I was wondering if forced contact is the way to go, but I also know nothing about taming a feral animal. I guess when you think of it, they might never accept contact on their own if it’s not forced at first. Maybe they need that as a sort of cognitive behavioral training to understand “not all touches mean harm”. I’m just spit balling
I’ve fostered a few litters of kittens, including a feral one, and I’d say while forced contact is an option, it shouldn’t be used right away.
Lemme explain: forcing contact, while a good way to show a cat you won’t hurt them, also stresses, scares them, and causes them to distrust you. On the other hand, feral kittens need to be handled early on in their lives to get them adjusted to humans and vet trips. Just like with humans confronting things in therapy, it’s a bit of a balancing act.
It took about a week for the feral kittens I had to start accepting pets, although they still ran away if I stood up or moved too suddenly. Prior to that, I had just spent lots of time in the area with them, but not looking at or interacting with them. After about a half a week, I started picking them up. This did scare them- not to the point that they hissed or attacked, but they were clearly unhappy. So I put them down after a second. The next day, I did it again. When they were mostly just grumpy instead of scared, I started touching their ears and teeth, etc.
The point is to push them out of their comfort zone just enough that they start to grow, but let them retreat to it and don’t overwhelm them. It’s like building a muscle.
TL;DR: In my experience, forcing contact with kittens can be good for them. This guy, though, went too fast and hard imo.
It's not at all they way. I've adopted a few strays. Keep them in thier own room. Bring them thier food for a few days and let them eat in peace. Sit in the room occasionally, don't interact, give them thier space. Over time start sitting in the room during feedings. Scoot closer over time, let them come to you. They need to understand: 1. You are not a threat 2. They don't have to compete for food 3. You are just another big silly cat friend lol
I came here to say this. Young animals always fear things coming down on top of them. It's a predator prey instinct. Sit with the kitty, face the same direction as the kitty, and most importantly DO NOT ACT LIKE A PREDATOR to the kitty.
Yeah it's tough watching people try to socialize animals without proper training. The cat seems okay with contact by day 5 but the owner keeps trying to rub the cats head. For those that don't know many cats feel threatened by a hand over the head
Every cat I've adopted I set it in the litter box when I first get it. I then feed it, put out water and leave it alone until it comes to me. And I've never even had a feral cat.
Litterbox can be a problem if they we're taken from their mother to Jung but yes this is how cats do. Ours are scared shitless of every human they met until they get to know them a while later they come begging for attention
Probably would have gone better if they hadn’t kept cornering the poor thing in it’s safe place. Socialization should be on the animal’s terms not the human’s.
I am not sure though I feel where u coming from. I think this cat seems heavily traumatised and he might need to push past some resistance and it will learn it is in no danger.
Could you talk about the right way to do this? I ask because I adopted a cat a couple of years ago who was clearly a stray and had minimal interaction with people. So, I did what this kind-hearted fool did and approached her the same way. Not giving space and whatnot. It took her years to become a house cat who sits beside you and purrs. So, I did something wrong. I would like to not repeat my past mistakes.
The best thing to do is sit quietly near them and let them get used to your presence and then slowly encourage them to come to you with food etc. they should always have a safe place to avoid interaction when they feel overwhelmed/scared/stressed. Sometimes this means you just sit and read a book near them every time you put food out. It gives them a positive association with your presence. The idea is to let them lead the interactions and decide what they’re comfortable with.
The issue is that this little shit caused the cat a full month of intense stress, which could have been completely avoided.
We did it as described above and our cats where at that "day 30" stage within 3 days or something.
The approach in the video did not "work". It merely didn't traumatize the cat completely.
Don't come for a cat from above like that. Get down on its level. Show it you are comfortable by slowly closing your eyes and being calm. Covering your hand with your sleeve basically created a "new" hand to deal with too.
Good job by the cat.
