Catching Your Feral Cat
I prefer using a live animal trap baited with tuna canned in water. Place your tuna in the web, and you should have your feral cat captured in two days unless she is familiar with live animal traps. I have also used a heavy-duty fishing net with extra thick leather gloves to capture the cat. Persistence pays off when trying to catch a feral cat. Humans have mistreated some wild cats, so they are suspicious of all humans until trust gets established again.
What To Do With Your Just Captured Feral Cat
Isolate your new cat from your other cats, as she may be sick or have fleas. Put her in a small room with litter, food, and water. Take her to your Vet ASAP to have her checked for a microchip and spayed flea bath, and shots if no microchip is found. Approach her on her terms only until she realizes you do not want to harm her. She may jump at the windows and more if she has lived in the wild for a long time. Make up a cozy place for her to sleep. A box with an extra thick towel will be good, to begin with. Talk gently to her and never yell at her, as she will get frightened very quickly. After your cat returns from the Vet, please give her a cat treat, so she will see that going to the Vet can be a rewarding and good outing.
Spend Time With Your Feral Cat
Talk to her gently and make her feel that you love her. Your feral cat will not sit on your lap or lie on your bed anytime soon. It could take six months or more for your adult wild cat to trust you 100 %. Feral kittens generally warm up to you sooner. Some feral cats remain aloof their entire lives. Some feral cats will want to give you a little nip now and then as a warning. Plenty of toys for your cat to play with will help her with boredom. Have toys that you and your cat can interact with together. Your feral cat may see you in a new light the more time you spend together with things she likes to do. Give treats when she acts extra good or sits on your lap.
Your Feral Cat Has Now Become Your Pet Cat
She may never be a lovey-dovey cat, but she is your pet cat. Feral cats can make good house cats if you let them come to you on your terms. They do not care to be captured and held if they do not jump in your lap alone. Feral cats will generally end up being one-person cats. Feral cats often only trust their owner and no one else. Be patient with a wild cat; you can have a fine feline friend for many years. All cats deserve a second chance to have a happy and rewarding life with someone who loves them just as they are.
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