portions so as not to overload the stomach of a hungry animal on the street.
During feedings, stay in the room, but do not try to get close. The best option is the corner opposite from the cat, where she can clearly see you. You can try hand feeding again as soon as she stops hiding in your presence.
“ Pay special attention to water. Outdoor animals often become dehydrated, so be sure to monitor the amount of water in the bowl and remember to change it for a new one.
It is better to get acquainted with the tray using ordinary soil. Unlike the filler, it has a familiar smell, and at the adaptation stage it is important for you to get accustomed to a certain place. Over time, the land can be replaced with something else.
Gradual socialization
To avoid stress, don't try to make too many contacts in one day. First, let your cat get used to you and the new place. Feed her, communicate and try to engage her in play. As soon as she begins to trust you, expand your social circle with the help of other adults in the household.
At the next stage, you can move on to meeting the children. Explain to them that the new pet cannot be touched against its will, and also ask them not to make noise.
At the very end, get accustomed to other animals living in your home. At an earlier stage, a conflict over territory may arise between them, so you should not strain the frightened “mustache” before it gets comfortable.
Security measures
It is recommended to immediately take a cat caught in a trap to a veterinary clinic. There she will be examined for external injuries, given an anti-worm tablet and vaccinated against the most common infections. Thanks to this check, you will exclude infection of other pets and yourself.
When you get home, do not rush to pick up your pet. At the stage of getting used to the house, it is better not to provoke the animal, as fear and stress can develop into defensive aggression. For the first 14 days, it is recommended to isolate him in a separate room to allow him to get acquainted with new smells and make sure there are no hidden pathologies.
IMPORTANT!
Don't forget about washing. The easiest option is to pay for this service at a veterinary clinic or grooming salon.
If fleas or other parasites are confirmed, be sure to disinfect the room and wash your hands after each contact with the “whisker” until recovery. At the stage of accustoming to hands and affection, wear thick clothes with long sleeves and wear gloves to protect yourself from parasites and attacks from the cat itself.
Say "hello" like a cat
You've probably seen how cats greet each other. No, they don’t sniff their partners’ bottoms. A cat's friendly attitude can be recognized when it touches the other cat's nose with its nose. Why don't you try it too? Just don’t need to get on all fours and nuzzle your fluffy one now. It will be enough to raise your finger. Simply reach in and extend your index finger. The kitty will certainly come closer to you to smell it. As soon as she wipes her muzzle on her finger, you can consider the greeting complete.
Such a ritual will not only bring you closer to your cat, but will also add a few points of respect from her.
How to accustom a kitten or cat to hands and affection
After a couple of days of quarantine, you can be puzzled by accustoming to hands and affection. There is no need to wait the entire 14 days - after all, you will still have to interact during feeding and cleaning the tray.
To get your baby's favor, use the following recommendations:
- Let your new pet get used to you. During quarantine, enter the room at the same time, remembering to knock. Do not make sudden movements and talk to the animal in a quiet and calm voice. If he has stopped hiding in your presence, try sitting in the room with a book, laptop or phone, preferably right on the floor.
- Assess the situation. If there are no signs of aggression or fear (hissing, flattening of ears, attempts to attack, thumping of the tail), you can move on to the next stage.
- Start training your hand. Place your hand on the floor, palm down, and freeze in that position. The kitten must understand that this part of the body is not dangerous, so do not allow it to be stroked under any circumstances. Do this exercise until the animal initiates the first contact and rubs against your hand.
- Try petting the animal. Wait for the next contact, and then slowly raise your hand up to the level of the kitten's eyes. Hold it in this position for a few seconds and gently touch the top of the mustache. If he tenses up and wags his tail, move your hand back.
- Organize a joint game. Use a teaser rod or mouse and praise your pet when he catches them. In addition to verbal praise, try to use stroking, but only if the animal does not mind.
- Take the “mustachio” in your hands. Gently lift the baby by the scruff of the neck and place him on your lap, with his head away from you. After this, gently stroke the kitten from the top of the head to the back, saying something gentle and soothing.
- Use a comb. Take a soft massage brush and brush your pet to give him a pleasant feeling. This way you will not only extend the time of sitting in your arms, but also teach your baby to comb.
- Don't forget about the treat. Give an incentive treat after each successful contact. Be sure to choose something that is not on the main menu. This will help reinforce the correct behavior.
The algorithm for training adults is similar. The only important thing to note is that they require more time.
IMPORTANT!
Do not hold the cat if he tries to escape or jump to the floor.
Editor's story:
Once I had the opportunity to tame one cat, already an adult. He lived with neighbors. Every day I went to the coffee shop for 5-10 minutes. At first he hid, and I just sat in the room.
Then he would come out and look at me. I talked to him, tried to call him over with a tasty treat, but he didn’t react to it.
A little later, he finally decided to accept food from my hands. But he still didn’t give in to petting - he shuddered timidly when touched and looked around.
One day I took him by surprise: I walked in while he was sleeping. He opened his eyes and looked at me. I slowly approached the cat, but he didn’t run away... And I stroked him. He was perplexed, but not afraid. I stroked him until he purred...
Of course, he did not stop being afraid of sudden movements. But he boldly approached me, did not flinch when stroked, played with pleasure and accepted food from me. In the end, I even took him in my arms and stroked him, kissed him on the nose - he didn’t mind.
The whole process took me 5 months. Perhaps everything would be faster if we lived together... But the fact remains: daily meetings and a very smooth adjustment are needed.
Pet your cat only where she allows it.
For cats, where you pet her is a very important factor. If you constantly want to stroke her belly, but she doesn’t give it, it definitely won’t add love to you. If your pet wants this, he will lie down on his stomach.
Start with a light massage of the cheeks and neck. If the cat likes it, it will begin to purr, squint and lightly move its paws. If you pet in an inappropriate place, the cat will begin to wag its tail and become a little tense.
Remember: each animal's g-points are different. But if you find them in your cat, long and sincere love is guaranteed.
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Rules and errors
For faster and more comfortable taming of a wild animal, as well as for your own safety, try to avoid the most common mistakes. These include:
- Direct contact with the caught animal before examination by a veterinarian
. Try not to pick up the mustache directly until you are sure it is healthy - or wear thick gloves.
- Direct look into the eyes
. In the wild, such a gesture always means a challenge and a threat. Instead, try to look to the side or at the floor.
- Overfeeding
. If you notice severe thinness and a brutal appetite, do not rush to feed the cat everything that is in your house. Otherwise, the existing stress will be complemented by problems with the stomach and intestines.
- Caress against your will
. Wait until the new pet takes the initiative so as not to frighten him with your pressure.
- Display of aggression
. Avoid punishment even if you are scratched very deeply and painfully. This reaction is defensive, so screaming and assault will only further intensify the existing fear.
If you follow all the basic rules, but don’t see even the tiniest changes, don’t rush to blame yourself. Some animals cannot be tamed because they are wild, so the only option in this situation is to release them into the wild.
Despite this fact, in most cases the situation is resolved successfully, so do not be afraid to shelter a mustachioed baby found on the street. After all, by your action you will give him a chance for a new carefree life.
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How long will it take?
The timing of taming depends very much on the age of the animal, as well as on how long it has lived on the street and whether it has ever lived among people. A small kitten can make contact within a day. But an adult animal that has lived on the street for a long time can take a week or several months to get used to it. In addition, adult pets, even after a long stay at home, often retain fear of other people or the habit of hiding at the slightest noise. Sometimes it is not possible to get rid of these features, despite all the efforts of the owners.