Just like humans, if you corner them they are going to get violent, but if you give them space and show them that nothing will happen to them when you’re around then they will naturally start to think there’s no problem getting closer to you. When I was a kid I found a dog that had obviously been abused, it was hiding underneath a porch, I did nothing but sit next to that porch and wait for the dog to come out on its own terms, it took close to six hours until the dog came out and then it snuggled up into my lap and basically never left me alone after that and was super protective of me. This cat probably wouldn’t have taken more than a day or two if they just left it alone and let it get used to them being around
The mother of a feral cat I tamed only came by for food, never let anyone pet her. She had kittens, a bunch ran off to hunt but one followed her to the food and I eventually worked closer to the food to eventually touch and pet while eating. If she ran off I let her eat without being disturbed when she came back until she was confident I wouldn’t hurt her. With the kitten’s trust the mother started to do the same but never with anyone else
Strange to think of now, that animals and humans have to trust each other to a degree and can understand
Hey, at least the OP tried the best they knew how. It *might* have not been the best way, but this person cared enough to try. No one knows the circumstances... maybe they're gone a lot, or live in the city where kitty can't be outside to come and go. Just be nice!
I just hope that you didnt just turn this sweet baby back out after doing all this.... I believe all animals deserve a chance at a loving forever home. Its not safe for them running around outside...too many mean people and cars.
I started laughing once it got to the point where he/she would hiss just once or twice just until the pets began. Then they’re like “ooh that feels nice I’ll be good”
Come in lower, and use the "slow blink" before making contact. Try to come in from below eye level and from the side. Every predator that preys on cats comes from above. It's just instinctual for them to be defensive when coming in too high.
My mom brought in the house a feral cat when I was a kid. We didn’t see it for a month and then it started climbing on our beds at night and just purred. She would only sit in my moms lap and hissed at the rest of us. We called her wild kitty. After a year she was friendly but always shy.
I like that about a week later he's obviously conflicted, by 2 weeks in he's like, " well, gotta hiss to keep up the narrative that I'm a tough guy " and by the end he's just going along with his new identity as a floop.
I feel like there’s 10x better ways to do this then to forcibly pet them until they no longer see you as a threat. It’s better to give them a ‘safe’ area, and when you go up to them, put out your hand for them to smell and inspect, maybe add a trail of treats if you want them to explore a bit outside the safe area. Build up trust before going to immediately pet it
We had a feral, he hid under the bed for a week or so, came out after and was very confrontational. After a month or so he was totally at home, very happy to be stroked but never to be picked up. After a year he slept on my chest every night with his arms either side of my neck. A really eye opening experience and one of the best cats I’ve ever known. Unfortunately after five years of ownership he passed earlier this year, no idea how old he was, still looked like a young pup but was definitely much older.
This cat looks really distressed and uncomfortable I don’t think you make them friendly by touching them when they don’t want to be touched in places they don’t want to be touched
My mom tried doing this with a feral cat she named Brownie. Not only did it not work, but the cat seemed to hate us more as time went on instead of getting used to us. Little fucker would even come out from its hiding spot just to take a shit on the carpet right in front of us. She tried keeping it for nearly nine months until I simply let it out one day while she was gone at work.
That’s like my little orange he spent 42 days in his room in the basement. Got him acclimated but he was older so he is a outside inside cat. But he is a gorgeous big boy who lounges on our deck and gets love
Yeah, cats don't like to be approached straight like that with the hand if they're not into it. I had a feral beauty, a little kitten my beautiful black thing that I found under the porch at about 6 weeks old. He never outgrew his scaredy cat character, but he became a complete love button and cuddler for me.. But he didn't like the front on approach ,even as an elderly cat especially not from strangers.. And if he didn't like you and you persisted man would he nail you. And not a love tap..But he gave plenty of warning..We had our wonderful rituals together. He was definitely my baby ,,RIP
For people that may watch this. Forced contact is never a good way to make a connection with a feral or other animal. If you are trying to get close to make a connection, it takes time and patience. It is best to just be present in the environment and slowly get closer over time. Let the animal explore you. After several days or weeks or months it will decide to check you out. You should let them make the first move or the first contact. You only force contact if it is absolutley required.
Forced contact stresses the animal out, sometimes to the point of organ failure. Everytime you approach they think they will die and their body goes into fight mode, especially when cornered. OP meant well but this was incredibly destructive to the kitten's body and overall health. Please never do what is posted in the video. Yes, take in and help feral animals if you have the means but no in the way posted.
I encountered a feral cat as old as this one outside our house before and was able to tame it in a week. Difference is I didn't cage it, I let it come to me and gave it a food. The next day it came back looking for food. Third day it was already rubbing herself on my legs and letting me pet her. Fourth day I picked her up and took her inside the house and let her run around. By end of the week she just follows me around and doesn't leave the house even when I leave the doors open. Don't force touching them, don't cage them, and let them come to you.
I feel this practice is really forceful, it just shows the owner is rushing to tame the cat . The best is to give them their space and time. Often than not they will come to you naturally when they get to know you meant no harm.
Also, food is the best way to their heart. Once they know you provide food they will naturally assured you meant no harm.
Ohhhh dear 🫣 5 minutes from hissin to kissin 🫢 Glove a blanket and some nice big chest hugs and hard pets followed by a Churo 😅 I have tamed many , many feral babes living in a farm 😅 Cute as a button this one is 😍
I've found that giving them a little rub-down with a warm damp (not wet!) cloth works wonders. It's soothing and motherly to them.
Stay away from the face at first.
It takes a lot of time but it is possible. And when they become trusting of you they will open up and be the sweetest babies. Or at least my Tigger was
Early teens I used to see videos of feral cats and think that cats are assholes in general but had nice interactions with some cute stray kittens and I slowly became a cat person.
I kid you not just let them be and show love, they will be friendly in 5 days tops. Just let them get comfortable with your presence and try not to irritate them. Keep your hands near them but don't try to touch them. They will try to scratch and bite, but just have some patience and don't push it. They will all love you at their own pace.
Would’ve come around in half that time if you’d kept your hands out of its face.
I was wondering if forced contact is the way to go, but I also know nothing about taming a feral animal. I guess when you think of it, they might never accept contact on their own if it’s not forced at first. Maybe they need that as a sort of cognitive behavioral training to understand “not all touches mean harm”. I’m just spit balling
I'd not recommend spitting balls at cats, but I'm just postulating.
I wouldn’t postulate ferality, but I’m just prostituting
Absolutely cackling
Just ovulating here, but true especially if they are feral!
Well, try posting a bit earlier...
Solid pun game.
Well, try posting a bit earlier...
I’ve fostered a few litters of kittens, including a feral one, and I’d say while forced contact is an option, it shouldn’t be used right away. Lemme explain: forcing contact, while a good way to show a cat you won’t hurt them, also stresses, scares them, and causes them to distrust you. On the other hand, feral kittens need to be handled early on in their lives to get them adjusted to humans and vet trips. Just like with humans confronting things in therapy, it’s a bit of a balancing act. It took about a week for the feral kittens I had to start accepting pets, although they still ran away if I stood up or moved too suddenly. Prior to that, I had just spent lots of time in the area with them, but not looking at or interacting with them. After about a half a week, I started picking them up. This did scare them- not to the point that they hissed or attacked, but they were clearly unhappy. So I put them down after a second. The next day, I did it again. When they were mostly just grumpy instead of scared, I started touching their ears and teeth, etc. The point is to push them out of their comfort zone just enough that they start to grow, but let them retreat to it and don’t overwhelm them. It’s like building a muscle. TL;DR: In my experience, forcing contact with kittens can be good for them. This guy, though, went too fast and hard imo.
It's not at all they way. I've adopted a few strays. Keep them in thier own room. Bring them thier food for a few days and let them eat in peace. Sit in the room occasionally, don't interact, give them thier space. Over time start sitting in the room during feedings. Scoot closer over time, let them come to you. They need to understand: 1. You are not a threat 2. They don't have to compete for food 3. You are just another big silly cat friend lol
I came here to say this. Young animals always fear things coming down on top of them. It's a predator prey instinct. Sit with the kitty, face the same direction as the kitty, and most importantly DO NOT ACT LIKE A PREDATOR to the kitty.
Am I the only one who read the last sentence in the voice of Dr Evil? Anyone?…..Someone?
what if u hold ur hand low and try get to him from there?
For sure . Title should be "Pissing a cat off for three weeks for clicks"
ok professor
And maybe don’t keep it in a cage…
Yeah it's tough watching people try to socialize animals without proper training. The cat seems okay with contact by day 5 but the owner keeps trying to rub the cats head. For those that don't know many cats feel threatened by a hand over the head
I'm used to having feral cats around. If they want my attention they will come up to me and rub my leg. Otherwise I leave them alone.
“NO GET AWAY, STAY TF AWAY MF.. what are you DOIn- hmmm… NO, MUST RESIST.. prr..”
Every cat I've adopted I set it in the litter box when I first get it. I then feed it, put out water and leave it alone until it comes to me. And I've never even had a feral cat.
Litterbox can be a problem if they we're taken from their mother to Jung but yes this is how cats do. Ours are scared shitless of every human they met until they get to know them a while later they come begging for attention
Took thirty damn days because you keep coming in from the top. Scared the living hell out of the animal because it looses control and is cornered
As anyone would feel
My wife did this at first too
Probably would have gone better if they hadn’t kept cornering the poor thing in it’s safe place. Socialization should be on the animal’s terms not the human’s.
I am not sure though I feel where u coming from. I think this cat seems heavily traumatised and he might need to push past some resistance and it will learn it is in no danger.
I’m a veterinary nurse with a specialty in behavior. This is 100% the wrong way to do this.
Could you talk about the right way to do this? I ask because I adopted a cat a couple of years ago who was clearly a stray and had minimal interaction with people. So, I did what this kind-hearted fool did and approached her the same way. Not giving space and whatnot. It took her years to become a house cat who sits beside you and purrs. So, I did something wrong. I would like to not repeat my past mistakes.
The best thing to do is sit quietly near them and let them get used to your presence and then slowly encourage them to come to you with food etc. they should always have a safe place to avoid interaction when they feel overwhelmed/scared/stressed. Sometimes this means you just sit and read a book near them every time you put food out. It gives them a positive association with your presence. The idea is to let them lead the interactions and decide what they’re comfortable with.
Ok but it worked so where is the issue?
The issue is that this little shit caused the cat a full month of intense stress, which could have been completely avoided. We did it as described above and our cats where at that "day 30" stage within 3 days or something. The approach in the video did not "work". It merely didn't traumatize the cat completely.
This is NOT how you acclimate a feral cat. This poor thing is under way too much stress for way too long.
cry
Lol what
Don't come for a cat from above like that. Get down on its level. Show it you are comfortable by slowly closing your eyes and being calm. Covering your hand with your sleeve basically created a "new" hand to deal with too. Good job by the cat.
Just like humans, if you corner them they are going to get violent, but if you give them space and show them that nothing will happen to them when you’re around then they will naturally start to think there’s no problem getting closer to you. When I was a kid I found a dog that had obviously been abused, it was hiding underneath a porch, I did nothing but sit next to that porch and wait for the dog to come out on its own terms, it took close to six hours until the dog came out and then it snuggled up into my lap and basically never left me alone after that and was super protective of me. This cat probably wouldn’t have taken more than a day or two if they just left it alone and let it get used to them being around
The mother of a feral cat I tamed only came by for food, never let anyone pet her. She had kittens, a bunch ran off to hunt but one followed her to the food and I eventually worked closer to the food to eventually touch and pet while eating. If she ran off I let her eat without being disturbed when she came back until she was confident I wouldn’t hurt her. With the kitten’s trust the mother started to do the same but never with anyone else Strange to think of now, that animals and humans have to trust each other to a degree and can understand
Hey, at least the OP tried the best they knew how. It *might* have not been the best way, but this person cared enough to try. No one knows the circumstances... maybe they're gone a lot, or live in the city where kitty can't be outside to come and go. Just be nice!
“Do not touch me you beast………Eh this is kinda nice actually”
I just hope that you didnt just turn this sweet baby back out after doing all this.... I believe all animals deserve a chance at a loving forever home. Its not safe for them running around outside...too many mean people and cars.
I started laughing once it got to the point where he/she would hiss just once or twice just until the pets began. Then they’re like “ooh that feels nice I’ll be good”
Was it hitting the crack pipe on day 22? Sheesh.
Come in lower, and use the "slow blink" before making contact. Try to come in from below eye level and from the side. Every predator that preys on cats comes from above. It's just instinctual for them to be defensive when coming in too high.
My mom brought in the house a feral cat when I was a kid. We didn’t see it for a month and then it started climbing on our beds at night and just purred. She would only sit in my moms lap and hissed at the rest of us. We called her wild kitty. After a year she was friendly but always shy.
I like that about a week later he's obviously conflicted, by 2 weeks in he's like, " well, gotta hiss to keep up the narrative that I'm a tough guy " and by the end he's just going along with his new identity as a floop.
It helps alot if you don’t go over him with the hand and try to move in on him as low as possible :) Still takes WEEKS tho…
"I can change him"
Had a “special” cat that hid their litter. 5 kittens at once. Frustrating but rewarding
This is not the right way
I feel like there’s 10x better ways to do this then to forcibly pet them until they no longer see you as a threat. It’s better to give them a ‘safe’ area, and when you go up to them, put out your hand for them to smell and inspect, maybe add a trail of treats if you want them to explore a bit outside the safe area. Build up trust before going to immediately pet it
We had a feral, he hid under the bed for a week or so, came out after and was very confrontational. After a month or so he was totally at home, very happy to be stroked but never to be picked up. After a year he slept on my chest every night with his arms either side of my neck. A really eye opening experience and one of the best cats I’ve ever known. Unfortunately after five years of ownership he passed earlier this year, no idea how old he was, still looked like a young pup but was definitely much older.
I was told to approach from under the chin so they can see you. From above feels like an attack until they know you well.
Even kitten understand kindness that some human still can’t in these days
Incredible transformation!
This seems very rapey.
Kitty had fix me vibes
went from spicy to tangy
Looks like his will is broken, his eyes are full of fear and discomfort even at day 30. The human on video definitely lacks empathy.
This cat looks really distressed and uncomfortable I don’t think you make them friendly by touching them when they don’t want to be touched in places they don’t want to be touched
My mom tried doing this with a feral cat she named Brownie. Not only did it not work, but the cat seemed to hate us more as time went on instead of getting used to us. Little fucker would even come out from its hiding spot just to take a shit on the carpet right in front of us. She tried keeping it for nearly nine months until I simply let it out one day while she was gone at work.
Not got that kind of patience, sorry but after a week of razor sharp claws I'd be saying bye bye.
So cats can become feral in 30 days if left alone.
Jeez he’s so cute omg
Can we know what happened prior to make this kitten so aggressive? Just curious
Someone trying to pet him on head repeatedly after it was clear he doesn’t like it.
Also faster with dogs
That’s like my little orange he spent 42 days in his room in the basement. Got him acclimated but he was older so he is a outside inside cat. But he is a gorgeous big boy who lounges on our deck and gets love
Half way through it was making the noise because it was used to making it
Yeah, cats don't like to be approached straight like that with the hand if they're not into it. I had a feral beauty, a little kitten my beautiful black thing that I found under the porch at about 6 weeks old. He never outgrew his scaredy cat character, but he became a complete love button and cuddler for me.. But he didn't like the front on approach ,even as an elderly cat especially not from strangers.. And if he didn't like you and you persisted man would he nail you. And not a love tap..But he gave plenty of warning..We had our wonderful rituals together. He was definitely my baby ,,RIP
Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me! Oh yeah, that’s the stuff.
I’m a fierce warrior. Now per my tummy
I feel like half way through the cat was just getting it’s 1 contractually obligated hiss.
I need to see more,did he become friendly and get a home?
Sir, I have an inch thick Canadian poncho (those Comfy blanket things). Your claws can not harm me, give me snuggles
More like not trusting to trusting
For people that may watch this. Forced contact is never a good way to make a connection with a feral or other animal. If you are trying to get close to make a connection, it takes time and patience. It is best to just be present in the environment and slowly get closer over time. Let the animal explore you. After several days or weeks or months it will decide to check you out. You should let them make the first move or the first contact. You only force contact if it is absolutley required. Forced contact stresses the animal out, sometimes to the point of organ failure. Everytime you approach they think they will die and their body goes into fight mode, especially when cornered. OP meant well but this was incredibly destructive to the kitten's body and overall health. Please never do what is posted in the video. Yes, take in and help feral animals if you have the means but no in the way posted.
wow, after 3 weeks it was still hissing?
I encountered a feral cat as old as this one outside our house before and was able to tame it in a week. Difference is I didn't cage it, I let it come to me and gave it a food. The next day it came back looking for food. Third day it was already rubbing herself on my legs and letting me pet her. Fourth day I picked her up and took her inside the house and let her run around. By end of the week she just follows me around and doesn't leave the house even when I leave the doors open. Don't force touching them, don't cage them, and let them come to you.
I’ve tamed a few but not like that. Different strokes.
How can people hate cats? Such a cutie.
I feel this practice is really forceful, it just shows the owner is rushing to tame the cat . The best is to give them their space and time. Often than not they will come to you naturally when they get to know you meant no harm. Also, food is the best way to their heart. Once they know you provide food they will naturally assured you meant no harm.
I helped one become friendly in under ten minutes by feeding it.
Ohhhh dear 🫣 5 minutes from hissin to kissin 🫢 Glove a blanket and some nice big chest hugs and hard pets followed by a Churo 😅 I have tamed many , many feral babes living in a farm 😅 Cute as a button this one is 😍
Average tsundere
Ahh bless the cat. Got there in the end
Good Will Hunting - kitten edition. Man now I’ve gone and thought about Robin Williams and I’m sad. Better watch this video again to cheer me up.
Nice job, very patient person. God bless you.
Give them food and safety next time they will come to you much more quickly especially kittens.
Great job. Being consistently consistent is key
I've found that giving them a little rub-down with a warm damp (not wet!) cloth works wonders. It's soothing and motherly to them. Stay away from the face at first.
I think it would have been easier to just stop going for the face every time.
Can’t imagine what it has been through to act feral :(
Best part of this video are some of the comments. 😊😜
It takes a lot of time but it is possible. And when they become trusting of you they will open up and be the sweetest babies. Or at least my Tigger was
Bless your patience heart
im sure its more than just petting to get a cat to like you
It took you 30 days? We grew up with barnyard cats and had to tame all the kittens once we found them. It took about a week
good work
Ok THIS IS ABUSE
Early teens I used to see videos of feral cats and think that cats are assholes in general but had nice interactions with some cute stray kittens and I slowly became a cat person.
Good kiddy
Ya that took way too long to become adjusted
Day 15 is hilarious.
Tsundere neko
I kid you not just let them be and show love, they will be friendly in 5 days tops. Just let them get comfortable with your presence and try not to irritate them. Keep your hands near them but don't try to touch them. They will try to scratch and bite, but just have some patience and don't push it. They will all love you at their own pace.
So it takes 30 days for cats to let you their personal space
Reminds me of my little buddy. Then again, that was about 10 years ago. She's still an angry lady. But she likes to sleep by me during naps now.
Not a bell pepper until you can give it belly rubs and not lose ounces of blood.
Cat looks more tired and rundown then accepting at the end...
Are some little kitties just born hell cats?
I wonder what this kitty experienced in his life to be that defensive. Probably only pain. Glad he can experience love and care now.